CONSTIPATION : THAT OLD CHESTNUT

[jillannf6]

hi

I am suffeirign from terribly constipation and have not been o the toilet for 5 days now

am tkaign movicol and lactulsoe adn eat lot sfo fibre

it si prob lack of exercise as i amnot walking as much now but what more cna i do??

lolJILl

[jillannf6]

ps i have re wine and chocolateon a dialhybasis apar tform last night when i had soem gjuiness so what are the options for me?

[dorothy-thompson in reply to jillannf6]

Hi Jill

This is a real problem I know, so I am feeling your pain as they say.

I give my husband all the things, prunes, kiwis, stewed apples, fibre, as much fluids as he will take, mainly water, Andrews, as much exercise as he can manage - we walk up and down our flat with the aid of his walker! - and still he only "goes" once or twice, if he's lucky, three times a week.

We have just started on a regime of pro-biotics which are supposed to give you millions of good bacteria, rather like Sasha is saying, so I'll let you know how it all goes.

I have also heads, like Sharon says, alternating laxatives help.

Kind regards

Dorothy t

[Sharon637]

Hi Jill

All that you are doing sounds sensible. If it's not too inconvenient for you I would try increasing your fluids a lot. Also a tip from a GP was kiwi fruit and it worked for my Dad for a while. They are fiddly fruit but I peeled and sliced them and he ate them with his fingers then we used wipes on his sticky hands afterwards. The neurologist also told us to use one type of laxative one week and a different one the next and alternate as the body gets too used to one and it becomes ineffective. I am sure lots of people will have good tips for you. My Mum always found any cream based dish made her go, like pasta or chicken in a cream sauce or a creamy korma. I hope you find something that works for you as it is not pleasant. Good luck xxx

[shasha]

POOR JILL ,

I KNOW HOW AWFUL THAT CAN BE ... BUT HAVE YoU TRIED PRUNES OR ACIDOPHILUS ? I tAKE BOTH AND APART FROM THE ODD BLIP HAVE MANaged to stay relatively ok !!

[cabbagecottage]

Hi all , My husband finds chocolate helps on occasions , I don't find the Movical that good , so I also buy ORTISAN fruit cubes , in fact the other day I got so desperate to help him I melted half of a cube in his Movical . IT worked straight away . Might have been a one off of course. Warm water first think another idea .

It's called ORTISAN FRUIT AND FIBRE CONTAINS FIGS ,SENNA , GLYCERIN , tamarind pulp and orange extract , I usually buy iT from Holland and Barrett but I think you might get it in some supermarkets .

I also thiNk it's good to change now and again . Other than that gunpowder , worrying about it makes it worse doesn't it .

[jillannf6 in reply to cabbagecottage]

yes u r right worrying iaout it makes it worse

but i ha e never goneo so logn ever ever without going

lol JIll

[jillannf6 in reply to cabbagecottage]

hi cABBAGE COTAGE SHaron et all

i am now much better with" rumbles in the jungle" v often now

alternating th e moviol and lactulose helps as does the probiotics and prunes

so i am nwo GOOD from that point of view1

lol JIlll

[Kathy]

I used to work with a nurse who swore that a strong hot cup of coffee could often "get things moving" - particularly if you are not a regular coffee drinker. Ginger is also supposed to have a similar effect.

hope you get some relief soon!!

K x

[cabbagecottage]

It's the caffeine I expect if that's the case try coka cola we will all b buzzing

[Sugardart]

Miralax, a powder mixed with liquid in the morning, helps bowels. It is a prescription from a GP. If taken daily it produces bowel every one to two days depending on the dose. It worked very well for my mother who had difficulty with constipation most of her life, more pronounced with PSP. Obviously bowel issues make for more problems with discomfort and agitation. Hope you find some relief.

[Hidden]

Drinking as much fluid as you can manage is helpful and also try not to get over heated as you will sweat out moisture that you would normally keep until the large bowel takes over. Maybe jelly, juicy foods and avoid too much mash and stodge. Cocoa/chocolate drinks can stuff you up, as can bananas and bread. Actimel is good for keeping your movements flowing and healthy. Hope you get relief soon! Diannex

[cabbagecottage in reply to Hidden]

I will try the actively I agree about the bread etc but sometimes give toast

[jillannf6]

i have "been""for the 1st totiem tnis evening n 7 daysand no doubt i shall now continue to do os all night1

thanls 4 all ur ehlp and suggestions

lol jill

ishiall start taking acti,mel again too

[jillannf6]

thnmsk 4 alll iur help and replkes

i sahll certinaly try hto water too

lol JILL

[cabbagecottage in reply to jillannf6]

Especially. Hot water first thing in morning

[Peter3]

Pleased to hear your news Jill and hope you are feeling better in yourself.

For what its worth, what works for my husband is a regime of Movicol and Ducosate sodium given together the dosage varying accordingly. Before this we tried most other prescribed and non prescribed remedies with very varying success.

Good luck.

Peter3

[cabbagecottage]

Is the one a softener and the other a pusher our dis trick nurse mentioned that

[jimandsharynp]

Senna comes in a liquid form which my wife takes due to swallowing issues.

[Brighteyesxxx]

I can recommend to use, Peppermint cordial. This can be taken by the spoon or mixed with some water or lemonade. At first try a small amount then increase for need. I tried this before I gave to my mum so I would know what kind of feelings she would have... YES there is a little bit of a rumble in the tummy like wind but it WORKED. For mum I mix it with 7up or white lemonade, approx half a beaker of each... This is only needed now and then and not everyday... For myself I just take a few mouthfuls when needed... I should add I bought this peppermint cordial in either an off licence or in a store called Assda ... I do agree with plenty of fluids so while you can reach for the glass don't let the opportunity pass. This is because sadly when and if you need to rely on help to give you fluids , they often forget, which is not good for you.