Long term constipation

[Aimlogirl]

I am 66 years old and have had slow bowel transit most of my life. I have taken Movicol half a sachet daily for the past 20 years which has worked ok. However about 8 months ago they stopped working for me. I have had CT scan which was normal, and X-ray which was normal and various blood tests which all showed normal. I couldn’t pass anything unless it was diarrhoea. I thought I must have a blockage but the tests all showed negative for that. I had enemas and suppositories which produced nothing initially and I was told to go to A& E. they told me that constipation was a GP issue and sent me home. Eventually after large doses of osmotic laxatives and bisocodyl I was able to go. I paid to see a private consultant and he prescribed Procalapride. This did not produce anything until I took 2 bisacolyl every night in addition. As I don’t like taking any kind of medication when it’s not required I tried discontinuing the procalapride but now I’m back to square 1 and although taking 2 bisacodyl every night I ve not had a motion in 6 days,! Can your bowel effectively cease up and stop working and if so what happens next? HELP.

[MunchieMum]

I'm sorry. I don't know the answer, but I feel your pain!! How is your fluid intake? And activity? Maybe increase both a lot and cut dairy from your diet for a few weeks? Oh, and go back to your GP as they need to help you!

[StellaA]

This board is really for children and teens, I would like if if there was a place for older people, I'm 62 and have been reliant on pads since giving birth to my son nearly 40 years ago.

My bladder leakage and control have now deteriorated to the point I need bulky pull-ups for during the day and adult nappy pads overnight.

I hardly ever make it to the loo anymore and it's a constant source of anxiety, fortunately I'm only rarely constpated, if I feel I'm getting backed up the supermarket brand bisacodyl are perfectly adaquate to get everything moving again.

Although I try to avoid taking them at night because I can't get my pad off easily if I get the urge in the night I can't get my pad off easily.

[Mims1]

Sounds like me before I tried this:2mg prucalopride (prescription)

6000mg vit c

400 mg magnesuum citrate

3 capsules omega 3

Daily. You won't look back!!