Turkey, tinsel and....paraffin

[Bananas5]

I am not going to mention Christmas. Nor say how, in 7 days time, I will be in shorts and flop flips stuffing the turkey.. And certainly never mention the Festival of Carols from Kings. Which for me has been part of my life for unpty doodle years.

However a question or statement.

David's GP has prescribed him liquid paraffin for IBS. Twice a day for ever.

I was shocked and wondered if something has been lost in translation?

Pat x

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Morning Banana5, Liquid paraffin is a type of medicine called a laxative. It works by softening and lubricating the stools. This helps the stools to move more easily through the bowel. This medicine relieves constipation, making stools easier to pass.

I think this kind of treatment as been around for donkeys years. I'm sure I remember it from my parents time. I hope it helps xx

Momo xx

[Bananas5 in reply to Dizzytwo]

Thanks Mo...unfortunately David's IBS is the type where...being polite..he doesn't suffer constipation. Far from it!!

My Grandmother swore by paraffin but she didn't have IBS!

x

[Rose54]

What ever you do don't put it in the Stuffing lol

[Bananas5 in reply to Rose54]

Make a very interesting taste!!

x

[katieoxo60]

Hi Pat, Happy Christmas for next week. Like you my son will be barbieing turkey in the garden, but my daughter-in-law is with her mum in Scotland, snow and traditional dinner. Enjoy your christmas service from Kings As for Davids prescription : its a cheap laxative but not what I would think is suitable for IBS as one of the problems with IBS is loose stools or have I got it wrong too ???? Hope you solve the conundrem xx

[Bananas5 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thought about BBQ the bird but David says he needs a rest one day a year!!

Like you I have always believed IBS to be anything but constipation. Certainly with David.

Have good Christmas too my old friend!

x

[Bananas5]

One thing about IBS....it is the stopping not starting!!

I am trying to be discrete here!!

x

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

I am not sure if it was not given also to help birth deliveries easier back in the old days or was that cod liver oil ? Any ways it was given for lubrication !

Did the GP know hubbies IBS was of the loose variety ? IBS as we know fluctuate between hard to loose stools. Maybe you could have a word with your GP or the chemist and explain the situation. You definitely don't want to be making matters worse. Make sure Hubby drinks plenty of fluids to replace what he is loosing having to empty is bowel so often.

The most common symptoms of IBS are:

abdominal (stomach) pain and cramping, which may be relieved by having a poo.

a change in your bowel habits – such as diarrhoea, constipation, or sometimes both.

bloating and swelling of your stomach.

excessive wind (flatulence) xx

[Bananas5 in reply to Dizzytwo]

I think our ancestors has some rather strange remedies for any conditions!!

I must admit when David arrived home with the medication...the shape made me wonder if they were suppositories. Thankfully not..just individually wrapped.

He has had IBS for many years...side effect from broken back..but recent months have been far far worse.

Yes all those on your list.apart from constipation..

I think another visit to GP probably with an interpreter this time!x

x

[Cinders1]

Liquid Paraffin should only be taken for a short time. It affects the absorption of some vitamins and can block the action of some vital drugs. So please check with GP. Take care x

[Bananas5 in reply to Cinders1]

It was the GP who prescribed it!

I think something was lost in translation.

GP is of the old school here where everyone has a pooh daily. IBS doesn't work like that and David is no exception. No amount of laxatives can change that.

For the moment the paraffin is back in the cupboard til we can speak with GP again.

x

[Hidden]

I was going to say the same as Cinders1 , it's an old fashioned, short term remedy for constipation.

Many years ago ( at least as far as back as the 1960s) pregnant women were advised not to take it as it could disrupt the absorption of vitamins in the developing baby.

I've found Buscopan is best for IBS but haven't had to use any since I've been drinking one of the probiotic drinks every morning.

[Bananas5 in reply to Hidden]

As I said to Cinders1 this script has come from GP after consultation.

David has managed his IBS for many many years but has been painfully worse in recent weeks

x

[Al10]

I take magnesium citrate else I can't poo. Does two jobs so to speak as everyone knows magnesium is indicated in fibromyalgia to help pain symptoms. I question everything I'm prescribed. There is no money back guarantee for wrecked health if they get it wrong.

[Bananas5 in reply to Al10]

David's problem is the complete opposite. He can't stop poohing

x