embarrassing problem... anyone know what to do about this?!

[emeraldgirl1]

I wouldn't say I'm constipated as such, but it seems like the amount of you-know-what I'm currently emitting has reduced and more specifically that I have a sensation that I haven't completely 'evacuated' my bowel, as it were, when I do go.

I'm not uncomfortable, I just feel like I should be going more than I am doing, and when I do go, it's not a complete movement.

I've suffered from IBS for years but normally I just have spasms in my colon, and not constipation.

This has coincided with the start of taking some new, quite powerful medication and I wonder if that could be related?

What should I do? I'm eating prunes, bran flakes etc! But it's been about 2 weeks now and the problem isn't receding!!

I'm a massive hypochondriac so it's entirely possible at least some of this is in my head and not in my bowels at all!! But I don't want to bother my GP, even though of course in my mind I've got some horrible fatal problem...

Sorry for TMI!!!

Make sure you are also drinking lots of water. Check out the side effects on your new meds. And don't be afraid to ever visit the doc

It is most likely to be the meds-maybe ask your pharmacist if they are likely to do this.

Have you googled the meds to see what the side effects are?

Hi, thanks LoveBeing aMummy and purplepeony!!

I have just googled the meds actually and it certainly does seem to be a definite side effect... so it's probably that. I'll mention it to my specialist when I next see him (doesn't help that he's gorgeous - always more embarrassing to talk about such things with a very very handsome man!!)

In the meantime I suppose it's just on with the prune juice! I'd rather not take a laxative unless I have to. Unless there are some good natural ones anyone knows about?

Something which forms bulk may be helpful - Normacol? But I would run it past your pharmacist first.

I thought i might have a prolapse affecting my bowel movements (tho i dont) and read that if you needed help to empty, insert your fingers into the vagina and give a gentle push when at the loo. I tried it and works a treat and i actually feel like ive emptied (and not like ive gone but feel like theres some there i cant move yet) and it helps me to go more often as its all clear and not sluggish. When my hubby gets constipated I say if only you had a vagina, I could help you! Another advantage to this method was that was how i discovered a lump which turned out to be just scar tissue from child birth but glad i got it checked.

Interesting trick, bossyboop!! I might try it out... Thanks!

It may be the effect of the bran flakes they are very strong (too strong for some people who are intolerant of wheat).

Porridge oats are gentler and work better.

if you've got or had IBS then a serious look at yr diet is better (to my mind) than powerful drugs; try the Blood Type by Dr Peter D'Adamo and or the Hay diet which is not mixing carbs and protein; that works really well, also eating fruit on an empty stomach can help a lot.

good luck.