Constipation

[Oystercatcher1964]

I was diagnosed with cirrhosis 7 weeks ago am still constipated, could anyone advise how long this will last. Ps no alcohol for that time, thank you in advance x

[AyrshireK]

Have you been prescribed any sort of laxative? Constipation with cirrhosis is your worst enemy because it'll mean you may get toxins building up in your blood stream and these can cross the blood brain barrier potentially leading to Hepatic Encephalopathy. I know when my hubby was first hospitalized with cirrhosis he was prescribe both lactulose and movicol/laxido.

He remains on lactulose (as well as other meds for HE) and the aim is you need to move your bowels 2 to 3 times daily as minimum.

I would suggest that having not moved your bowels for this length of time you need to see your doctor to be prescribed something to help get you moving, you potentially need an enema as you may well be impacted if you've been constipated for 7 weeks.

Are you eating and drinking normally, you need to remain well hydrated to keep your bowels moving.

Katie

[Ilovedavid]

Try psyllium husk sprinkled over food. I, too, have cirrhosis and terrible constipation at times. My urologist recommended this to me and it works a treat. Natural too. Good luck. X