katybee
Drama Llama
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Post by katybee on Feb 21, 2020 22:26:58 GMT
You’ve been warned. Seriously. Step away if you’re squeamish. Let’s talk constipation. I don’t get it very often—I’m pretty regular. But I have it BAD. I had it for a few days last week and took a couple doses of laxative and it did the trick. But it started right back up again. I haven’t had a BM since Sunday. I am miserable. I need to go—I just can’t get it out. I tried Ducolax. No luck. Next day, I tried Miralax. No luck. I’ve done warm baths, a squatty potty, and yesterday, tried a suppository. Last night, I drank magnesium citrate. NOTHING. So I got an enema. But I’m afraid to use it. Not because of the enema itself (although I’m not looking forward to it), but because I’ve read they’re not really good for your system. i really want relief! Should I go for the enema? Try another suppository? Any other suggestions? I am very uncomfortable. This is NOT my year.  |
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Post by malibou on Feb 21, 2020 22:40:27 GMT
I have no idea, but I do hope you get things moving soon. That must be terribly painful by now.
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Post by peatlejuice on Feb 21, 2020 22:42:36 GMT
I don't have personal experience with enemas, but I assume one enema isn't going to really hurt your system that much. That said, if this is the second recent round of painful constipation, I'd start looking at your diet and/or the doctor to figure out what's making your stools so difficult to push out. Hope you feel better soon.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Feb 21, 2020 22:51:57 GMT
At this point, I might go to urgent care. For one thing, they may want to image for a blockage. They might also have something to help-- when I was 5, I had a terrible stomach ache. My mother took me to the ER and while I don't remember much, I specifically recall them using a cream that gave me a more or less instant bowel movement.
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Post by christine58 on Feb 21, 2020 22:53:12 GMT
Have you tried a suppository???
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Feb 21, 2020 22:54:12 GMT
I don't have personal experience with enemas, but I assume one enema isn't going to really hurt your system that much. That said, if this is the second recent round of painful constipation, I'd start looking at your diet and/or the doctor to figure out what's making your stools so difficult to push out. Hope you feel better soon. The funny thing is, I’m eating healthier than I have in a very long time. I’m very low sugar, and pretty low carb (most of my carbs come from veggies and a few whole grains). I’m eating mostly chicken and turkey with some occasional beef and LOTS and LOTS of veggies. Every meal is 2/3 veggies. I don’t get it... |
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:29:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2020 22:54:48 GMT
Not TMI for me. It's kinda been my life for the past few years!! I've gone from suffering with diverticulosis to being backed up from opioid dependence. My stomach is really messed up due to years of aspirin intake, so I have to take 3 Rx's just to keep it coated. I have to avoid a lot of foods, alcohol, etc........ and any stool softener or laxative lands me in the ER. So, be careful!!!!!!!!
This happened almost a year ago to me. I put a heating pad on my tummy when it began to really hurt. Warm baths helped before that...... but it was getting very bad, very quickly and I did wind up in the ER and then admitted to the hospital for a week until my gastro found what would work for me without killing my stomach and having me spontaneously 'go'. Such problems.........
I've been on Lactulose solution for almost a year and it's a Godsend for me! No real pain (unless I take it on an empty stomach & then it'll really empty you out!!!!). I take it in the a.m. after breakfast and then before bed. Now I'm "going" twice a day. For years it was maybe 1-2 times PER WEEK!!!!!
Not sure what's backing you up, but I'd say to stop trying everything!! DH did this the other day. He even tried the baking soda/water trick, to no avail (I think it's 1 tsp baking soda to an 8 oz glass of water; usually works without pain). He went to bed and woke up and then was fine.
Did you try the glycerin suppository?? That's the least harmful......... Besides that, I wouldn't try anything else. If you can get ahold of the Lactulose solution, it would be great b/c there's really no cramping involved. For now I'd rest your tummy (maybe with the heating pad), and if you get cramped up, call your doctor!! I hope you feel better. I know this pain/discomfort all too well. Hugs to you!
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Feb 21, 2020 22:55:04 GMT
Have you tried a suppository??? Yes. |
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Feb 21, 2020 23:00:21 GMT
Drink lots and lots of water.
Try walking around more.
2 tsp of ground flax seed in warm water before you go to bed.
Drink warm water with lemon in the morning.
The products that you’ve tried actually dehydrate you—which makes being constipated worse.
