fed up

[Reindeer1]

I am having a really depressing day today. Nothing really seems to be working! I went to see a private gastroenterologist 10 days ago and he put me on constella because of the nerve pain I was getting at night which does seem to be helping although it is early days. However my constipation is as bad as ever only relieved by taking an enema each morning. Then I seem to have wind the rest of the day and feel uncomfortable. At night I take a prostate table and sometimes a zoplicone sleeping tablet (3.75) and get up on a regular basis and although I feel desperate for a wee I often can’t go or have to wait a few minutes and even then only a little comes out and I am wide awake. Any social plans we have stress me out and I just wish I could have a reasonably normal life again. I have all the normal tests for bowel and prostate which is slightly enlarged but otherwise all is clear.

Sorry to go on but just feel so down. Thanks for listening.

[Angie11]

Hi , I can totally relate as to why you feel depressed. I feel the same. My whole day revolves around my constipation. I’m currently taking Constella but it’s not getting to the root of the problem. In the last 2 months I’ve have had blocked bowel and ended up in A&E where the have me a box of laxido, after I’d taken 32 sachets, yes 32, I had a bowel movement but since then I’m aware that it’s blocking up again.

Nothing I eat or drink helps.

Sorry I can’t be more positive for you and offer help. I’ve an appointment tomorrow Wednesday with my gastroenterologist ( for what it’s worth).

[edwangy in reply to Angie11]

I'm exactly the same, pain24/7, constella does nothing for the pain but it does make me go although mostly diarrhoea. I've been like this for over 2 years , seen 3 gastros,2 surgeons and have now reffered me to pain clinic. No pain killers help, I've just been passed around the system with no help from anyone

[Ruby1]

I'm so sorry you are suffering. I cannot help but I did wonder if the Zoplicone could cause constipation and apparently it is a side effect. I googled 'does zoplicone make you constipated'. In the first thing that comes up, it also says it can make you depressed, so is it something you could manage without?

I've never been diagnosed with IBS however years ago I used to have terrible issues which now I seem to keep on top of, but constipation is one I'm always having to think about. I have a long transit time.

I have to drink absolutely loads of water which is very boring. Exercise helps me too, and I have the odd foods that help if I take them occasionally - like liquorice and Fibre One bars, but they sort of irritate my bowel too I think. I avoid eggs as they seem to bung me up. I kept a diary for a while on my habits, so that I could check I wasn't heading for a major issue.

I hope you manage to find something that helps.

[Reindeer1]

thanks for the replies it is reassuring I am not alone. I am sure we all feel that sometimes. I would love to stop taking zopiclone but all the natural aids I have tried have things in them which affect my pee! As do anti histamines. I would like to try something else if possible. I am on a low dose of zopiclone- I often cut 3.75 tablet in half not easy!!!

[Primrose2 in reply to Reindeer1]

Hi Reindeer1

Can’t really help you on the constipation side, but it’s worth purchasing a pill cutter from your local chemist, I got mine from Boots, I seem to remember it was less than £5, it has been absolutely invaluable for cutting my pills in half. Just thought, have you ever tried Fibrogel or natural alternative Lepicol, they are a fibre which you mix with water, they bulk up stool, and it is used for both constipation and diarrhoea. I am just about to go and buy some Lepicol as having a bad flare. Take care.

[E3178 in reply to Reindeer1]

Hi, I use a pill cutter to halve my tablets.They are easily available.

[Reindeer1]

thanks E3178 and Primrose2 will be in chemist tomorrow to ask for pill cutter! I will also buy some Fibrogel. I hope you better soon Primrose 2

[GingerA]

I can understand you with the nerve pain,it is painful.and being not able to go to the toilet,it's no joke.i do hope you feel better soon.

[Luisa22]

I can get very depressed too because of IBS. When I have 'good days' with my tum I'm not depressed at all, so that shows me how down IBS can make us feel.

You might get a tip to help from this post: (?)

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...

Now I know you're not menopausal! ...obviously!

But someone there was taking Laxido and it didn't suit them, and someone else said Linaclotide was better for them with IBS C

(See the 3rd reply further down by Krisbetty)

I apologise as I don't know about IBS C myself, having the opposite issue! and laxatives of any kind would be my nemesis.

But I just happened to see that a moment ago.