Question:
What to do about constipation?

In the beginning I had major loose stools for 2 weeks, but now I have no urge to have a bowel movement. I have a stricture, so I can't take anything by mouth right now and I have not had a BM in 12 days. I haven't been eating anything and that may be why, but surely there is something. I do have a G-tube and could put something through the tube if that is safe. It might work. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help..deb    — debi327 (posted on December 4, 2004)

December 4, 2004
Try a fleet enema. THey can be purchased at the drugstore, grocery store, or dollar. They are gentle & easily tolerated...Good luck
   — juju524

December 4, 2004
Ditto what Judy said. If you are afraid or have never done this, email me privately and I'll coach you thru it. It's NO BIG DEAL. Really.
   — vitalady

December 4, 2004
Call your surgeon !!! Call your PCP!!
   — cindirella

December 4, 2004
I would also try like some type iof suppitories suppitories. You can also get these over the counter/
   — missturtle

December 5, 2004
I suffered from constipation many times, and still do on occasion. I used Mik of Magnesia and glycerins suppositories. I would ask your Dr for his/her suggestion. The suppositories won't hurt anything at all, for sure, but the only thing I can tell you, is that fiber, like citricel or benefiber were the pits for me. I would not suggest them especially with your stricture and not being able to drink tons of water. Like I said, I'd check in w/ your Dr and try the suppositories and/or a fleet enema. best of luck. I know it is a miserable feeling.
   — Fixnmyself

December 6, 2004
CALL YOUR DOCTOR A FRIEND OF MINE DIED FROM A BOWEL INSTRUCTION PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN IT COMES TO THIS.
   — JerseyGirl

December 6, 2004
Once you get your stricture fixed, make sure you start taking some type of fiber on a regular basis. Benefiber is good. I'm almost 3 years post op and I fluctuate from periods of constipation which will last a couple of weeks then turning into loose stools. I am chronicly this way, if I get lazy about the fiber the constipation phase is much worse and lasts longer. Had an upper GI & a colonoscopy done in Oct. results were a sluggish lower intestine with some thickening of the colon area. You do have to be very careful and read the signals your body is sending you. Unfortunately this seems to be one of the long term side effects from this surgery that some of us end up having to deal with. If at anytime you start having really bad pains, gas cramps that double you over and do not go away, go to an ER and insist on a full cat scan to make sure they can detect if there is a perforation. Hope you feel better soon. Rosemary
   — SARose61

December 21, 2004
I second all who said call your doctor! Later, after all danger is resolved, check into a product called Smooth Move tea. It has no caffeine and it can be found in the grocery store. Unlike the fiber stuff which requires lots of water, you can have it almost anytime. I use Benefiber also.
   — Liz R.