Help - unmovable constipation?

Joey

Joey

Member
Help - tried the tabs but nothing seems to be working - any well and tested home remedies any can recommend?
 

Joey, if nothing seems to be working, have it checked out right away. It may be nothing serious, but it could be a bowel obstruction and require surgery. Hopefully, drinking plenty of fluid, taking in fruit, and as a last resort a home enema, but as I say, don't wait too long if it continues.
 
cheers appreciate that
 

When I had that scare a couple of months ago, I used a combination of things. I noticed I hadn't had a bowel movement in 3 days or so, but I was not in any pain. I had some vegetable laxative pills that recommended taking them at night. I took the max dose, 4 pills, that night. During the day I chewed a couple of prunes. I sipped water all day.

I have a hot water bottle that has an enema attachment. I'd never used it in that way but I got it out, read the directions and prepared to use it in case I needed to. The next day, I did take the vegetable laxative again instead of waiting till night (because I think it says it can be taken every 6 or 8 hrs). I took it twice a day for 2-3 days, carefully keeping record so I wouldn't go over the recommended 7-day at a time dosages.

My bowel movement came the 4th or 5th day. Never been so glad to have one in my life! 🎊🙌🏽🎉 I didn't want to have to go to the hospital for any procedure. I knew about bowel obstructions, impacted bowel, etc. A friend found out she had an impacted bowel. She hadn't had a bm in days and was in great pain when she decided to go to the hospital. She thought the pain would kill her and could barely drive to the emergency room. She had to stay there 2-3 days for them to move it out but she didn't need an operation.

I did quite a bid of research as I worked on my condition. I think, other than age too, my constipation was caused by using medications to prevent gas, like Beano. Also using antacid tablets and gas chews because I've been dealing with acid reflux and gas and bloating. These types of products can add to constipation, according to what I found. I used to hear about this stuff on TV commercials; bloating, gas, constipation. Never thought I'd have to deal with all of this. 😄

I reduced my use of these constipation-causing OTCs. I try to drink some water throughout the day but not drown myself. I keep prunes and chew one every few days. What I like about the vegetable laxative pills is that they work gently and produce a smooth bowel movement, at least for me. The brand is Equate, Walmart. It has 8.6 mg sennosides and says effective, comfortable, overnight relief, gentle, dependable. I also learned that stress/worry/depression can cause constipation too so I work to have peace of mind.

You take care and get well soon!
 
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Keep a bottle of prune juice in the fridge. It's a completely natural laxative.

The primary reason you're stopped up is dehydration. Drink plenty of water. Avoid coffee which is a diuretic meaning that it promotes frequent urination which depletes hydration in your body.
 
I learned that because of my advanced age and changes in my digestive system, I have to constantly monitor and coddle my elimination system. After that scare, if I don't have a bowel movement in 2 days, I take the vegetable laxative pills that night. The next morning I usually go. If a prune or fruit works, I don't take the pills. If I have even a small bowel movement, I don't take the pills. Laxatives can be addictive, I understand, so I don't rush to take them.

Doctors say that you usually should have a bowel movement every day. I don't think I ever have, even when much younger. But, since they say that, I use the 2-day rule to doctor myself.
 
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I hope that some of the opinions already given help you out...er, "it" out.

Other than that, I go to the "Humor Forum" and read all the joke and funny memes... having a good laugh always helps when I'm feeling like I don't give a Sh&t!
 
Joey said:
Help - tried the tabs but nothing seems to be working - any well and tested home remedies any can recommend?
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I keep a bottle of Milk of Magnesia in my cabinet. If I "skip a day", I take a tablespoon of it after Supper, and by the next morning I'm back on schedule.
 
Whatever you do, don't take Ex-Lax. I was severely constipated a couple months ago and took Ex-lax for it. I eventually did have a bowel movement, but at the same time, I was throwing up and my intestines felt like they were convulsing. What a nightmare!
 
I usually eat fresh fruit and / or baked beans. Prune juice is also supposed to be good. I eat my fruit at room temp if I'm bound up and it has always helped me.
 
HermitHogan said:
Whatever you do, don't take Ex-Lax. I was severely constipated a couple months ago and took Ex-lax for it. I eventually did have a bowel movement, but at the same time, I was throwing up and my intestines felt like they were convulsing. What a nightmare!
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Wow!
 
chic said:
I usually eat fresh fruit and / or baked beans. Prune juice is also supposed to be good. I eat my fruit at room temp if I'm bound up and it has always helped me.
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are the baked beans cold out of the tin or heated?
 
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