Embarrassing: Camping & Constipated

Be careful with the enema suggestion rachb like all procedures there are risks if its not done by a competent person.

Rachb, straining may cause piles. So please go to the doctor and get a complete regime for making over your colon and or rectum so they empty easily.

Possibly the doctor will not have time to do more than prescribe a laxative. If so please consult the practice nurse, or practice dietician.

It's not good to rely on suppositories every day, but when the bottom end is blocked the sort of suppository that softens the blockage is the most gentle sort. If unsure do please ask the pharmacist about which suppository. They usually have a private room for a consultation.

Ideally someone would give you an enema as that would not cause problem or discomfort . But I don't know who who to recommend, unless you can get hold of a private nurse or a practically-minded friend to do it, after you go home.

Oh I have been following this thread with interest as I too have problems 'going' - even when at home and can relax. I think my bowels have lost their "ooomph" too.
Please let us know the outcome, as it were rach!
Good Luck x

rach seriously I would suggest you look into Movicol for long term use. It is a softener and makes things easier to go without straining. Hope you get home safely.

You poor thing you must be so uncomfortable by now. Hope you have some luck soon.

Thanks everyone for your help.

I suffer with chronic constipation (my bowel lost it's "ooomph" when I am on the toilet about five years ago) - at home things take a long while and there's a bit of straining involved (and a lot of frustration!).

The addition of being unable to relax is completely stopping things!

I managed a couple of pebbles this morning - but am looking forward to using my own toilet when I get back home!

It is reassuring to hear how many people have this problem and are willing to help.

I had this problem whilst camping as a teenager and eventually went to the loo in the middle of night for some privacy. Unfortunately the camp nightwatchman came in to ask if I was alright. I could have throttled him! I do find dried figs or prunes help so I aways take some with me on holiday.

downtoearth

Fly biscuits?
aka Garibaldi biscuits

Or figgy biscuits. I really dislike figs but love figgy biscuits, haven't eaten one for years. Too tempting.

rach surgeon advised my DH rasins are the best thing. Also Movicol which is like Fybogel and lots of water. Movicol absorbs water and makes things softer. Rasins are good too. Good luck.

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 .

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

GagaJo eating a kiwi always sorts me out

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

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).

Biba70 what great advice

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

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

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.

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.