rectal bleeding after long term laxative abuse

I abused laxatives for 17 years taking up to about 40 or sometimes 50 a day. This went on for years and years and every time I tried to wean myself off them I failed as I couldn't have a bowel movement. I got pregnant last year and was so worried as I didn't want to take them and harm the baby so I researched what was considered to be safer to use and used milk of magnesia when I got really desperate and hadn't had a bowel movement for several days. Fortunately my body seemed to cure itself pretty quickly and I didn't have to take anything after a few weeks. However, I am now bleeding every time i have a bowel movement. I've seen my doctor and I've been referred to a specialist. I'm terrified though and I don't know what is wrong - could it be cancer? What the heck have I done to myself? Any advice?

[Zoelula]

I'm not a doctor, just a person with 16 years recovery from an eating disorder. I think you are doing the right thing by going to see a specialist and hope you don't have too long to wait as you sound worried. I don't see any reason to suspect cancer but more like some type of damage you did with all the laxative use such as a tear or scarring or inflammed tissue. You might try asking the question in a forum such as GI but bottom line the specialist (gastroenterologist?) will diagnose and treat your problem. You don't exactly say but I hope you have found recovery from your eating disorder and this problem ends up being minor and easily treatable.

[worried158]

Thanks Zoelula. I haven't taken any laxatives since I first fell pregnant. I have a healthy gorgeous 6 month old baby boy now and he certainly had everything to do with me getting a grip on my eating disorder. I eat well these days and I managed to lose my baby weight with exercise and sensible eating which was suprised me as I really didn't think my body would know what to do with food anymore and I definitely didn't think I would be the same weight without taking laxatives. Seems I didn't give my body credit...I hope that whatever is wrong with me isn't serious as I"d like to enjoy my second chance with my new family :-)

[Zoelula]

Yes, that is one of the pleasant surprises of recovery; that we can eat well and our weight can stay the same or even lose gradually like everyone else!

Yes, let's hope it is minor and whatever it is you do have the second chance because you made it happen!

Let us know how it goes with the doctor.

[worried158]

Thanks, I will do