Constipation

I've recently had this problem and have been using fybogel which has helped a lot. I also take dulcoease as it's a stool softener, dulcolax gave me terrible stomach pain! Lots of water as well to try and move everything along!

Has your dh been on codeine/co codamol? It can bring on terrible constipation.
I would up the dose of constipation meds if you can. I have powders where the usual fuse is one a day with water but can increase to up to 8 a day if necessary.

Usual dose

Lactulose from a pharmacy, on NHS website.

Poor thing. Lots of water helps.

Prunes if he can bear to eat..

Thanks all.
I feel I’ve done everything.
Still waiting for 111 to call back.

He could have impacted stools. Needs to go to hospital.

If stools are severely impacted - ie not gone to the toilet for 2 weeks, then it is a doctor matter.

There are 2 kinds of ways constipation easing meds help

One is to soften the stool, which includes lactulose, fybergel, Laxido, and one used a lot now, movicol (as well as lots of prunes and fibre), lots of water is key too. (maybe others)

Its individual preferences here but its worth noting that, for example the standard drug given to people who are having a colonoscopy (bowel examination) locally is 8 x doses of movicol to clean you out and lots of water.

The second is the "urge to go a stimulant, and dulcolax comes into that category. (there may be others)

Please dont take these as for sure medical advice, its the extent of my knowledge.

The other thing is moving around as much as possible of course - but thats probably a big part of the problem.

When I was bed bound for a while, I was prescribed lactose which you can get otc too, I think.

None of them are instant and relaxing helps a lot.

Also putting your feet on a potty stool - or a child's step stool helps.

I think a visit to either A&E or a small injuries clinic is in order.

It sounds possibly impacted and will need attention.

I think a visit from the District Nurse is indicated here perhaps to give a small enema or suppositories. If 111 ring you back you could ask if this can be arranged. Obviously that wouldn't be today but wait and see what they say. Please don't try lots of different meds without advice. I hope he is more comfortable soon.

Thankyou . Yes I’ll ask if a nurse can come out .🙏

Hopefully they can presscribe some senna to get it moving

DD2 had an impacted bowel in hospital after her ‘stroke’.
Years later, she’s had 2 more occurrences and taken herself straight off to A&E. She had a colonoscopy last year, but it’s her lack of mobility and gravity to blame.

Hope MrG has a good outcome soon.

Gingster

Thankyou . Yes I’ll ask if a nurse can come out .🙏

Best idea Gingster. I feel for your husband and you will be worrying too. Like Himself 18 months ago - it was very stressful on top of everything else you are dealing with. I hope you can get help today. x

Gingster

Dh had a stroke nearly three weeks ago. He’s recovering slowly but today has severe constipation, can’t sit down and is in and out of the toilet.
I’ve phoned 111 for advice and an still awaiting a call back (2 hours)
I’ve given him Dulcelax but nothing is happening.
He’s becoming very anxious and uncomfortable.
Any ideas.? Please

Same here Gingster my husband’s severe stroke was in Nov. He is unable to walk so I have to push him in either wheelchair or a big piece of gear called Sara Stedy. Both are difficult to manoeuvre as it’s a small shower room.

He gets many days when he is constipated and sits in there for up to an hour. The hospital sent him home with boxes of CosmoCol sachets and most days he takes one but you can take up to 4 a day.

Plenty of fluids and fruit and veg help but I might as well talk to myself! He says he doesn’t fancy fruit and can’t keep drinking as he then needs my help to get to loo.

Life as we know it can turn on a sixpence. It’s devastating coping with what happens. To all those reading and going through uncertainty and anguish my heart goes out to you too. We never know the day. 💐

So sorry Primrose I really feel for you.

We’re now waiting for an ambulance/paramedics as he is deteriorating by the minute.

Gingster

So sorry Primrose I really feel for you.

We’re now waiting for an ambulance/paramedics as he is deteriorating by the minute.

Hope all goes well. Will be thinking of you both.❤️

Sending a hug Gingster. And crossed fingers that your DH will be well again soon.

So sorry Gingster hopefully he’ll be helped soon x

I hope he will get help soon. Constipation is horrible.

My go to are Boots glycerine suppositories. Once you are at the stage of sitting on the loo for ages all the prunes or lactulose in the world are not going to help. Too late for that. Suppositories or an enema. Once you have been successful then look to your diet and meds for constipation. And also drink lots of water.