Constipation Relief???

[figuerpa]

Ok everyone, this is a topic I dont like to discuss but I need some serious help. I asked my doctor for some stool softener and it seemed to be helping for a couple of days, then all of a sudden it won't work. I know it is there and ready to come out but it won't. I have pushed until my hemmoroids are starting to act up.

I am in a real need here. I am about to go get an enema to help me but if there is anything I can do to not have to do that I would like to try it, if I don't go soon I am going to explode.

LOL thanks for reading and hopefully i can get some relief soon.


Paula

[teenyturner]

Hi Paula,

I don't know about the US but in Oz we can buy lactulose and bowel prep at the chemist without prescription.  Bowel prep can be either Go Lytely or Fleet. You can't usually get Fleet here though because there have been cases of people literally exploding from Fleet.  It's flammable. Ouch!

Lactulose is commonly used for people with liver failure who are prone to confusion because of a build up of ammonia.  Lactulose causes bowel motions with elimination of ammonia so it's a good treatment for the prevention of encephalopathy.  It was recommended to me by my oncologist because the chemo and the anti nausea medication I was on were both very constipating.  It worked so well I now keep it in the cupboard as the families regular laxative if needed.

Regular intake of pear juice helps prevent constipation but sometimes you just NEED something extra.

Regards

[twopack]

I like your breathing tips Kelly!

Pear juice was new to me as well.

I'll add both to my memory banks.

Thanks gals,
Mary

[twopack]

General notes about constipation control.

Fiber is tricky.  Fiber is a good thing but it isn't THE thing or the ONLY thing when it comes to constipation.  ONE thing is true for sure - if you eat lots of fiber (natural or packaged) you must, must, MUST also drink lots, lots, LOTS of water.  Otherwise it becomes nothing but hard-as-concrete, stop-you-up and shut-you-down bulk, bulk, BULK (and you'll have to send in nano miners with pick hammers to solve that kind of problem).

Psyllium causes gas in many people.  Some fiber "laxatives" have it and others don't.  

Metamucil is actually a bowel REGULARTOR.  You might be surprised to learn it can be used to control diarrhea as well as constipation.

Lulu is absolutely right that daily is not necessarily necessary.  Several times a day can be normal as can every two to three days.  That pretty much pushes the outer limit though.  Weekly elimination isn't usually seen in healthy people and can turn into trouble quickly.  If that become your routine you need to find a routine that establishes more frequent elimination.

Softeners can usually be taken once or twice daily without problem.  Laxatives should be reserved for occasional use unless you have a spinal cord injury or disease causing inertia of the bowels.  In that case a bowel routine protocol may be prescribed which could include regular laxative use.

Laxtulose is a prescription drug as far as I know.  It can certainly solve a constipation problem but is usually ordered for other problems.  Loose stools are a 'handy' side effect but one that could create greater problems than it solves.

Miralax works for many people but is also very expensive.  Look at labels for the active ingredient.  There are generics of Miralax that work just as well at a fraction of the price.  (This is a Lulu oldie but goodie tip.)  The active 'stuff' of Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) is actually the same "stuff" that's in the drink-the-whole-gallon bowel preparations.  The preps just have some extra electrolytes and a larger dose of PG.  The preps shouldn't be used for constipation unless it is under a doctor's supervision and that is why they are obtained by Rx).

Lulu is also right that different solutions will work for different people.  It may take a long process of trial and error until success is found.  When you get there, STICK WITH IT.  Once the magic is broken it can take another long struggle to find a new best solution.  

Been there, done that and searched for years before I found my magic bullet.  An ounce of stabilized flax seed in a couple of ounces of yogurt is my BFF.  I use ONE brand of flax in a single flavor of a specific brand of yogurt.  I'm loyal as a yellow dog.

Guess that's enough.
Maybe a little too much.

Mary

[anon07072023]

Another thing you can try is - using a glove or tp, you can push up on areas around your "exit."  This will change the tone of your muscles, and perhaps will change them enough to let you be able to push it out.  

Also, can try relaxation breathing while you're trying to go. Deep breath in while your stomach goes out as you're breathing in, then pushing belly button in as you breathe out (time breathing out should be twice as long as the time you spend breathing in - ie breathe in for 3 sec, then breathe out for 6 seconds). This relaxation can help as you breathe out and push it out at the same time.  

[twopack]

I'm going to add some additional comments but first (and I hope you are still here Paula) your instinct is right for immediate relief tonight.  

You can use a small disposable enema (Fleet or generic).
OR
You can use a Dulcolax (or generic bisacodyl) suppository.

I think I'd be more inclined to try the suppository.  You can probably insert it yourself (got gloves?) and that's a plus for most people.  It can also help get some rhythmic muscle contractions going that help move the process along once it starts.

Lie on your left side to insert and try to retain fluid or suppository as long as possible even though you may feel like you need to release either immediately.  It takes time for the suppository to melt so about 20 minutes is best for it.   Concentrate on taking slow deep breaths to control any discomfort or cramping or get up and walk around if you feel confident you can.

Wait as long as you can because neither treatment should be repeated tonight.  If you have great results - GREAT!  If you have good results I'd be tempted to follow up with a dose of milk of magnesia unless you have big plans for church in the morning.

Hope you get relief tonight.  Most of us have been in your present state and know how important it is.  Besides, you need to eat Superbowl treats tomorrow, right?

Mary

[Lulu54]

Regularity for bowel movements is different for everyone.  Some people go daily while the normal for others is every few days.  Please do now think you have to have  a BM every day.  That is not the case but many people think that way.

That said, I read in your words that you are very uncomfortable and this is not about how often but rather not going.  The drugs we are on can be a major cause of constipations.  You have to dabble with the various diets and softeners that will work for you.

Its ok to uswe some drastic measures now, but whatever you do, don't start using laxatives, enemas  or colonoscopy preps with any regularity, it can set up a condition in your colon that gets to the point you are dependent on these aids.   And that is worse than the constipation.   Get your immediate relief and then focus on what you can do differently with your diet that might help.  Once you find a good combination, stick iwth it and don't stop.  My magic combo is my morning steel cut oatmeal, mixed with walnuts, raisins and cinnamon.

I hope you get some relief soon.
L