TMI warning... Constipation talk

SamiiWaters · February 2016

Ok ladies, I'm desperate! Yesterday afternoon, I started getting this sharp cramping pain right under the base of my ribs. It would last 10-15 seconds and I'd get it every 30 minutes like clockwork. It felt like a high contraction.

I ended up going to the ER last night because it wasn't getting better, I had passed a few small hard balls of feces but otherwise was super constipated (and had been for 4 days or so). And the pain got to where it felt like I was going to have bad diarrhea but never got it.

At the ER, I had blood drawn, urinalysis and an ultrasound of my kidneys and the baby (who's doing fantastic!). I was told they couldn't tell what was wrong and to come back if the pain got worse.

We'll the pain hasn't gotten worse but now it's lower in my abdomen, I've been Nauseous all day and have had a bad headache. No bowel movements at all today despite feeling like I had to go several times...

I started reading up on impacted bowels and am now terrified. I have fissures and the idea of a doctor manually removing feces is terrifying. Does anyone have any experience here? I have an appt with my doc Friday, as that's the soonest I could be seen. Stool softeners aren't helping and with the hyperemesis, increasing fluids is hard.

HELP!!!

yellowrose314 · February 2016

Have you tried lactulose? It's a liquid, it's usually the first thing we try after diet changes for acute bowel care in the hospital. If it's that bad though I would try glycerin suppositories. Also try some metimucil! Hope this helps!

SamiiWaters · February 2016

Thank you @yellowrose314 !

rn1stbae · February 2016

Are you actually having hyperemesis or are you saying you're just constantly nauseated? Hyperemesis requires medical treatment and you shouldn't be waiting until Friday, you could be severely dehydrated and your electrolytes way out of whack by then. If you're hyperemectic go back to the ER and have them treat that. As for the abdominal issues, sounds like you're conatipated and experiencing gas pains. If you're not passing stool your feces are sitting there emitting gas which isn't passing because you're so stopped up. Gas can be super painful and the clockwork pains (every 30 mins in your case) come from your peristaltic movements. Until Friday I suggest fluids, simethicone, stool softeners (colace), and ACTIVITY. I know your belly hurts but activity beyond walking is great for your intestines. Have a cup of prune juice and go for a jog, cardiac bike ride, zumba, something to get your heart rate up. At the drs they might suggest and enema or suppository....these suggested ideas are cheaper, gentler, and preventive

SamiiWaters · February 2016

I was diagnosed with hyperemesis last week after losing almost 30 lbs in 3 weeks. I've been on Zofran and have had to get IV fluids but the ER said I didn't need them last night. They gave me colace but it won't stay down. I'll try prune juice though I'm not sure that will stay down either. Thanks for the tips! I'll try anything that won't hurt the baby at this point

jensou · February 2016

I'm sorry you're going through this. The high iron in PNVs plus being dehydrated can really make things hard to move. I'm glad you're not too embarrassed to talk about it because I bet a lot of others are benefitting from this discussion just by reading it.

If if you can keep salty stuff down like Gatorade or soup broth that can help. It'll draw water into your bowels and help flush them from the top down. If you're practically blocked below, oral treatments may not help much.

Dont strain! Especially since you already have fissures. The tissue in your rectal vault will swell and this makes it even harder to pass stool.

If you think you can handle it, I would recommend a fleets enema. You can buy it at drug store or Walmart. Read the directions all the way through first. If you've had fissures just be careful and go slow inserting the enema tip. It's awful but if you're desperate, worth a shot.

Ive manually disimpacted people before. It's no treat for anyone involved but I guarantee you the staff will be professional and they'll have sympathy for you. It's a horrible thing to be so constipated and really it's the only thing you can even think about until it resolves.

You may have diarrhea afterwards once everything gets going again but don't let that stop you from taking your stool softeners daily and drinking lots of water. That way you hopefully won't get so constipated again.

Good luck!!

sunshinern96 · February 2016

I would also suggest a suppository or an enema if you can get one!! I am a mother/baby RN and some of our c-section patients just feel so so uncomfortable and feel like they really need to have a bowel movement but can't. We try milk of magnesia first which also works well but if that doesn't work, it's on to the suppository. I don't know if milk of mag is pregnancy safe though so you'd have to look into that. The suppository usually works within an hour! Good luck and I'm sorry you are going through this.

AnnaS930 · February 2016

If you're not keeping anything down orally - I would go for a suppository at this point. Glycerin suppositories work locally in the bowel and are not systemically absorbed so there's nothing going to baby. I wish you luck, I've never been back up quite that badly, but the times I've come close are painful to say the least. I second the increased movement - I like jumping jacks when things don't move, laying in different positions - on your left side might help move things. And fluid fluid fluid, even if it isn't staying down, ice chips, popsicles, anything.

Thscary · February 2016

I wouldn't use Metamucil. It can actually worsen acute constipation, especially if you are having a hard time getting adequate fluids to begin with. You can use a glycerin suppository which may be your best bet right now to get things moving. Hope you get some relief soon. It's a terrible feeling

netsirk2013 · February 2016

I am not one to use anything other than all natural options for constipation.

Aloe Vera drink (they sell it at grocery stores -I personally get mine through Herbalife- yes I'm a coach and get a nice discount) this will get your Cillia moving. The more pure the aloe the better.

We all know prunes -yuck, go for it if you can stomach it!

And coconut oil is another go to of mine. Swallow a tablespoon.

Just some ideas to try.

yellowrose314 · February 2016

I would avoid the use of Aloe Vera juice in pregnancy actually. The latest research says it can cause premature uterine contractions, as well as lowered blood sugar. As others have said, if you have hyperemesis and you can't keep anything down orally, go for the suppositories or a fleet enema.

jackiel1987 · February 2016

I've had severe constipation in the past. The one time that I had gone about 4 days without a BM and was sick I caved and did an enema. Believe me, it was a last resort. The thought of it seemed horrific to me. It will get it out and you'll feel better. If you're in as much pain as I was then I'm sure you're willing to try anything at this point. I did this after chewable laxatives, laxative tea and miralax did nothing.

SamiiWaters · February 2016

Thanks ladies! After glycerin suppositories and an enema, and a rather large tear, it's finally out. Thanks for the suggestions! I'm so glad I didn't have to go into the hospital for this.

homebird · February 2016

Glycerin suppository. Also, take magnesium (max dose is 400 mg I think).

Knottie1456280733 · February 2016

All of the supplement ideas are great. I hope you find relief soon and sorry about your severe nausea

.

I've heard great things about the Squatty Potty. It basically is a stool that allows you to be in optimal position for elimination. Once you've tried some of the suggestions above, it might help to make it easier. I've seen them at Bed Bath and Beyond.

SamiiWaters · February 2016

ChalupMama said:

All of the supplement ideas are great. I hope you find relief soon and sorry about your severe nausea .

I've heard great things about the Squatty Potty. It basically is a stool that allows you to be in optimal position for elimination. Once you've tried some of the suggestions above, it might help to make it easier. I've seen them at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Ooo I've never heard of this. I'll have to check it out

rn1stbae · February 2016

Zofran constipates you too! Hopefully the nausea subsides eventually so you can take stool softners.

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