Constipation Problems

[phleb]

Just to give you a bit of background:: I have been constipated for a very long time, over 10 years. Now it seems to be getting worse. I have not emptied my bowels for over 4 weeks, and I have been in pain in the bottom part of my stomach, just feels like I have a heavy weight in there, dyeing to be released and also feel pressure in my bottom. I am lethargic, and sometimes feel nauseas. I feel very heavy, my skin is getting spotty and dull, and I have no energy. I have considered home enema kit for colonic irrigation.

Is this safe?
Does it matter how much water goes in?
has anyone tried this?
what is the best treatment?

I am now getting desperate, and as usual my doctor is being a pudding and keeps giving my lactulose, which makes me sick. Surely he should send me for tests, shouldn't he?

[MadMen]

Oh my goodness. Poor you! :-(
I too suffer with that side of things, I'm lucky if I go to the toilet once a week... but FOUR weeks?! Jeez, you must feel awful.

I went to see a doctor last week, who was really helpful and gave me some Movicol sachets. He told me to take them twice a day, but still no movement (and I drink loads and loads of water) so I've now upped them to six a day. I've seen a slight change, but not as much as I'd have expected with such an increase.
I am having bloods taken on Friday, although I'm not sure what it's likely to show up, so maybe request the same from your GP?

I did actually ask him about colonics, as I was also thinking of going down that route, but he seemed to think it wasn't a great idea. No idea why, he just said "I doubt you'll find any doctor who would recommend that". He also said "The sound horrific"! lol

I feel really bad for you, you must feel terrible. I know how crappy (wrong choice of word) I feel, but four weeks is such a long time to be... er... 'blocked up'.

[tiggerblue10]

I would ask to see a different doctor if I were you Phleb and asked to be referred to a bowel specialist. 4 weeks is a hell of a long time not to go. I've heard of people not going for a week but not 4 weeks. I worry if I don't go for more than 2 days!

[sara3]

in the mean time, you can get enema stuff on prescription

[MyBlackHen]

Fibogel and tins of sweetcorn do it for me. Hope you get relief soon.

[boxtops]

Phleb, ask to see a different doctor - this is not right. This happened to a friend of mine and she was looking dreadful, the toxins from the unmoving poo were not doing her body any good. You need to have it investigated - either the poo is impacted or there may be some sort of obstruction (I don't want to worry you) but you must get it seen to. Are you eating lots of fruit and veg? Are you weeing OK? Don't try and sort this out yourself, you need to get professional help.

[cupid04]

lactulose helps soften your stools. 5ml teaspoonful three times a day may help.

[boxtops]

You don't poo for four weeks, desky? That's not the impression you've given us before....

[Mamyalynne]

Phleb this is not ordinary constipation, after 4 weeks no wonder you feel rough - seek a new opinion, get an enema sorted.

[andres]

Call the NHS helpline on 111. Don't mess around !! They will advise you what to do .

[society]

This is very serious, you need to seek the help and advice of a doctor ASAP.

[boxtops]

At least you are regular, desky, and the stuff's moving through you, you're not constipated - poor phleb hasn't been for a month, which is seriously not right.

[ummmm]

My son suffered really badly and he was investigated for a twisted bowel.

[Canary42]

FOUR weeks ?

Tell your GP to get off his arse (pun intended) and get you an urgent referral.

[Mamyalynne]

Went 10 days once after heavy duty post op pain relief (no doubt codeine based) Glycerine Suppositories were my saviour, not nice but necessary. Please seek help, surely someone at work ? You are in a Hospital situation aren't you ?

[boxtops]

Good idea mamya - what about your occupational health department, phleb? anyone can refer themselves without your manager knowing about it - it's only if the manager refers you that they get a report on the consultation.

[ST24]

I'm glad that you've seen your doctor about this. No doubt he knows much more about your health than anyone else.
When I've had problems with constipation I've found that rosehip with hibiscus tea helps. If you try this don't forget to add a teaspoon of honey - don't substitute sugar.

[janbee]

Fruit fruit and more fruit. That always works for me anyway .

[Sqad]

Just a few general points.
If you have been having trouble for "over 10 years" then we are not dealing with a life threatening condition.
You are not "obstructed" as if this had been the situation for a month, then you would be in a serious life threatening situation (severe abdominal pain, vomiting etc)
I would not advice colonic irrigation, but a "home enema kit" would certainly be worth a try.
I am not sure that "tests" are of the priority at this moment in time....perhaps later....but no urgency.
Go back to the doctor and tell him the situation.
I am against seeking multiple medical personnel......