How long ?

[Bassem1979]

Hi

I just wanted to ask how. Long it’s safe to use laxatives ? I can’t have a BM without using some form of laxative.

I get lower left abdo and some lower right abdo pain. I’ve been trying to use a mild softener dulcolax duo 3 times a day but it makes my poo very thin poo and never felling fully empty.

If I take stronger laxatives then I go like type 7 but then don’t constantly feeling I like I need to poo.

I just want to know How long is safe to use some form of laxative ? X

[Meleber]

As far as I'm aware it's safe to take laxatives if you need them because of your bowel problems. This is what I need to do and the gastroenterologist advised in my situation. Currently taking some more bisacodyl and less cascara sagrada, alternating, during the day.

[Meleber in reply to Meleber]

Research "Oral Bisacodyl Is Effective and Well-Tolerated in Patients With Chronic Constipation" cghjournal.org/article/S154...

[Fernsmum]

Yes I find a little and often much better for me , I can occasionally eat a meal but usually end up paying for it . As you say my tummy can make very loud noises even when I'm not hungry lol, but I just do what I feel is right for me , listen to your body it knows what it needs , good luck xx

[Chocolate41]

That’s exactly what happens to me.It’s just trial and error really.Good luck.

[PattyT22]

I think it’s something you should discuss wit GP or consultant first. However daily I have to use laxido sachets, Prucalopride, bisacodyl and glycerin suppositories. Take care.

[Kazzacrazy]

I'm going to need to take laxatives for the foreseeable future unfortunately,living without them isn't an option!

[Merlinjardin]

I was taking senakot every day for past 10 years. Having very soft BM every day. Then eighteen months ago my bowels stopped working, I have IBS, but also reflux . For 6 months had nausea lost lots of weight. Hospital told me to stop taking senakot, said it had made my bowel lazy. So at the moment do not take any laxative. Gradually my bowels started to work took about six months. Although not right. Have to use micro enema to move stools. I was told okay to use softener like lactulose , but I try to eat foods that help. Everyone is different, but I am still very unwell.

[Lamly in reply to Merlinjardin]

Can I purchase micro enema. from any chemists, I am having a similar problem to yourself it really gets you down at times.

[Merlinjardin in reply to Lamly]

My gp prescribes for me otherwise Amazon or on line doctor sites for med purchase sell them not tried chemist

[Lamly in reply to Merlinjardin]

Thankyou for your help.

[Merlinjardin in reply to Lamly]

That’s ok struggling today , hope it helps

[Boxroad]

The only thing I can use is lactulose as it’s a softener more than a laxative if taken in the correct amounts, I take a tea spoon before bed when I am having issues, but then I check out my diet, most of the time as long as I am eating the correct fibre and drinking plenty of water things keep moving ok, my body soon tells me if I am not looking after it correctly, don’t forget we are coming into the warmer season now so drink more to balance it. Talk to your GP about how long to take laxative or read the label that comes with them.

[Maureen1958 in reply to Boxroad]

Hi Boxroad, did you mean lactose or should you have put lactulose?!

[Boxroad in reply to Maureen1958]

Good spot Maureen auto correct is a great thing but also a pain sometimes

[Poppycat999]

Hello Bassem1979I take cosmocol or laxido by prescription from my doctor

I'm told it's safe longterm as l have to go round a bend. It adds water to your stools and l only take one sachet with water once a day with main meal. Tried dulcolax before had horrible gripes and stomach pain. Change to a more gentle laxative.

I wish you well

[Evonne02]

Hi Bassem1979,

I think you're doing what I and others did which is to get upset, obsessed and mistakenly listen to conflicting information and advice. The best thing to do is to speak to your gp or nurse.

And to answer your question, yes you can use laxatives long term. I've been using Macrogol or Laxido for at least 10 years now. My prescription says to take 1 sachet twice a day, but it doesn't work for me, so I take 2 sachets together late in the evening. When I'm severely constipated I alert my gp who instructs me to take 2 sachets every 3 hours until my bowels return to normal. Hope you get sorted out soon. Take care 😍

[Bassem1979]

The anxiety is more than likely causing my constipation I worry every day that I need to have a BM I ve tried stool softener such as cosmocol x2 daily and Dulcolease 3 times a day, Lactulose X2 daily and stool softeners don’t help am still constipated and really struggle to get it out. Then I take dulcolax 1 at night which does make me go but also gives me stomach cramps. I never know if am doing right for wrong it’s all so draining.

I how just found out that I have large fibroids in my womb which when I ve looked in to it can cause constipation as then can press on the small bowel. I was told they are round 5cm but I didn’t ask at the time if they were pressing on my bowel.

Am hoping to have them removed but I think the waiting list is a long time due to back log with Covid.

[Evonne02 in reply to Bassem1979]

I think you need what I take. 1 peppermint oil capsules 3 times a day. That calms my stomach. In addition a consultant told me to drink 3 cups of peppermint tea which does calm my tummy more. And since I've had to go gluten free the cramps, pains etc are hardly there. 😍

[Nothing_but_books]

Dried mission figs. They're delicious and really help. Start with one or two a day with a glass of water. Increase gradually if it doesn't help. You have to be careful to hydrate with extra fiber.