Mega Constipation (lots of TMI) - What's Safe & Effective?

[javilu]

I'd probably be backed up even if I weren't on Zofran, but as it is, I feel like I'm full of lead.  It's a compound issue - what's in there is a bit too hard *and* nothing's really moving.

Here is what I've tried:

-Colace (stool softener; helped a bit in that what had been rocks (sorry TMI) is now one single mass and slightly less rock-like)

-MiraLax (not sure if it's helped, if so, same effect as the Colace)

-Drinking water (again, probably helped in conjunction with the stool softeners)

-Fiber (prunes, vegetables, oranges, pears, beans, metamucil (not all at once!), thought it would push things along, but I'm still at a standstill)

-Coffee (just drank a cup.  I never drink coffee.  Don't know how long it takes to work if it will work at all)

-Probiotics (just started today)

-I'm moving as much as I can (I feel like crap most of the time, so this is hard, but I'm working on it)

-(TMI) Manual extraction (back when I was at the rock stage, this was the only way to get anything out)

I had a bit of what I am terming a Tramatic Poop Experience (TPE) and would like to avoid it (there was pain and a bit of blood, and I wanted to stop, but I was literally stuck between a rock and a hard place).  I've also tried lubing the area up a bit, which helped as far as pain goes, but doesn't do anything for actually getting stuff out.  I went to the ER for a bleeding issue (unrelated to the constipation, I assume) and everything turned out to be OK and while I was there, I mentioned to the doctor that I was really, really, really constipated and he suggested the stool softener.  I've also mentioned it to the NP at the OB/midwives' office and they just told me to up my fiber and drink lots of water.  And I've done all these things with little improvement.

I've got some flax seeds I will eat...somehow.  My mom suggested honey and hot water, which I figure can't hurt.  I can't handle prenatals right now, so I'm not taking them. 

I don't want to take anything stimulating and cause any sort of contractions.  I have a sensitive cervix and straining makes me spot, so I am looking for something that will help making pooping as non-traumatic as possible.  Here are things I am curious about, in terms of safety and effectiveness:

-Milk of magnesia (or just taking magnesium in general.  Would this be too stimulating?)

-Glycerin suppositories (I have noticed that my Phenergan suppositories sometimes give me a feeling of urgency, and have occasionally induced a bit of an emptying, but I don't want to waste them on making myself poop, plus they aren't made for this purpose.  Anyway, I am really leaning toward glycerin suppositories for immediate relief, but I don't know if they are good during pregnancy.  I've never used one before.  Are they very stimulating or will they just help to soften things up and get them out?)

-Saline/Fleet enema (one of those single-use deals.  This one scares me the most because I am afraid it would be too stimulating and bring on contractions, but I've never had an enema, so I don't know how they really work)

I also just read that taking fish oil might help.  I hate fishy burps and the pills I have are pretty fishy, but if it helps, it's worth it.  I will also try drizzling olive oil on my salads, etc.

Oh, also - I'm lactose intolerant.  Back before I discovered Lactaid pills, I would have to rush to the bathroom in the middle of snacking on baby carrots and sour cream-based dip.  I am tempted to try drinking milk or eating ice cream, etc. (without taking Lactaids), but with my luck, it would backfire (ha!) and I'd just be gassy and miserable.

What are your best tips for REALLY, REALLY bad constipation?

[Banana731]

I'm sorry, that's really rough. I would call your cp and ask about the glycerin suppositories, and give that a go. I would also eat the flax everyday. You can put them in a smoothie with prune juice and frozen fruit(the fruit would be helpful too, no doubt) it will probably be pretty tasty, too. You can take flax oil instead of fish oil too. All that stuff is really maintenance though, you know. You should be doing everyday once you get things going, to keep them going. Good luck! 

[Intoit]

I got a little backed up halfway thru pregnancy and my MW told me to try the glycerin suppositories as well. That worked for me, I think an enema might be just a little bit stronger. After that incident colace (3 every morning!) has been my best friend.

Some people don't handle fiber very well, instead of having a laxative effect it can can more trouble, just so you know. Coffee has the best laxative effect if you drink it hot in the first 5 minutes upon rising from bed in the morning. I have also heard of using fresh lemon juice squeezed into a mug of hot water and drank immediately upon arising as well to have the same effect.

Boiled yellow squash always has a bit of a laxative effect on me. Copious amounts of fat do too ...as in, slow frying up a big pan of bacon, leaving all the grease, and then scrambling a few eggs mixing the grease in well, and eat it all. You can also try eating a few spoonfuls of coconut oil, it has very little taste, you can dissolve it in a hot liquid to drink it to make it go down easier if necessary.

I sure hope things start moving for you soon, otherwise a trip to the hospital might just get you an enema anyways.

[javilu]

How funny - I was just talking to my husband this afternoon about how I thought squash might help.  I don't know why it occurred to me, but I will try it.  Coconut oil - I hadn't thought of, but that's a good idea.  I've heard very good things about it for health in general, too!

Thank you both!

