I am still waiting to have my CT scan but have now got the above problem sorry for being graphic, I have not taken any pain killers for about a week and have had this problem since.
On Sunday I was taken to accident and emergency as I could not get up as i was very lethargic had no energy, they did basic tests and sent me home. Some mornings I am fine other mornings drained, do not sleep through the night and not all wake about three times for a few hours.
Make sure you keep well hydrated....ask, pharmacist for advice re laxatives..but tell them about your trip to A&E
My immediate thought also was hydration. Not enough water could make a person very constipated. I hope you are soon feeling better.
I have that problem with most drugs, and a huge amount worse with RA drugs.
My best solution has been Dulcoease stool softeners and plenty to drink, tons of fruit and veggies. Just eating lots of fibre, fruit and veggies, made not one iota of difference.
Dulcoease soft gel capsules work for me, are far kinder on the body than laxatives that cause dependency. Stool softeners work in a different way.
theydiffer.com/difference-b...
Take care with stool softeners...my Gastroenterologist told me to stop taking them as they strip the gut.
Maybe ask your doctor to recommend something else at your next appointment?
Interesting... I can’t find any reason for him/her believing that!
Thank goodness, I barely need Dulcoease at the moment, having reduced steroid right down to 1mg and take the last tablet on Thursday.
I think as a consultant gastroenterologist he didn’t need a reason to believe that..... he kinda knew what he was talking about!
It's probably a combination of things, drugs, dehydration, lack of fibre, less activity due to disease, etc.
5-10 years ago a GP recommended linseeds (flaxseeds) and now there's chia seeds too. Sprinkle on yogurt, breakfast cereals etc. to boost fibre intake. With RA it's probably going to be an ongoing problem and this particular GP advised its not good to take laxatives long term and is best to find an alternative solution.
I buy from Grape Tree - check out the fibre content on this link
grapetree.co.uk/milled-brow...
I haven't had the need to visit GP about constipation since this advice.
Drinking plenty of water helps a lot to relieve constipation and improve energy levels. Ive recently started having a few spoonfuls of Kefyr each morning either on cereal or in a smoothie or just on its own.Its a fermented yoghurt and full of the friendly bacteria that is essential for gut health. It certainly helps to get things moving! And it keeps the gut healthy unlike laxatives .If you like plain yogurt you’ll probably be ok with the taste of it,otherwise it’s probably something to get used to,but definitely worth it.
chocolate works for me,its the only thing that does
We are all different I take all that has been mentioned as well as probiotics, include fibre daily and a good grade magnesium supplement helps me. I would check with your doctor. All the best. ☺️
I find prunes are gently effective. Don't over do it though. I usually eat a prune biotic yogurt which, for me is just about right.
Can i respectfully also suggest that you get your thyroid function checked. Fatigue, poor sleep, lethargy and being bunged up can also be indicators of poor thyroid function.
In hope of getting advice on RA symptoms 
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