Constipation and Tummy Bloating

[North05]

I suffer with constipation and rarely eliminate naturally. When I feel the need I use suppositories which do not clear me completely. I am worried there may be other factors at work. I feel tired all the time, suffer with backache and put on weight easily.

I am 56 years old and try to eat healthily, drink plenty of mineral water and take regular walks. What am I doing wrong. Will a colonic help me?

[Kozmic Blues]

You may want to visit your gp just to make sure it is nothing serious.

lol kozmic xXx

[dot.hawkes]

stop eating white bread and red meat you may have difficulty digesting both or be allegic to wheat

[North05]

Last time I saw the GP I was given some Lactolose which made me worse. Sometimes I feel that I`m wasting their time, but thanks for the advice, I will go back.

[B00]

Most docs- mine included- will spout anything if they think it will get you back out their door in record time!

Go back and insist they help you out more.

Good luck :-)

[Ethel]

You need to see your GP.

Suppositories are not meant to be used on such a regular basis - they can have an adverse affect on your bowel.

I don't believe in colonics, unless recommended by the GP. The bowel has a balance of mucous and bacteria which are necessary to function properly - colonics interfere with that.

As I said, book an appointment with the GP. Help yourself by keeping a diary of your diet, exercise and bowel movements for the doctor.
You need to describe the motion too.

Next time you feel you need the toilet, sit on the toilet with your feet raised. A large pack of toilet rolls makes an ideal footstool! You need to be in more of a squat position than our toilets allow.
Relax. If nothing happens try taking a mild laxative such as senna before you go to bed - but only if you are in discomfort from constipation.

Try prune juice, concentrated orange juice or similar before breakfast.
But please stop using those suppositiries until the GP has seen you.

[North05]

I did wonder whether I may be allergic to some foods. I try not to eat too much white bread although I love it I end up with an outbreak red lumps on my face. It could be meat perhaps!

[North05]

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice, I will certainly go and see the doctor again to put my mind at ease. Also take on board everything else mentioned, I will try to give up the dreaded sups but when I try the senna tablets I get dreadful tummy ache. I will definately try raising my feet too.

Sorry its not a nice subject, never thought I`d be having chats on my pc about it, shows how worried I am. Thanks again everyone.

[Postdog]

I don't have toilet troubles, but like you I am over 50, overweight (just the stomach), take regular walks (I have to, I'm a postman, which also means I have backache) and although I don't feel tired ALL the time, I feel tired at the worng times. Actually, exhausted would be a better way of putting it...

Anyway, I went to see my doctor, we had a good chat, and I have to have tests on blood etc - nothing may be wrong, but at least we are checking things out.

Re the colonic, I've never had one, so I couldn't answer - I'd try eating more fruit and fibre stuff, including stuff that is known to have an effect that way, such as prunes etc.

[North05]

Thanks Postdog, prunes are nice but they make me "windy" - so do dried apricots.

I try eating fresh strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apple, pear etc for breakfast sometimes with a yoghurt and still no result! Most folk would end up with the opposite effect but not me!

Good luck with your tests

[Metz]

Have a read of this http://www.zelnorm.com/info/about/irritable-bo wel-syndrome-constipation.jsp

Not sure if it helps :o)

[North05]

Hi Metz,.I have looked at the info and found it very interesting but I am not sure if I have IBS. Some of it certainly rings home. Perhaps I should get myself to the surgery and insist on some tests to find out just what it is.

I go away soon and I never ever GO on holiday so I end up with a full bloated tum all the time I`m away. Sometimes as soon as I get home it sends me straight to the bathroom.

Thanks again, I find all your comments very interesting and has made me more determined to sort this problem out asap.