[Bebe's Mom]

Forum Crasher here..I had the exact same problem when I was pregnant, it was awful! Here is what helped me, I found this recipe in Dr. Gott's column. He uses it for old people...anyway, it works wonders, I hope it helps you.

2 parts oat bran

1 part applesauce

1 part prune juice

mix these together and let meld in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Take 1-3 tablespoons as needed along with a dose of Colace-I would usually take two Colace at a time and would take this concoction in the morning and again in the evening... I also started eating lots of salad, which probably helped too..I had to use applesauce with sugar in it, otherwise I couldn't get it down. It doesn't taste too bad, and it's lots better than being constipated. Hope you are feeling better soon!!

[javilu]

I ended up going out to get glycerin suppositories and some magnesium (just from the vitamin aisle, not the laxative milk of magnesia).  I used a suppository and, man oh man, did it help.  Still mildly traumatic, but I feel like I've gotten past a huge obstacle and have a new lease on life!  Now, I am going to be super vigilant about preventing this from happening again, taking all of your suggestions into consideration and coming up with a daily routine for myself (largely diet-centered, as well as doing ten minutes on the elliptical (hey, i'm sick - it's the best i can manage!) and taking the magnesium supplement).  I'm also going to try to relax, which has been a really difficult thing for me to do!

Thanks again!!!

[Intoit]

Yea, glad you are feeling better!!! I forgot about taking the magnesium! It helps me but little though. Taking the colace every morning seems to be what helps me the most. Also if you don't already, try to set aside "bathroom" time every day, more than once if necessary. If you get busy rushing around it's easy to not go and then get plugged up. My morning coffee helps too 

[outlier]

Eating half a bag of cooked organic carrots once a day did it for me.

[kriket]

apple juice!

I have been status nonpoopus for what seems like weeks. I have been eating lots of fiber, taking psylium husks (metamucil) and nothing was working. I just felt like I was stuffed. And I haven't gained any weight hardly, and didn't want to eat.

anyway... Apple juice usually gives me the runs, so I thought 'what the heck' and drank some of DSs apple juice :)

[Italiamom]

Milk of magnesia was hat finally helped me to clear stuff out.  And then following, prune juice every day.  Sigh.

[Virginia884]

My Bradley teacher suggested putting a low stool in the bathroom and putting your feet up on it while you sit on the toilet. The semi-squatting position helps move things along. 

[Blanca78]

Glad you found a solution! Glycerin suppositories worked a miracle for me, too. I was seriously afraid of internal injuries, what I had in there was so bad. I was dreading the whole "impacted bowel" thing. I got the kind of suppository that you inject rather than insert (seemed more sanitary) and twenty minutes later, the problem was solved.

Since then I've just been doing what i can to up my fiber. Fiber One bars (gross--so sugary--but convenient). I make smoothies out of yogurt, ground up flax seed, orange juice concentrate and ripe banana (apparently bananas have to be RIPE to give you the fiber you need, otherwise they can have the opposite effect). I got double fiber bread and have been eating All Bran and Grape Nuts for breakfast. Plus Colace twice a day. So far, it all seems to be working. I'm still not back to my pre-pregnancy smooth ride, but I'm not afraid of a trip to the emergency room any more.

[Italiamom]

Originally Posted by Virginia884 

My Bradley teacher suggested putting a low stool in the bathroom and putting your feet up on it while you sit on the toilet. The semi-squatting position helps move things along. 

That's really an amazing suggestion...  I've tried squatting on top of the toilet a few times, but I think that might be too deep of a squat.  Even though it isn't my thread, I am TOTALLY going to give the bathroom stool a whirl!

[starbyfar7]

i just started taking 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day. it is hands down the most godawful tasting stuff.. but its supposed to act as a stool softner and its great for baby's brain development. i havent had a real poo in a week.. i mean yeah every now and then i sit down and get a few pebbles.. but this is ridiculous especially for the amount of food im eating! ill let you know if the flaxseed oil works!

[javilu]

good luck!!

[gemasita]

I was constipated the whole pregnancy (on Zofran and even after) until I started taking Floradix.  I also tried one other iron supplement that said "non-constipating" on the label.  They both give me (almost) diarrhea!  It took care of my constipation, at least.

[dallasslynn]

Magnesium is totally safe and doesn't cause any cramping/bloating like some things can cause.  ABut you really have to take quite a bit.  Sometimes it takes 1000-1500 milligrams for me to get "going."  :)  HTH

[Maurine]

I've definitely been there!  However, I did finally get things moving and now I am regular again. 

My maintenance is what is called a "Brown Cow" every morning.  About 1/3 cup of prune juice warmed in the microwave.  It's actually better than it sounds.  (I read about it somewhere on here I think.)  Anyway, both the warm liquid and the prune part help things along and keep them moving day to day for me!

[ASusan]

try adding Epsom salt baths to the mix. YOu absorb magnesium through the skin. I spread the salts on my shoulders and scrubbed my arms with it when I was in the bath. (in addition to what was already in the water).

Eat lots and lots of good fats. Increasing fiber may NOT help for some people.

Also, a liquid calcium-magnesium supplement helped me a bit.