I am on miralax and a fiber supplement daily. When my condition worsened recently, I was also given lactulose. I can't tolerate stimulant laxatives at all so when I have a flare up, or more of a shut down, then i'll try more fruit juice followed by glycerin suppositories. If that doesn't work, I may reluctantly try a dulcolax suppository, but at that point I usually have to go to the ER for soapsud enemas. I type about that a lot on here,because ive recently discovered the effectiveness of them without all the system upsetting laxatives I've tried
Hi,
I know what you mean. I have had this problem for up to 10 days.
For me, sometimes I have to use sodium based liquid laxative for severe constipation- they sell them in drug stores. They are usually lemon or cherry flavored- but they are a last resort. They taste awful. Fleet enemas are also helpful. I've actually used them together.
I also use Kleri Tea. Usually one tea bag, steeped for about 8 min, will do the trick. If not, then I steep two tea bags together (this is not recommended unless you can be home the next day.) I know someone who uses a slant board, and a black coffee enema, but I am not brave enough to try it. Sometimes, drinking two cups of hot black coffee work for me, but only if it's done within a day or two. Not as long as you've been dealing with it.
And finally, mineral oil. You will still probably need at least a Fleet enema, because the longer you are constipated, the more dehydrated your stool becomes.
I hope this helps.
Tammy
Thank you Stan. I think I will try that. I agree on the meda causing problems but I need my bp meds which I suspect contribute to this issue.
Beema
I know this problem very well.
If I don't take "assist medicine", I simply don't go.
So, my "regiment" is, I take it twice a week (Dulcolax)
2 pills, in the morning, 1 pill, at night.
This way, I know I will "go" at least twice a week.
Ironically, I usually only feel the "urge" to go, due to taking this "assist medicine".
I have learned, that taking some Rx can make this symptom even more difficult, like pain Rx, so I hesitate to take any of them, unless the pain gets to be unbearable.
-- Socrates2k1 (aka Stan)
I get the cement description :) Thats exactly what I feel like.
I'm kind of a weird case. I've been having severe constipation for two years now. However, I go every day - or try to. What I find is that if I don't go every day, then it all turns to cement inside me (sorry, TMI!) and then I really have a hard time going.
So I take stool softeners, magnesium tablets, and it's not enough - every week I have to take one tablespoon of milk of magnesia. I find that the milk is pretty nasty, but it's the most gentle - everything else causes me to feel ill.
Thank you both for your replies. I will be more aggressive in approaching this issue. I often go weeks without a bowel movement and have tried not to worry but know that's not good for me.
Here is a link where members of the board discussed this very issue
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Muscle-Weakness---Bathroom-Issues/show/1625876#post_7399617
Our dear poster LisaJF calls it the FOS club.....
I also have conspation problems. Sometimes, I go every 3 days and other times not for a week. I know take a stool softner everyday and that seems to help. But, even if your not having problems it must be taken or it won't work. I've learned that the hard way. This is just a nonending battle. I also don't really feel the urge to go until it gets to the tip. Sorry so detailed. I feel for your situation. I hope that it can be resolved. We deal with enough problems let alone this on top of it.
Take care,
Misty............... Try not to struggle with this too much as it can cause worse problems...... Referring to pushing.... Oh, well I'm sure u understand.