Constipation

I am so glad you are getting help - it can be horrible. The hospital may give an enema, which would be a relief. I do wish you well and hope help comes soon.

I ended up in A&E - what a relief!! Like kitty I had been pretty poorly and painkillers did for me as well as no exercise.

I now am very on top of my diet and take lactulose.

I am determined that it will never happen again.

Most unpleasant!

I remember our conversations at the time WWM2. And how much help you were.

👍

Not a short term solution but I’ve found that a couple of teaspoons of chia seeds sprinkled on my cereal or made into chia seed pudding helps to keep things on the move.

Heat pad or hot water bottle on stomach whilst lying down. Helps to relax the muscles so lactoluse can do it’s magic

My sil had an impacted bowel and simply for the reason we will never know didn’t seek help.

Her bowel burst and she died.

That’s dreadful WW. I know if someone who was hospitalised for over a week with an impacted bowel after taking only a few coedine pain killers. His dd gave a few packs to me as I had just come out of hospital after my hip op, but I didnt need or take them. Certainly wouldn’t after I heard his story. I had no idea that they could cause such massive problems.

I started my first chemotherapy cycle on a Thursday. Second day Friday. The anti sickness med Ondansetron (?) causes constipation. No one told me at the hospital. Saturday morning I was in agony. No emergency tel number to ring. The cancer team works mon to friday. I rang 111 and the kindest doctor in the whole world rang me back and sent a prescription to the local Boots. I am never without a box of glycerine suppositories in the bathroom drawer. I hate constipation with a vengeance.

Wyllow3

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.

It's Moviprep, not Movicol that's used prior to a colonoscopy in my local hospital. That or Picolax. The moviprep is a depth charge compared with Movicol which is a small time bomb.

Movicol can be used for faecal impaction though.

There are powders to take for constipation. They are called Laxido and can be prescribed by your GP.

They dissolve easily in water and you can take up to 4 sachets a day. I don't think there is a need for that many, but they are safe to take.

Supppositories are all very well, but they can irritate the lower bowel, and the problem might not be there, but higher up. If there is a blockage further up then loose brown fluid will go around the blockage and makes people think they have the opposite.

Constipation needs to be told to the GP as there could be any reason for it. You shouldn't have to buy any medicines yourself. They can all be prescribed by the GP.

I find fresh orange juice helps me.

Tbh I think that we are talking about two very different things here.

Constipation which to a degree we all suffer from at some time and needs assistance of some sort to get things moving. This shouldn’t be ignored, but is relatively easy to deal with.

Then there is constipation which leads to impaction. Which as we know should be treated very seriously and if help is not sought can lead to death.

I think that when it gets to this stage it cannot be resolved without help, so get yourself to medical help asap.

After your husband recovers … then he needs daily preventative action. I take a slippery elm capsule every day!

Yes you are right Whitewavemark 2 these are 2 different problems. I hope that OPs husband has now been treated by the paramedics or hospital and all is OK for him and her.
I hope that when she can she is able to come back and let us know how he is now.

I'm sorry to hear about your husband's condition. It's understandable that this is causing both of you a lot of stress. Since it has been a while and you're still waiting for medical advice, here are a few suggestions that might help:

1. Hydration: Ensure he's drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help soften the stool and ease constipation.

2. Dietary Fiber: If possible, include high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in his diet. Prune juice can also be effective for some people.

3. Physical Activity: Gentle movement, if he's able, can sometimes stimulate digestion and help relieve constipation.

4. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to his abdomen might help relax the muscles and reduce discomfort.

5. Follow Up: Keep trying to contact medical services for professional advice. If his discomfort increases or he experiences severe symptoms like vomiting or intense pain, seek immediate medical attention.

I hope these steps bring some relief soon. Please take care and prioritize his comfort while awaiting professional guidance.

Eating chopped pineapple and cucumber together really helps with constipation. 🥒🍍