5 days constipation :( I can't be the only one (ibs sufferer) apparently ... :(

Hey everyone :)
Well I haven't been on nmp for months... Completely mirtazapine/diazepam free for 7 months now :) I kicked that health anxiety in the butt!!! Or so it seemed....
Since I had my little boy 4 years ago I've been plagued on & off with ibs ( according to our wonderful helpful doctors) mostly just stomach craps and pooing for England... And I haven't had a flare up for months... Clockwork bowels everyday... But then sat I had terrible diorreah ... Then since mon no poo... Not a single thing !!!
I've had the odd tummy ache and off I went to the doctors in panic health anxiety was telling me I had cancer of the stomach colon just everywhere! I'm only 27... She gave me sachets of movicol and still no bowel movement... I am honestly going out of my mind... I've googled and googled :( I know I know Dr Google is a bad person.. And well decided now I've got a bowel full of poisonous toxins that will poison my tummy and I'm going to drop dead soon of a poisonous monster in my bowel :(
I'm going to buy the most outrageous amount of prunes blueberries laxatives and well everything tomo... I can't stand the thought of having poo in me for this long :( I go every morning like clockwork normally ..
Honestly I'd be so grateful if anyone has had or are suffering from this...

I must admit... I haven't been on here because my severe health anxiety has been so brilliant and I've kept in touch with my closest nmp buddies on fb but I have to say... It's a comfort being back... I've missed this place... I don't know what I would have done with out it for the 2 years of my absolute anxiety hell....
All thanks to you Nicola :)

Carls xxxx

Hi there,

I am no expert on this but thought I would try to post a reply and see if it helps in any way. Have you only had the IBS since you had your little boy? - I don't know if there could be any connection there. I would really advice against laxatives as they can become addictive (I was on 20 a day for years) - prunes are meant to be good (if you can stand them) or high fibre stuff to get the bowels moving.
Could the constipation be anxiety/stress related? - Slightly off topic but my period was 5 days late and I am usually very regular however I have been stressed a lot recently and stress affects the body in many ways.

Have you ever heard of Lactulose? It is a liquid (not v tasty) but is a lot gentler than laxatives and it worked for me when I took some a couple of years ago - I believe you can buy it without prescription - and it is often used in hospitals for patients with constipation as far as i know.

I get constipation every month - this past month I was constipated for about 6 days and felt unbelievably bloated - and yes, googling isnt the best idea as I discovered when i convinced myself I was dying of some chronic illness. For me, the constipation I get is always a week or so before my period is due so am wondering if this might be what is causing it, or if you arent eating enough fibre.

Try not to worry - I know it is uncomfortable when you have poop in there and want rid of it but it will sort itself out - if you can get hold of some lactulose I highly recommend it - not only does it work but (sorry to be graphic) - it makes passiing poo smoother - if you havent been for 5 days it can be painful.

I dont know much about IBS so what I have typed may be completely useless but I hope the situation sorts itself out because I know how uncomfotable it is when you feel full of poop!

Carly Lou
I get that all the time I never get a right balance with my bowels.
I have constant diarrhoea for a week then the next week Im constipated. The annoying thing about it is that if I have urgency diarrhoea I take one capsule of immodium to stop it then I dont poo for about five days or more and if Im constipated I take fibre drinks and/or lactulose and it turns to alot of diarrhoea, i feel like I cant win.

I know how you feel hun its totally sucks and it can be worrying. Another think you can try cant guarantee it will work though is have a look at the dairy isle at the supermarket the place where yoghurt is kept well they should stock some probiotic drinks, get some of those and see if they make a difference. In New Zealand they call it yakult and there are other brands too.

Anyway Im sorry you are going through this I know how you feel and I hope you are able to empty your bowels soon.

hey guys, thank you so much for your reply...
ive now have a fridge full of prune juice, natrual yogurt, everything and anything to help me get some movement in my bowels... i actually did have a very small bowel movement this morning, not enough for me to think its a success but.... atleast it was something...
ive drank prune juice and now have a bloated tummy and cramping.... but hopefully this means things will finally happen....
lets hope :) ive also got some senekot just incase....
xxxx

My daughter has IBS and it started at Uni. there is no real cure but the best advice is to see a dietican and it will mean a complete change of diet. Good luck.It has helped her to some extent.

All the best aye. I also recommend Lactulose syrup that is pretty good stuff too.