Chronic Constipation of the over 65s

Movicol

Ask the doctor. When you do pass faeces what is the consistency? Look up Google to see pictures of faeces of different consistencies (formed -hard, formed -soft, paste, watery or runny) so you can tell the doctor .

Do you get the feeling of incomplete emptying? Is this why you have to pass faeces ten times a day?Tell the doctor if this is the case.


I suspect you are not drinking enough watery fluids but what do I know!

Lactulose

Could you have IBS? You can help control it by diet.

Should have added you need to get your doctors diagnosis.

Buy a poop stool. Very cheap on Amazon and at Argos.

It puts your bowel in the optimum position for defecating.

I was sceptical but bought one recently - it really helps.

Google ‘poop stool’ or ‘toilet stool’ to find out more about them.

I have been advised to use Laxido following some tests in the gastroenterolgy hosp dept. And drink more....although I do drink a lot.
Laxido does seem to help. One sachet a day. And being autumn I am eating victoria plums which are my favourite fruit. So they no doubt are helping.
But according to the consultant I spoke to constipation in the "elderly" is very common. I never used to think about my bowels. Too busy when working. But now I am aware of them a lot of the timr!!,

I have suffered from constipation for most of my life, I remember my mother soaking senna pods in water and having to drink it - yuk. In recent years I have found Inulin powder a great help, you can add it to drinks as it dissolves easily, it is dietary fibre from plants such as chicory. I also use Super Colon Cleanse capsules from Health Plus, they are more convenient than inulin. Avoid harsh laxatives.

Have you had a bowel check-up?

Do you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables?

NotSpaghetti

Have you had a bowel check-up?

OP said she’s seeing GP next week?

Thank you very much everyone.

Fybogel. Take one sachet every evening in a glass of water. Gentle but effective

I have similar if I don't stick rigidly to the following
All bran and a glass of prune juice (not just prunes).
Minimum 2 litres of water a day.
Vast amount of fruit and veg.
I take various drugs that cause constipation. If things slow down I take dulcoeas as well. I've tried all the different kinds of laxatives and find that one the best. You can vary the dose to get the balance right.

You have my sympathy.

I take tablets that cause constipation like Stonehenge and so I completely understand the frequent toilet trips without being able to go!

I also find lactulose and fybogel helps a bit. Peppermint tea and kefir does a bit too. Also try not to strain - it doesn't help.

Hope things get better soon

I have also suffered from chronic constipation, for as long as I remember, but taking Michael Moseley's advice on the benefits of taking flax seeds every day, or chia, has transformed my gut health. I now have daily bowel movements and am more comfortable. Not always sure when it might happen, but so happy it does. I've always eaten at least 8 pieces of fruit and veg a day but only made me bloated, so easy to incorporate flax seeds in your daily diet.

I take prescription meds which cause horrendous constipation. Over the years I've tried lots of remedies which just haven’t worked. Late last year I found a product called Fruits and Fibre and it's been a game changer for me. It looks much like a stock cube and tastes like the filling of a fig roll biscuit - and along with senna, I find it works really well

Jaxjacky yes I saw that but the bowel screening programme is separate from the GP.

Have you tried Kefir? It's fermented milk and one of those recommended probiotics. I drink a small glass a day and it sorted constipation for me. It has a delicious sweet-sour taste. I just buy the regular, non flavoured type.

Granatlast007

Have you tried Kefir? It's fermented milk and one of those recommended probiotics. I drink a small glass a day and it sorted constipation for me. It has a delicious sweet-sour taste. I just buy the regular, non flavoured type.

That helps with my constipation problems too. I like the cherry flavoured one

I have to dance a delicate dance between taking pain control and being constipated. I find 2 medjool dates per day plus a diet rich in fruit and veg keeps everything stable.

I suffer with this as well . I use prune juice as others have suggested. I.have sciatica - i tjink linked to tge constipation- andcwas taking ibuprofen capsules i noticed they have sorbitol in which gets mine moving. So i now take just 1 a day in the morning which helps .

It is essential to eat veggies and fruit. I eat broccoli, cabbage and green beans most days plus dates or prunes, kiwi fruit (with skins if you can manage this). Also, drink plenty of water.

My Mother gave me Senna pods as well.....every Sunday. I used to wonder why as my bowels were perfect.....They still are and I'm 80.