Are you on medications? Have you been eating lots of cheese, rice? These can cause constipation.
Poop can harden in the intestines making it near impossible to move along.
If it’s been a week, and you’ve tried all these things, it’s time to see a doctor.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 21, 2020 23:06:13 GMT
Are you also drinking enough water and other fluids? Fiber is only part of the story, you also need adequate water in your system. I know you said you already tried Miralax but I would try taking more, more often, along with extra fluids like you would do for colonoscopy prep. Mix up a bunch of it with Gatorade or something and drink some every 15 minutes until you start seeing some action. When my DD had those problems when she was little, the doctor told me she could use Miralax every single day and it would be safe even for a kid. But the key is having enough fluid with it for it to work. So that’s what I would try first. Good luck, that really sucks.
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Post by ladytrisha on Feb 21, 2020 23:22:47 GMT
Okay - you need a Dr. appointment.
My BIL had similar issues and screwed around for almost a year with on/off constipation, bloating, being uncomfortable.
Urgent care (because dummy doesn't have a PCP) kept giving him over the counter blockage remedies and relaxers. Nothing worked.
Fast forward to him finally ending up in the ER with a very bad stomach ache - turned out to be a tumor in his colon - surgery, 2 weeks in hospital and Stage 4 colon cancer.
My Mom on the other hand has IBS which is triggered when she is stressed or traveling. She takes metamucil everyday now to keep everything moving along but she also made sure to have her colonoscopy before the doctors and she agreed that this is what she needs.
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katybee
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Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Feb 21, 2020 23:42:29 GMT
I’ll go to the doctor tomorrow. Cancer wasn’t even on my radar (and it’s always the FIRST thing on my radar). But now I’m really worried. I rarely have constipation. I can’t remember the last time I had to take a laxative (before last week). I have gotten constipated from eating too much cheese before. I’m also recovering from the flu and an upper respiratory infection. I probably haven’t been drinking enough fluids. And I took a lot of ibuprofen, which I read can cause it. I hope it’s not serious!
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Post by christine58 on Feb 21, 2020 23:44:06 GMT
I’m also recovering from the flu and an upper respiratory infection. I probably haven’t been drinking enough fluids. And I took a lot of ibuprofen, which I read can cause it. I hope it’s not serious! That is most likely why...and antibiotics can also cause it. Try not to stress about it being cancer...I shake my head sometimes here when people play doctor |
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Post by elaine on Feb 22, 2020 0:06:01 GMT
Pat Sajak (wheel of fortune) just was out for months due to surgery for a blocked intestine.
Given the chronic nature and that OTC remedies aren’t working, I’d go into the doctor’s.
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keithurbanlovinpea
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on Feb 22, 2020 0:06:55 GMT
Have you tried a stool softener rather than a laxative? Something like Colace? If you are dehydrated, your stool may be hard and need "help" getting out
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Post by pierkiss on Feb 22, 2020 0:51:51 GMT
I don’t know how to get it out. i have heard that if you soles rely on enemas to poop your body can become lazy and not want to expend the energy/use the muscles to get it out. Don’t know how true that is though.
But I think you should start keeping a Food diary to see what you are and aren’t eating and look for patterns correlated between foods (or lack of foods) and constipation.
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Post by scrapmaven on Feb 22, 2020 0:58:30 GMT
You want to avoid an impaction. That can lead to an obstruction. Have you had any snake like pieces when you go to flush? Are you distended? That is a sign of an impaction. A diet filled w/veggies can lead to constipation. If you've recently changed your diet that can do it. See your doctor and get some relief, but I wouldn't worry. Constipation happens. That this is new doesn't mean something deadly is happening, but it does mean that you need some really good relief.
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Post by mrgiedrnkr on Feb 22, 2020 1:02:37 GMT
I’m also recovering from the flu and an upper respiratory infection. I probably haven’t been drinking enough fluids. And I took a lot of ibuprofen, which I read can cause it. I hope it’s not serious! That is most likely why...and antibiotics can also cause it. Try not to stress about it being cancer...I shake my head sometimes here when people play doctor Her symptoms were also mine and I had colon cancer. I don’t think it is wrong to say that or warn her to take it seriously. Not playing doctor or trying to scare her but sharing my experience. Stacy |
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Feb 22, 2020 1:10:59 GMT
More TMI. Can’t believe I’m writing this on the internet. But I guess everybody poops, right?
