Bisacodyl has been prescribed for me

[Profound15]

I’ve been on laxido for constipation for the last two years or so. At first it was ok with very little side effects. However, recently over the last few months I’ve been suffering from bloating, trapped wind and excess gas which are side effects of laxido.

I met with my gastroenterologist today and she has recommended that I stop using laxido and go on Bisacodyl (one 5mg tablet every night). Been reading up on side effects and whether this laxative will give me problems relating to dependency later on and all the evidence I’ve looked at states usage for 5 days only. Can anyone give me an idea of whether she is correct when she advised me that it will not cause a problem long term please. I’ve read that many people are on this long terms but I’m nervous that it’ll just give me problems further down the road. She did advise that she believed I had IBS-C.

I also have atrial fibrillation and am on flecainide and bisoprolol daily.

[Meleber]

Hi, I'm taking bisacodyl since 2020, several times during the day. 5mg can be to harsh so I tend to cut it in half with a little sharp knife. It can become less effective by cutting it in half but still does work a little. Don't think I'm dependent. The last gastroenterologist I did see recommended linaclotide instead but after a trial I'll stick to bisacodyl. Also did have to change my diet rigorously. I was diagnosed in 2019, a working diagnosis, with a functional bowel problem leading to constipation and overflow diarrhoea and since last year the diagnosis has become IBS C. Still trying to solve the puzzle, what the underlying cause is of my functional bowel problems. Will see a consultant next week to discuss the possibility of a lifelong lowgrade infection with the helicobacter pylori bacteria that could have caused my functional bowel problems but also other health issues since my childhood.

[Dudders123 in reply to Meleber]

Could pylori infection really cause my inability to poop problem - can’t wait to get my sample in ( if I can gat one) have been told to get the test done - please let me know how they explained this to you, years of bisocodyl have left me with no function !!!

[Profound15 in reply to Dudders123]

Thanks Dudders. Sorry to hear about your function issue. That is exactly what I’m worried about. Can’t believe the specialist never mentioned this clear side effect to me yesterday. You may want to explore Peristeen trans anal irrigation. I’ve got a rectal dysfunction and I use this daily. So far it’s worked well albeit it takes a bit of getting used to. It needs to be prescribed by a specialist though

[Profound15 in reply to Meleber]

Thanks Meleber. How long have you been taking Bisacodyl please. Do you think long term use of it has caused your bowel dysfunction

[Meleber in reply to Profound15]

Hi, taking bisacodyl since 2020. The problems with my gut already started before and got worse over the years and were really worse between 2014-2016. Since I also had other severe health problems, struggled with major depressive disorder MDD and generalised anxiety disorder GAD, I didn't have any energy left to focus on the problems then. Never thought I had a serious problem with my bowel function too but since my first consult with a gastroenterologist in 2019 I learned that I might have had a issues with the functioning of my intestines for decades. Till 2019 I thought the tension in my abdomen was related to neuropsyschiatric disorders but the tension I felt was actually the result of a dysfunctional bowel. As I mentioned it could all be related to a chronic (since my childhood, I'm 55 now) low grade bacterial infection (h. pylori) or 'just' a disrupted gut microbiome.

[xjrs]

I would be wary since it is a stimulant laxative. Some medical professionals can be a bit more gung ho about things. I am on Linaclotide for IBS-C with pain. For me it helps with the pain but not the C, but is does help with the C for others. Might be worth a try. It acts locally in the gut and is broken down into peptides and eliminated in waste, which is why I was happy to take it.

There are also dietary measures to consider for the C. I can post further if you need some information on that if you've not seen my posts on this already.

[Profound15 in reply to xjrs]

Thanks xjrs. Yes I am quite concerned about the recommendation from the consultant. My big issue is excess gas and trapped wind. I’m on laxido and these are side effects. Does the linaclotide stop excess gas. She also mentioned prucalopride. I’d rather not be on any laxatives but would probably struggle

[xjrs in reply to Profound15]

The excess gas could be down to the Laxido. Also if you manage to go regularly the gas may reduce due to food not hanging around in your system.

Have you tried Alflorex probiotic too? It has been scientifically studied for IBS and has made me more tolerant to a wider range of foods.

I've also just posted about dietary measures for IBS-C just now:

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...

[Profound15 in reply to xjrs]

Thanks. I’ll have a read. I’m now trying to slowly reduce my laxido intake and see how that goes. I’m using Peristeen daily which I have to say has been good albeit takes a bit of getting used to.

[Krisbetty]

Just been to see a pelvic floor specialist physo about my constipation I tried the stool to raise my knees higher than my pelvis but couldnt get on with it. Iam currently about to trail rectal irregation was given this trail pack Qufora irrisedo minigo . If it works i can have it on prescription. I did linacoltide but didn't like the side effects .

[Profound15 in reply to Krisbetty]

Irrigation takes a bit of getting used to but it’s actually fine and seems to work for me. I’m sure you’ll get on ok with it. It just takes 5 or 10 mins to set it up and then you sit there and let the water do the rest.