constipation leading to Pelvic Floor dysfunction

[Profound15]

I have IBS - C and over the years the medical fraternity have prescribed laxatives for me. I’m following a low fermentation & FODMAP diet which works well for me. However my constipation due to a lot of straining has turned into PFD which basically means my anal muscles are out of sync. Does anyone suffer the same and have they used enemas to make you go please. I’ve already met the GP and been in A&E this week. I’ve got a PFD biofeedback physio session next week but would like to use an enema at some stage if the suppositories don’t work (plan b really)

Thanks for helping

[Krisbetty]

I saw a pelvic floor specialist yesterday about my constipation and was very informative she suggest i use a stool to raise my legs higher than my hips whilst sitting on the loo also bizarrely recommend black coffee 1st thing in the morning as caffeine can help. She did show me a bit of kit used for rectal irrigation which is a final option if everything else fails. These are available on nhs i attached a link to the bit of kit shexshowed me. ebay.co.uk/itm/226123096189...

[Profound15 in reply to Krisbetty]

Thanks Krisbetty that’s brilliant. I’ve got the little stool so I’ll use that. Do you have the same problem with the muscles not being in sync please

[Krisbetty in reply to Profound15]

Yes thats my problem too. I will try and find another link.

[Profound15 in reply to Krisbetty]

Hi Krisbetty that link isn’t working for me.

[Krisbetty in reply to Profound15]

Qufora Minigo Irrisedo Rectal Irrigation system with 30 Disposable Cones

Type this into Google

[Profound15 in reply to Krisbetty]

Thanks Krisbetty that’s fabulous

[CockeyMoor]

Absolutely the same here. Every morning I have to support my pelvic floor to go to the loo properly. So worried about pushing and getting nowhere and upsetting other areas like my Rectocele. Use suppositories most of the time and my back aches so badly most of the morning . I am so worried to go to the GP to try to explain so I have not gone. Reading your post I may seek help. Sadly I am always there for something so I have neglected my pelvic floor issues!

[Profound15 in reply to CockeyMoor]

Thanks CockneyMoor. I had the first session of pelvic floor dysfunction physio on Monday. I’ve followed the instructions I’ve been given and it’s helped. I do have a real problem with trapped gas first thing in the morning. Took me 40 mins this morning to release it. I’ve seen a colon specialist this week and he has recommended I go on Peristeen plus transanal irrigation. I’m waiting on someone contacting me to give me training on how to use it and apparently it’ll resolve the constipation issues I have as it’s cleans you out without the need for suppositories etc. at least I’ll have something I can fall back on and he said you can use it every day for the rest of your life if you wish. It’s on the NHS appliance list so I’m hoping my go surgery, once I’m registered, can pay for the equipment. It has to be prescribed by a specialist though. I don’t think the GP can put you on the register. I’ve been really struggling the same as you so I can now see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. If you want any more information let me know

[Profound15 in reply to CockeyMoor]

Do you get trapped wind in the bowel when you wake up please. I do and it can take 45 mins of doing the PFD exercise. It’s quite uncomfortable really. If you do is there anything you take to prevent it

[Badassy in reply to CockeyMoor]

Hi CockeyMoor! I hope by now you are doing much better! I have constipation issues as well...I eat so healthy & eat fiberous foods & only drink water & I still have issues. What has helped me is Miralax. Every morning I put a cupful in a glass of water & it definitely has made a difference. You have to be consistent! Recently, I had pelvic Floor Botox & I wasn't emptying my bowels so my PF Specialist advised me to add magnesium citrate capsules & it's working. I take 500mg of magnesium citrate with my dinner. In my opinion & experience, physical activity, moving your body helps bring on bowel movements. Walking is always a plus! Also, while your legs are on the stool. try to stay calm & breathe out to relax the muscles to help you go. I hope you do not need my suggestions & you have your own but I wanted to reach out because constipation is horrible! Wishing you the Best!

[Profound15 in reply to Badassy]

I’ve now commenced with Linaclotide as I’ve been advised it’s IBS C. Whilst the medication has made my stool watery and the irrigation seems to clear it out, the excessive gas is so uncomfortable. Do you suffer from the same please. What have you done to reduce the gas if you have the same issue please?

[Badassy in reply to Profound15]

So sorry to know you are still suffering! I looked up Linaclotide because I never heard of it. So you say it is cleaning out your bowels but you have excessive gas. Do you know if that medication can cause gas as a side effect? Watery stools are not not healthy stools. Are you eating healthy? Certain Foods cause alot of gas such as,,,, beans, certain vegetables & many others. You should look up foods that cause gas & try to avoid them. I have had that gassy feeling at times & it makes be crazy 🤪 it's a horrible feeling. I start drinking more water & moving around because exercise helps me. If you continue to feel gassy & have loose stools that are watery, you should contact the Dr who prescribed the medication. I am hear for you...you can ask me questions, vent...I will reply!!

[Profound15 in reply to Badassy]

Thanks. I’m lactose and gluten free as well as low FODMAP so don’t think it’s the grub. Don’t drink either so it’s not that. The watery stools are a side effect of Linaclotide as well as gas and bloating. I had these before I went on linaclotide though. I’ve tried peppermint oil capsules, windeze, digestive enzymes and Symprove probiotic. All made no difference. It can be a symptom of IBS C though so we will see how the medication does over the next couple of weeks. I’ve almost exhausted everything and the final option may be surgery as I’ve still got the rectal dysfunction albeit it’s better than May last year.

[Badassy in reply to Profound15]

I have been through your situation. I went to so many gastros & proctologist who would find nothing wrong & diagnosis me as IBS-C. It wasn't until I eliminated gluten & dairy. Also, I changed my entire way of eating. I eat so clean & eat fiberous food... and added in salmon & chicken breast with only olive oil. I eat alot of fruits & sweet potatoes as my fiber. My breakfast is buckwheat with an avacado. I stopped drinking coffee! I can not say enough about Miralax ! So the med you take all those side effects. That's not good, hopefully they go away soon. Are you exercising? Drink alot of water!!!! You are getting help so that's a positive! If you can get well without surgery that would be the best way to go in my opinion. I had pelvic floor surgery for my Pudendal Nerve this yr & I an not happy. You will get better 💪

[Profound15 in reply to Badassy]

Thanks. Hoping the linaclotide helps me as I’m doing everything I can to reduce the gas etc.

[Badassy in reply to Profound15]

Keep doing what you need to do! Sending positive vibes your way...

[CockeyMoor in reply to Profound15]

I don’t suffer too much from the trapped wind. Got to be honest only a little wind each morning . Sorry to hear you have that added problem. I have radically changed my diet. Found out Onions were a big issue. Since I stopped eating any onion it has resolved a few of the pain issues. Currently doing a Food Diary and it is fascinating what upsets me. Due to see a Gynae/Urologist but it has been weeks so I am going to chase it up soon. Going to the loo more naturally nowadays but still need more help. Badassy suggestions are really good and I am going to try Miralax and Magnesium Citrate .

[CockeyMoor]

sorry my reply is so late. Yes I do get trapped wind on some days which is quite excessive. I put it down to eating the wrong things for me like baked beans, peanuts, brocoli, cauliflower etc..