Help with constipation

Hi. My Mum has cirrhosis and is suffering badly with constipation. As anyone got any tips to help with this please? Is there any specific medication that helps please? She is not eating a lot but is trying to eat a bit of fruit and drink fruit juices. Tia Lynne

[AyrshireK]

A patient with cirrhosis will often be prescribed Lactulose - not purely because of it's laxative qualities but also to aid with prevention Hepatic Encephalopathy. Sometimes something a bit stronger might also be needed - something like laxido or movicol. If GP is aware of her constipation and the need for someone with cirrhosis to toilet frequently they should be able to prescribe something.

Obviously if she also isn't eating then she's going to struggle toiletting. It would be helpful for her to see a dietician, it might be that GP can also prescribe supplementary drinks that might be more palatable than food - products like Ensure, Fortijuice or Fortisip. She needs to be keeping up her calorie, carbs and protein intake.

Katie

[Hidden in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks so much. She was going through a process of different tests but all her appointments have been put on hold

[davianne]

Hi Leo,

I take codeine for pain relief, and was told to increase my lactulose, as codeine will give constipation. you could try exlax, although I think lactulose is available over the counter at pharmacies.

David

[rallyman1]

You need to get to eat more fibre in her diet,Bran Flake cereal is a start in the morning

[Owlie]

Try oats, I have Quaker Oats, for breakfast and add in some flax seed and chia seeds and /or fruit in it x

[Bootandall in reply to Owlie]

Yum 😋

[Hidden]

Hi,

If your mum has a change in bowel habit this should be reported to her doctors who will be able to investigate and advise appropriately.

Best wishes

[Cat19]

I take a bio yogurt twice daily and prunes in natural juice

[Hidden]

If I'm constipated I give myself an enema. I use a portable shower contraption consisting of a flexible hose with a push on tap connector on one end & a shower head on the other end which I purchased from my local hardware store (bunnings.com.au/handi-homes....

The push on tap connector goes onto a tap. The shower head is removed & the end of the hose is inserted 'where the sun don't shine'. I then gently turn on the tap. I know from experience when to turn the water off. I then tip toe over to the toilet & before I know it the blockage is no more & I feel relieved. If I'm badly blocked I repeat the procedure. It has never failed.

What's that you say? You would never do that! Then stay constipated until your body tries to clear the blockage by making you feel ill with massive stomach pains!

[Hidden]

PLEASE do not try to self-administer a homemade enema. When I was nursing I saw a patient who did that and accidently perforated their own bowel.

Please discuss all change of bowel habit with your own medical team for safe, accurate advice.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sure if you don't know what you are doing there are dangers. I'm always very careful to gently turn on the tap & I know when to stop. I've never had a problem. You can also buy reusable enema bags (eBay sell them & probably some pharmacists) that are safer because you squeeze water out of a bag.

[ThreeSmiles in reply to Hidden]

I got prescribed them in bottles - couldn’t go wrong with them! Thank goodness those days are behind me - so to speak....😉

[Hidden in reply to ThreeSmiles]

If enemas are prescribed with instructions by your own doctor then they are perfectly safe to use.

Home made enemas are not!

[ThreeSmiles in reply to Hidden]

I know - sorry - I was just passing on some, obviously useless, information ....

[Hidden in reply to ThreeSmiles]

It was really useful, thank you for raising it

[ThreeSmiles in reply to Hidden]

Hahahahaha hehe

[mattymoo33]

Hi love. You can get lactulose without prescription. Major supermarket pharmacy will have it. Take care with HE symptoms. Steph 😊

[Cobwebs]

Fybogel is a nice, gentle laxative. x

[cammeag]

I had and still would have problems with constipation if it wasn’t for guidance. Take lactulose. As soon as it works get about six meals a day in, very small manageable amounts and as fluid as possible. It’s a horrible affliction so once things start moving, fibre fruit and fluids. The three f’s and it isn’t Rudd. Take care

[Cat19]

Hi friendlyleo

Hope your mother is feeling slightly better? If the constipation still a problem get Fybogel from Gp lemon flavour for me I don’t like orange one. I also use the natural fine bran from health food shop,put it on your food ,ie breakfast cereal porridge or in the soup puddings.

Hope things are better for you friedlyleo and your mum

Stay safe bless.😁

[Hidden in reply to Cat19]

Hi

Thanks. She is feeling a bit better

[Cat19 in reply to Hidden]

Hi friendly Leo

Glad mum feeling better.

😃