Constipation is a pain

[splat123]

I really need guidance as I have been living with bloating and constipation since I don't know when. I don't go unless I use laxatives (dulcolax) and can take up to 20 at a time! I then have the most incredible heartburn and indigestion before it eventually takes effect. I drink 3 litres of water a day, I don't eat gluten or sugar and eat relatively healthy. Would love to hear if a) anyone has been diagnosed with what this could be and b) what you were given to help

[b1b1b1]

Isn't 3 liters of water too much? You should see a gastroenterologist for a diagnosis, as you sound very uncomfortable.

[Hidden]

Have you tried a Glycerol suppository? It’s like a mini enema and should work after around 20-30 mins. You can buy them from a pharmacy. If you are in the uk you will have a hard time being referred to a gastroenterologist through the nhs. I’m going through this myself and the suppository has been the best thing. Anything is worth a try when you are severely constipated.

I also found that hot drinks in any form makes mine worse. You also need to get some peppermint capsules from a health food store.

[splat123 in reply to Hidden]

Hi there thank you. I am trying to steer clear of any type of laxatives... I tried the glycerol but didn't do much. I will try the peppermint capsules thank you

[GymJay]

If you are struggling to go to the toilet as I do. Speak to your doctor about the coloplast irrigation system, I was prescribed it by the hospital rectum nurse. It’s basically your own colonic irrigation system, it works by pumping water up and it’s a lifesaver. I find it very helpful and you feel great afterwards, it does not hurt and does not cause any discomfort. X

[Edadee in reply to GymJay]

Did it clear you symptoms and for how long?

[splat123]

Hi there I'm not sure if they have that in SA but I have done something similar myself.... it didn't really help

[Edadee]

20 a day?! Has that been building up because of dependency?

Have you done FODMAP yet? I’ve been referred to a dietician to oversee the diet.

Been 10 months of bloat and constipation with only relief from Dulcolax which I’m now on 3 at a time.

What has your dr said?

[IBS-]

Hi, I have the same problems and tried to go natural. I’ve been seeing a colonic irrigation specialist and that helps, alongside prune juice (make sure it’s not from concentrate) and these fruit & fibre cubes from Holland & Barrett. I’m still learning as I go but I find it helps and is better than taking laxatives.

[MissMylie]

Hey, just a couple of questions , to start with, like Edadee said , the fodmap diet or way of life is amazing , not exactly sure where you’re from, however I’m in Australia , on your phone there is an app from the monarsh University about the fodmap, and it is absolutely amazing,

However, you need to be careful as , the heartburn could be from the laxitives as when you take too much of them they actually have the potential to cause gastric ulcers,

May I ask if you still have a gall bladder ? The reason I ask is because if you do , it can be dysfunctional which could also potentially cause this and last but not least, there is such a thing as lazy bowel ,

I work for a gastro / General Surgeon, and it sounds like you really need an Upper GI Endoscopy and Colonoscopy and this should be your first thing,

If there is anything else that I can maybe help you with please don’t hesitate 😊

[splat123 in reply to MissMylie]

Thank you that sounds like great advice!

[splat123 in reply to splat123]

Just a question I went to a gastro who basically told me not to waste his time so I'm hesitant to try again. Would a scope be able to detect a lazy colon? I think thats all it is

[MissMylie in reply to splat123]

Are you kidding me ? Do you have private health? That is completely fair enough, however , don’t let 1 gastro make you feel as though your symptoms are In your head because they’re not ,

Both scopes should check for ulcers, large bowel polyps , all bowel diseases, and other pathology, there are so many different things that could be causing this, is there another gastro in your area? Or even go and see a general surgeon who also does gastro because sometimes another opinion is good too! But don’t stop until you get some answers as if you keep taking so many laxitives it will decline your bowel health, probiotics are good too , and to be honest sometimes all you need is a restart for your gi tract , and to do that is to do a colonoscopy bowel preparation

[splat123 in reply to MissMylie]

thank you so much for all your information. I will definitely look into visiting one next year when I have medical again. For the time being I will just persevere

[QuiltLady]

I've been constipated most of my life! Stool softeners don't help much, and the only thing that helps that I've found recently, is taking a magnesium pill at night after dinner. Within a day or two things seem to be moving along. I also don't don't drink enough water, and that might be a big issue for me. I hope you try the magnesium and find that it helps!

[splat123 in reply to QuiltLady]

thank you

[Susan1-2]

Most of my life I was the told the wrong information by doctors. They always blame me for not eating enough fiber. Anal irrigation and laxatives will not solve constipation if you have an entercele like me. Go to a different doctor. If they say you have functional constipation ask them why. If they say they don’t know ask for a defecography.

[splat123]

Thank you