There’s a piece of poo sitting right there...it just doesn’t want to come out. I’ve been able to (with GREAT effort) get out little pieces. But then the rest just gets sucked back up (which is SUPER painful). It’s torture...it truly is.
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Feb 22, 2020 1:14:03 GMT
Have you tried a stool softener rather than a laxative? Something like Colace? If you are dehydrated, your stool may be hard and need "help" getting out No. Only laxatives. I think that’s what the problem is...my poop is hard. |
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Post by hennybutton on Feb 22, 2020 1:25:22 GMT
At this point, I might go to urgent care. For one thing, they may want to image for a blockage. They might also have something to help-- when I was 5, I had a terrible stomach ache. My mother took me to the ER and while I don't remember much, I specifically recall them using a cream that gave me a more or less instant bowel movement. If you haven't had a bowel movement since Sunday, you need to head to the ER now. Immediately. If you go to urgent care, they'll take your copay and send you to the ER. You may have a bowel obstruction and it's been going on too long. It happened to both my husband and a friend. |
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Feb 22, 2020 1:42:07 GMT
I googled bowel obstruction. I have been able to pass small amounts of stool and small amounts of gas. And I don’t have severe abdominal pain. More discomfort. My belly’s not really distended, either. It’s hard, down where I think there’s lots of poo lodged.
I think I DO have a fecal impaction...so I am definitely headed to the Dr. tomorrow. This is NO fun.
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:29:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2020 1:43:24 GMT
As I said, I had this last Spring, and it became PAINFUL, quickly!! You're probably dehydrated. I wouldn't wait until the middle of the night. I'd go see someone now.
I was admitted to the hospital and stayed in for nearly a week (so much longer than for all of my recent surgeries!!), but you don't fool around with stomach issues and possible obstruction + you'll feel so much better when they could figure it out!
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freebird
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Post by freebird on Feb 22, 2020 1:43:48 GMT
I would give the enema a try and see if that gives you relief, if not I'd head off to the dr.
Your change in diet might be part of this. You mention lots of low fat foods, and i"m wondering if you're lacking in fat, it does help keep things moving. I have chronic constipation problems. I take magnesium citrate and ACV on a regular basis. (daily... a LOT) and it keeps me going "ok". Also, if you down some salt, that'll make you move. I didn't know that until recently. But not iodized salt. You need epsom or pink Himalayan salt.
After you get moving again, make sure you change your diet so you can go more regularly. (suggestions above)
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Feb 22, 2020 1:47:45 GMT
Here in Alberta there is a toll free number we can call and talk to a nurse. Is there something like that in your State?
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Post by christine58 on Feb 22, 2020 1:50:08 GMT
enema
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Post by pierkiss on Feb 22, 2020 1:55:02 GMT
More TMI. Can’t believe I’m writing this on the internet. But I guess everybody poops, right?
There’s a piece of poo sitting right there...it just doesn’t want to come out. I’ve been able to (with GREAT effort) get out little pieces. But then the rest just gets sucked back up (which is SUPER painful). It’s torture...it truly is.
Um, and This will be gross. 😂Sometimes, a q-tip can help. I call them poop balls, and I either have to seriously WORK to get the entire thing out, and then it hurts. Not ideal. But also, a q-tip with a very long handle can break things up enough so that I don’t have to work so very hard to get things out. That’s like a twice a year occurrence for me. My husband doesn’t even know about this. So there ya go internet. 😂😂😂 |
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RosieKat
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Post by RosieKat on Feb 22, 2020 2:04:45 GMT
I’m also recovering from the flu and an upper respiratory infection. I probably haven’t been drinking enough fluids. My bet is on the fluid intake. You say you probably haven't had enough, you're taking in a ton of fiber which needs fluid to pass, and respiratory stuff creates lots of snot and mucous which requires a lot of fluid to flow, therefore taking fluids that might ordinarily go towards digestion out of circulation, so to speak. I agree, though, it's time to get looked at. I don't think this is indicative of a serious overall problem, but if you don't get it taken care of, it can certainly become one. |
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Post by ihaveonly1l on Feb 22, 2020 2:06:46 GMT
Miralax needs to be taken daily and doesn’t work immediately. It would be a good option to keep things rolling once you get them started.
I hope you get relief soon!
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Post by christine58 on Feb 22, 2020 2:14:53 GMT
But also, a q-tip with a very long handle can break things up enough so that I don’t have to work so very hard to get things out. Or a rectal thermometer. with Vaseline |
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