I am so sorry, this is definitely TMI, but I haven’t had a bowel movement in four days, except for one tiny one that I basically had to deliver in a Walgreens restroom.
We are attempting everything—
- 3.5 doses of MiraLAX
- 1 dose of Metamucil
- 4 stool softening pills
- A prebiotic soda
- A pack of Haribo gummies
- A spoonful of olive oil
- Plenty of water, obviously
- Perineal massages (apologies for the TMI)
- Hot coffee
- Using a Squatty Potty
- Fast food and dairy items that usually trigger my digestion
I have a very sad grocery delivery of mag citrate, dried plums, apricots, high-protein yogurt, and enema kits arriving tomorrow morning. My condolences to the delivery person; I’m just as appalled as you’d imagine.
If I’m missing any pointers for some immediate help, please let me know.
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I’ve found that eating kiwis really helps.
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Ugh. Four days is quite a while. Are you at least able to pass gas?
It sounds like you’ve tried it all. When I first started, I’d draw the line at 3 days and then start my foolproof plan: three Dulcolax soft chews before bed, a buttered bagel in the morning with lots of hot coffee, and then a stroll. That usually did the trick for me.
If you don’t go today, you should really contact your physician because a bowel blockage can develop quite fast.
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At this stage, you probably need a powerful stimulant-type laxative like Dulcolax. MiraLAX only works by pulling water into the colon; it isn’t a stimulant. And additional fiber can sometimes make things worse when you’re already backed up. The mag citrate will definitely work (that’s what they use for prep for a colonoscopy). Please go to an emergency room or urgent care center if you don’t have a movement tomorrow. Once you get things moving, try to keep on top of things. I take Mag07 capsules in the evening and Miralax in my coffee every day. Both are safe for extended use. Good luck!
I am so sorry! You’ve really put in the effort. I agree with the other person who said to see a medical professional if you can’t get this moving by tomorrow. It’s difficult to resolve once it becomes a major issue. I dealt with that once on a different medication. After this, I’d try to stay ahead of it with daily Mag07 or mag citrate and something like Benefiber gummies. Caffeine is also great for keeping things regular. So sorry and wishing you the best of luck.
Sometimes an enema treatment can get things started… and then watch out. You can pick up a saline enema at a discount store for about $1.25. They are simple to administer.
You might think this isn’t real, but hot milk mixed with salt is a traditional remedy we use for both kids and adults. It works for me. But obviously, if you can’t have dairy, please don’t try it. Have you tried an enema yet?
Mag citrate… stay close to the commode. Good luck to your backside!
You should try a Fleet glycerin enema. It’s a small amount of liquid and you have to hold it in tightly for as long as you can. I lie on my belly for about 3-5 minutes if I can stand it. Then race to the bathroom. It will soften the impacted stool near the exit and allow you to go. I suspect you might have a minor blockage. Try that once, then again a few hours later, and if you still don’t go, you need to be seen. Whenever I get backed up and MiraLAX won’t work, I use those Fleet glycerin products and I’m going within minutes. Luckily, I haven’t needed one in a long time, but I travel with them just in case. I was prone to constipation even before using Zepbound.
Taking things that force a movement when the stool is extremely hard will result in a rough experience. Try taking Colace daily along with your fiber and give your body a few weeks to adjust to the routine.
A suppository might provide the immediate relief you need for this urgent situation. It makes things slippery for easier passage, pulls in water to soften the stool, and activates the bowel muscles within an hour. Just don’t use them too often or your body might forget how to function without them.
Glycerin-based osmotic suppositories and then bisacodyl stimulant suppositories would be the next step, with glycerin being the milder option.
I’m going to give you some serious TMI because I’ve been in your shoes!
1st: Put on a glove, get some lube, and try manual removal. That is what an emergency room nurse suggested during my visit for severe constipation.
I was holding a prescription for a colon cleanse from the ER physician. I was severely blocked and in so much pain that I didn’t even care about feeling self-conscious.
2nd: The ER physician said that at this stage, over-the-counter laxatives aren’t effective and it’s too late for fiber tablets. Laxatives are for a slight backup and fiber is a preventative measure—at this point, fiber will actually make things worse.
3rd: The doctor said to buy some protective briefs when I collect the prescription because I’d likely be going without much warning for a few days. He also said to track my bowel movements and if I hit 4 days without going, start an everyday regimen of Miralax three times daily and Mag07 before bed, only stopping once I’ve gone.
4th: Consult your Zepbound doctor. Mine took me off the medication for about 2 weeks so my digestive system could recover, and we started over with low doses until my diet was under control. I’ve become a fan of dried plums as my everyday fiber source!
Good luck. I really feel your pain.
