Constipation - stool too hard to pass. Help!?
Hi everyone,
I've been taking Nexium for acid reflux for 2 weeks, and this past week one of its side effects has been really awful constipation. I've changed my diet to include lots of fibre, and even resorted to laxatives and a suppository to help things along.
I feel mostly clear, but there feels like one stubborn stool that is absolutely solid inside my rectum, and no matter how much I push/strain (I know I shouldn't), it just won't budge. In fact, it gets to the point where I stop because pushing it out causes too much pain, like I'm gonna tear something down there
Tomorrow will be my third day without a proper bowel movement and I'm getting a bit worried. I guess the doctor is the next step? What will they do?
I'll consider colon cleansing or an enema, but that won't happen until next week at least.
The whole thing's just incredibly uncomfortable, I can't function properly to do anything… so any tips and advice would be great.
Thanks a lot.
Thanks for the answers so far, guys. I've tried laxatives already… they seem to flush poop past the solid stool, while it stays firmly in place.
Re: the stool softeners, how long will they take to work? A few days I read, don't know if I can take it that long! It's quarter to midnight here now and I'm dreading another night of sleeping with this.
Re: bucket in the bath… Thanks, although somewhat disgustingly, I've already attempted to poke around and break up some of the stool… but it's too far up to reach.
eat bran-flakes, drink orange juice and eat soups only, stay away from bananas they bind you, you should shift it within a day
February 16th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
eat bran-flakes, drink orange juice and eat soups only, stay away from bananas they bind you, you should shift it within a day
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February 16th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Milk of magnesia?
I'm sure you can find a whole range of laxatives at the supermarket tomorrow. After which, try eating a high roughage diet for a while - bran, figs, prunes etc..
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February 16th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Syrup of Figs will sort you right out
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February 16th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Guy, or, at least I assume you're a guy, do yourself a favor, and I mean quick!! 3 letters for you: M.O.M.! Take a whole 2 tablespoons full, and if that doesn't work, then get yourself to a Dr. pronto! That type of situation can be very dangerous to your health!!
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February 16th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Prune Juice might help
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February 16th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
drink lots of boiled water, sip it it must be hot, i find this helps me .
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February 16th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Stool softener will make it pass comfortably, a laxative will quickly (depending on type).
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February 16th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=7
Improving Elimination
Bananas are a smart move if you suffer from elimination problems. A bout of diarrhea can quickly deplete your body of important electrolytes. Bananas can replenish your stores of potassium, one of the most important electrolytes, which helps regulate heart function as well as fluid balance.
In addition, bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber (called a hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract and ease constipation. Bananas also contain resistant starch, but this amount varies depending on their degree of ripeness. In their lesser ripe stages, bananas score as low as 30 on the glycemic index (below 50 would be considered low). In their riper stages, this number usually rises to a moderate level in the 60's. All of the above features help place banana in a more favorable digestive light than might otherwise be expected for a sugary fruit.
*tried a banana diet? might help*
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http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=7
February 16th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Are you taking medication for anything else.a lot of medicine,mostly prescribed can give very contrary bowels,too much roughage can have severe effects too.see a good doc. good luck
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February 16th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Don't take any more stimulant laxatives until after you've passed some stool. If you develop a bowel obstruction (stool that becomes too hard and compacted to be passed on its own) a stimulant laxative could cause tearing. Instead, try a stool softener.
In addition, drink a lot of fluids. At least eight, eight-ounce glasses per day. Water is fine, but drinks with some sugar like apple juice are a better choice for constipation. Just make sure to avoid anything caffeinated.
Finally, get up and move around. Exercise, particularly walking, is excellent for speeding up bowel movement.
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February 16th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Poor you. You must be in a right state. Firstly don't eat much of anything because you'll just add to the blockage. You don't need colon cleansing or an enema. You won't be able to have an enema because the tube won't go up. You need to get some suppositories from the Pharmacy or your Doctor. One is inserted into your rectum where it will melt and break up the stool. Your Doctor won't hurt you, but you may need to use a bucket when you can go cos of your poor sore bum. What you can do for now is get a bucket in the bath which is strong enough to sit on (hold one side of the bath if you have to). Fill the bucket to the top with water as hot as your bottom can stand. This deadens the pain somewhat. Put some rubber gloves on. Sit on the bucket then lift your bottom slightly and try and break some of the stool off with your fingers. Sit on the bucket again, then repeat. If you feel you want to poo then do it in the bucket. You can disinfect the bath thoroughly afterwards. Don't let yourself get like this again. Ask your Doctor to prescribe Lactulose syrup. The body doesn't absorb it. It just 'greases' the stools to make them easier to pass. Hope you're okay soon.
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February 17th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Hi.
Many of the disabled children I deal with suffer extreme constipation. Ask your doctor for Lactulose, it gently works its way down and softens the stool.
Failing this you could ask your chemist for Sennakot or sodium picasulphate, - be careful with these though as they can purge.
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http://www.snowdrop.cc
February 17th, 2008 at 2:25 am
I take Nexium for reflux,in the morning and along with 2 senna cot tablets and Lactuose syrup 5-10 mls at night and I do not have no problems, speak to your doctor as there may be some other reason why you are experiencing overflow and constant constipation.
P.s. You could try over the counter remidies for trapped wind.
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February 17th, 2008 at 7:51 am
A 1qt plain warm water enema will fix you right up in no time at all.
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February 18th, 2008 at 2:41 am
You can buy capsules from the pharmacy which you insert as a suppository. They dissolve inside you, will soften everything and will work within around 5-15 minutes. Go get 'em!
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