abdominal pain/ colon cleansers

[silver80]

Just wondering what someone else thinks about it. I am 25 years old, always had constipation problems. My gyno put me on some colon cleansers to see if it would ease my constant cramping. The first night after I took them I had not yet had a bm. My Husband and I had sex but in the middle of it I doubled over in severe pain. This has happened when I was younger so I didnt worry too much. Now I have had BMs but (this sounds crazy)If i do not keep my stomache held in or butt clenched, my left side feels like it has been cut open. I cant even sit on the toilet without feeling that bruised pain in my left side. By the way the first 4 BMs I had after this happened, blood was in my stool. Some of it actually coating the stool and the other just driping down. I have just been approved for insurance so I am going to the doc soon. Just wondering if anyone has ever been through this before.

[IWantToBeAMom]

I understand what you are describing with the left-side pain.  This happens to me too if I am constipated.  It does not happen if your stool is soft.  It's from the hard mass moving through your colon on it's way out.  If there is blood on your stool this is definitely a sign that it is too hard.  Have you ever taken just plain OTC stool softeners??  I took these after I had my son, because I had such a large episiotomy, and they worked really well.  I was scared they would cause me to be doubled-over in pain like a laxative does, but they did not.  

Also, be sure to get lots of water and veggies to help keep you regular.  The more regular you are, the softer it will be.

[silver80]

I have used colace, but even with that i only had 2 bms a week. I do eat fiber and take fiber chews. My bigest worry is I have had this problem all my life. Why is this the first time i have had this lingering pain?

[IWantToBeAMom]

I only have about 2-3 BM's per week too.  I don't know why the pain is just starting to become an issue.  The only thing I can think of is that by using colace and being aware of your constipation, these remedies are successfully making the stool into a solid mass (versus like little rabbit pellets) but it's still too dry.  The solid mass is a lot bigger than rabbit pellets so that's why it hurts.  Now you just need more help with overcoming the dryness.  

Do you have foods that make you poop?  Like for me it's 1/2 cup of strong coffee, or a variety of breakfast foods affect me too.  So if I realize that I haven't gone in 3-4 days then try to get things moving by eating/drinking those things that help me.

[Tima]

One of my friends had constipation issues. Because meds were expensive so she made tea with lemon grass or lemon leaves. It is really soothing and good for the stomach.

[horse1]

try 2 tablespoons of flax seed soaked overnite in water with 4 prunes keeps me regular with no pain (i have IBS). you also get all the other benefits from the flax such as shiny skin & hair and essential fatty acids, but you must chew the flax. it will take 3 or 4 days for the benefits to kick in, but i bet you will be pleased if you are consistent with the regimen.

diet is important too..eat lots of veggies/fruits and bread made with unbleached stone wheat flour. and of course, lots of water.