How Now Brown Cow...Constipation Help and way TMI!

Ugh, I didn't want to post this on the main board, but I'm in dire need of some help.  I haven't had a BM in about 2 weeks, despite colace daily.  I'm newly PG and between the added prenatal and iron, I'm sure this is the culprit.  I'll obviously be upping my colace intake, but for now, it's too late.  Here comes the TMI part...I had to go today, so I sat down and things moved just to "the door" and then are stuck, impacted really, with some bleeding.  It's nasty and disgusting, but more than anything else, it's painful and not passing.

What OTC remedy can I use to help break up the solid mass?  Is this what enemas are for?  What about Milk of Magnesia or laxatives?

Thanks and how embarrassing!

I completley understand. I just recently started taking medication that stops me up pretty bad. After not going all week I was pretty miserable. I had to do 2 enemas! It really helped. If you try an enema and it does not work..then you might have a serious problem. Give it a shot. I hope you feel better soon!

This is a problem I am VERY familiar with. I am almost 3 years post op and have had this issue for the last 2 years. I have not figured out the "answer" , once I think I do, it all starts over again. Right now I am using Miralax OTC, I take a dose every three days, whether I need it or not.
I also eat Quaker weight control oatmeal, everyday, with a package of Splenda with fiber. It is working very well.
Hope this helps....

To follow up to the Enema post. I have been told ,by several doctors, that an enema is the worst thing you can do, and to never do that.

I think Im dealing with this..but the plug up is in the colon so Im trying (per dr order) 4 dulcolax with magnesium citrate (AWEFUL)!!!!!!!!!! I can't tell you how much..right now nothing much is moving either and Im concerned cause the other thing happening is that Im having the dumping symdrome and the dr is suggesting the stomaphyx to make move slower..aughhhh..
In the case of impaction..don't goof around..that can be deadly and if you're bleeding you have somoe real concern..please seek medical attention.
Best of luck!

Fleets enemas are very effective at cleaning out the lower part of the colon, they are a saline solution that pulls fluid into the colon, and irritates the lining, resulting in a BM. This is why Fleets are used as a prep before a flexible sigmoidoscopy (short butt scope). But in the future, you really need to get a bowel regime; a high fiber diet (this is the colon's miracle food) along with a stool softener (heavier duty than colace) such as Milk of Mag (MOM is not harmful to the colon, and it is not adictive, it just pulls water into the colon) or Mirilax. What is an ABSOLUTE NO,NO, is using a stimulant laxative (senna, cascara, etc...) this stains the colon, and can effect the nerve endings in your colon, making you dependant. NOW, with all of that said, check with your doc about the milk of mag, because if you have renal imparement, a dose can be harmful. Gee, can you tell that I assist GI docs every day ?

How long is it safe to use products like colace and MOM? I have the same issues as the posting person, but not pregnant LOL
I saw my surgeon and we discussed how I am going to add fiber and quality carbs into my diet. 
I am seeing a gastro dr this week for a checkup.

I went to Mayo this problem was so bad and they have me take MOM everyday.  It is the first thing that has helped this long term.  They also said I could do suppositories if needed.  I do recommend with you being pregnant that you check with a doctor first. 

Alice

Fleet enemas got me through pregnancy.  Trust me, you will be so much more comfortable immediately.  Laxatives and stool softeners will only work on the stuff that's passing through the upper parts of the colon.  The poo that's "at the door" won't be affected by those products.  When you get the dry pebbly stuff out, the rest will come fairly easily.  I've used Castor Oil before too, but I don't think it's recommended during pregnancy.  Stay hydrated.   And about the person who said enemas are the worst thing you could do...Why. They've never caused me any problems.  I've never used them habitually, but once in a while, they are a lifesaver.

Hi,
I was in your shoes exactly 2 weeks ago. I winded up at the doctor with mine. He had me get GLYCERIN SUPPOSITIRIES by FLEET at any drug store and use 1, he also had me take $ TBS of milk of mag, the next morning I was unclogged, LOL.

I now take Miralax ( at any pharmacy or Walmart, target, etc...) I take it daily , it's a powder you can put in a drink and has no bad taste. If I am still a little sluggish and 3 days pass with no BM, I take 2 TBS of milk of mag.

April