Embarrassing: Camping & Constipated

I'd pack up and go home if there were not enough toilets.

Is your constipation caused by lack of toilets, or the wrong food, or both? If it's the wrong food/dehydration you can sort this without abandoning your holiday.

Sorry, but I'd recommend a glycerine suppository after at least one laxative pill the previous night. But unless you can use a portable toilet in your tent, you will just have to stay in the cubicle as long as you like. You have a perfect right to do so!

Try to wait until after breakfast before you go, or if you do set the alarm, have a drink of something before you go.
If you are worried about other people hearing you, put your fingers in your ears so you can't hear any other campers in the ablutions block.

Juliet27

“It’s wind on long haul flights that bothers me”

Is that the tail wind the pilot makes reference to on the tannoy? ?

Bluesky any affair would have to be conducted out of lavatory hours.

Sodapop

Yes, sounds like a combination of not being relaxed enough due to the toilet situation, and change of diet, water etc. A week isn’t drastic, unless you’re uncomfortable. There’s the obvious juices etc you can try. Are you able to be quite physical? Do you walk, run or swim? I know I had a good result once from going on a treadmill too soon after a roast!? Not to be repeated. If you’ve still got some holiday to go, I would find a local GP if things haven’t happened after the weekend! I wish you well.

I feel for you Rach as you perhaps can't relax simply because the toilets don't feel private enough - not like at home. Maybe you're scared of being overheard, "Mummy, I heard a noise!" Or a smell. It's inhibiting.
I can only add - do the things which you know would help if you were at home such as roughage, fluids and exercise. Failing that - half a pint of beer.

I so agree with another poster who said it’s a female problem. Most men don’t seem to mind if they are noisy, smelly, or just a long time in the loo.

A bag of dried figs is always my travelling companion*Rach*?. Works without fail every time. It’s such a rotten feeling which drags you down. Hope things ‘ work out’ for you soon?

I wonder why we are like this. I can't remember using the school loo for no 2s, and even as a grown up feeling awkward to do that in work, perhaps visiting a loo on a different floor from my office.

Never feel embarrassed about any health conditions.
Many others will have similar conditions and might be to afraid to ask for help and advice.

Prune juice, I take a glass daily as medication causes constipation. The OP has my sympathy, it’s uncomfortable and becomes a tiny obsession until resolved!

My ex had ulcerative colitis and I learned a lot about pooing in that time!

It really isn't good for you to ignore the urge to poo. Go when the urge strikes or you risk losing the urge, long term.

Those that 'save it' until it's convenient fall into that camp too. Not good to ignore your bodies signals.

I vere towards constipated about 1/3 of the time. Eating a kiwi always sorts me out. I have rarely had a need for 2 kiwis.

I spend half of any flight in the loo. Not for poo needs although I'd go if I needed to. I hate being cooped up in a plane seat and am also a restless and nervous flyer.

Just checking in to see if the OP has had any luck. It's a horrible feeling.
I remember after my first knee replacement, constipation was an issue due to the medication affecting bowel motility. Dear Wobblybits an ex GNer told me he'd had the same problem and that the coast guard had had to be alerted once his bowels had finally moved. Made me laugh to think of that.

First thing in the morning drink a really cold glass of water with lemon juice before you drink/eat.

Try liquorice. Any sort. Pontefract cakes are easy to get. Not too many though.!!

Biba70 what great advice

Interesting information, biba, I'll try to remember that.

And drink plenty.
Yes, that is essential, preferably water.
I think that warm water is supposed to be good ( if you can tolerate it).

GagaJo eating a kiwi always sorts me out

I presume you meant a kiwi fruit, and not a New Zealander!

Just to add, I have AllBran every morning as I too take meds which would bung me up otherwise and drink water throughout the day.

Please try not to feel so awkward about performing a necessary bodily function Rach. Everyone has to do it, even the queen sits on the throne?. Plus, anyone who may hear anything are strangers you will never meet again?

Rach if you still haven't been only a laxative will sort it, I wouldn't leave it any longer, otherwise it would have to be enemas!

There are other acupressure trigger points for constipation- you can google them. One is the elbow crease- bend your elbow, and where the crease ends, press firmly for 1 or 2 minutes- apparently left arm is best- but I do both for good measure.

A friend good really dehydrated after a long journey last week- and ended up in hospital. I'll spare you his blushes- but he was totally impacted and had to be 'sorted out' - not pleasant.

Haha Phoenix! Those days are long gone.

Yes. Fruit.

I once had a situation when I was on chemo. Sennacot, laxatives, kiwi fruit, prunes. Nothing worked. Until I took them altogether then whoosh... Not comfortable, pretty or fragrant.

Hello rachb.....you’re not Boris Johnson are you??
Try a dram? one evening, it’s a guaranteed laxative, even better, have two.

Nuts do it for me ...and weetabix, chocolate.. lots fruit n veg.
This maybe TMI ...but shower head directed straight at trapdoor causes internal movements and bomb to drop ...as does a soapy finger in the appropriate place all done in privacy of shower.
Glycerin suppositories require a retention that may not be comfortable for you .