Severe constipation sorry

[Mum-life]

Sorry for the tmi but I'm so uncomfortable right now.

I've been going to the doctors on and off for years, tried everything they've suggested. Tried all those disgusting stool softer drinks, I've taken over the counter laxatives(one used to work to it was lethal til I guess my body got used to it), i exercise alot, I do drink alot of tea but I try balance it out with water aswel. My diet isn't too bad, I don't eat bread because of the obvious problem.. I limit my stodgy carb intake. I eat vegetables everyday.

Im at the point I'm not hungry anymore coz there's no where for the food left to go I think. I've put on 2st in the past couple months and nothing has changed with my diet. When I do manage to go to the toilet a Lil bit I have to wrap a baby wipe around my finger to help it come out. I am NEVER empty, I can't remember the last time I was. I've had piles, fisches you name it.. I now think maybe my bowel is prolapsing. Again I have told my doctor this and I wasn't even examined, I had to request that I be sent for tests at the hospital which was months away. Why aren't they taking this seriously! My husband told me to go to A&E but 1 I'm embarrassed and 2 the kids are off school and would have to come with me.

Can't even get any of my clothes on as my belly has ballooned so much. I feel sluggish and tired. Anyone else had the same?

[Reluctant-jogger]

Definitely go to A&E, I understand it's embarrassing but it sounds like it's really affecting your life and I can guarantee they have seen it all and won't be phased. Please push and advocate for yourself, don't be brushed aside. Your health is the most important thing.

[Hidden]

Hello Mum-life You need medical help here so please get medical assistance as something is obviously wrong.

You duplicated this post in error so I've deleted the other one to keep things simpler.

Good luck with this and please seek medical advice!

[Ray1957]

Do you have any other problems, i.e swollen ankles? Or any other probs..you mentioned your tummy was swollen too.

Being constipated can cause all sorts of problems and you should be taken seariously by the doctor.

I had problems too with constipation, led to a build up of ammonia in my system causing mental issues! and fluid retention.

My problem was I wasn't drinking enough fluids so I ended up dehydrated and in hospital.

All good now, drinking recommended 2lt of fluids per day and taking lactalose 3 times a day ( horrible stuff, but seems to work)

Could be you have an underlining health problem, the only way to find out is seek medical help....a trip to hospital sounds like a good idea....if your own dr. Is anything like mine, useless and patronising your better off going to A &E

Don’t be embarrased, get sorted and get better soon.

Good luck.

[Mum-life in reply to Ray1957]

Hi no I don't have swelling anywhere else but I look like I'm pregnant, I'm not usually really skinny or anything but I'm quite athletic built so I look really out of proportion at the moment. My mum has divaticulitis which my Dr also knows about, she actually had her intestine burst and she nearly died. Yet they've never checked me once, I think because I'm fairly young problems are often disregarded.

[Zest]

Hi Mum-life

I hope you're able to get some medical attention, and that you feel better soon.

Let us know how you get on.

Zest

[Mum-life in reply to Zest]

Hi just home from A&E they told me I was basically wasting their time because its "just constipation" and I was asked "what do you expect us to do about it" so my tone changed rather quickly with her and she sent me for an xray.. Not an ultrasound!? Took my bloods.. Told me to take movicol which I've already tried. I asked if my xray showed any abnormalities, she said it wouldn't show any as its just an xray not a ctscan and they won't do that for me given my age and my condition not being serious. Also told me to go through the correct channels through my gp and be referred to gastroenterology (which I have I'm just still waiting for my apt) 😳🙄 so a waste of 4.5hrs of my life!

[Zest in reply to Mum-life]

Hi Mum-life

I'm really sorry to hear about how it went for you. I really hope that you don't have too long to wait till your gastroenterology consultation - maybe you could contact your GP to let him/her know that you're struggling, and they might be able to speed up the referral, or offer you some advice regarding how to cope in the meantime?

Take care,

Zest

[Tulip76]

Hi. I’m just recovering from surgery because I had a prolapsed bowel a swollen mass in my bowel and divaticulitis. My normal GP just gave me laxatives and sent me on my way. I was in a lot of pain so I paid £120 privately for a second opinion . I then got to have my surgery within 3 months to remove my swollen mass and mend the prolapse. I only paid for the consultation. I still got my surgery done with the NHS.

I hope you can try to get a second opinion from someone. It sounds like you really need medical attention.

Please don’t be embarrassed by it either. The drs and nurses see this sort of thing every day.

I hope you get the help you need soon and yes A&E will be a good for you especially if you’re in pain

Please let me know how you get on

Tulip76

[Mum-life in reply to Tulip76]

Thank you I didn't think to go privately but that's definitely an option if I don't go down the A&E route. What puts me off with my local A&E is the reception desk is right in the middle of the waiting room so everyone can hear what your there for.. But embarrassment aside, I know this needs looking at as I'm worried bout eating now tbh. Hope your recovering well x

[Tulip76 in reply to Mum-life]

Yes my recovery is going well. I’m feeling better with every day.

I wouldn’t worry about someone over hearing you. In fact if you notice someone snigger make sure you sit next to them in the waiting room just to make sure they feel as uncomfortable as possible for doing so lol

Best of luck x

[PolyannaYorkshire in reply to Mum-life]

Have you been tested for your thyroid? Hypothyroid can cause bad constipation

[Mum-life]

Yes I'm in the UK and I'm 32. Swelling of the belly is very different to belly fat, how my belly is normally to now is a huge change and its uncomfortable. I'm physically fit and my diet isn't horrendous, always room for improvement of course. I also intimittant fast as my usual routine.

Thank you I will try the other things you suggested

[Mum-life]

Ideally I need an ultrasound to see what's going on. My mum has divaticulitis and her bowel ruptured so that was my worry as it can be hereditary.

[Janer]

My dietitian suggested adding chia seeds to my diet. They absorb water and add a lot of fibre to a meal. I add a couple of teaspoons to morning cereal and make sure I drink plenty of fluids. Certainly works for me.

I hope you manage to get it sorted soon.

[Mims1]

I tried it all for years and years, this is the only thing that worked, now I feel empty and go everyday:

2mg prucalopride (prescription)

6000mg vit c

400mg magnesium citrate

3 capsules omega 3

Daily. You won't look back!!!