Problem with constipation at 82.

[proton]

On 11/18/2024 at 10:44 PM, KhunLA said:

@giddyup I use the brand, (photo below), when eating starchy carbs (rare), and needed.  So much for 'healthy' advice of eating more fiber.  Actually fibrous carbs (green leafy veggies / ruffage), and aspargus & broccoli, etc,  is good, just not starchy carbs; grains/flour/bread, potatoes, pasta.  Starchy carbs might slow sugar & insulin spikes, but too much fiber that doesn't get digested, and fills/clogs things up.

 

With that, if eat a lot of oats, may want to ease up on them, as suck up a lot of moisture in you digestive tract.  Helped when I stopped eating oats in my morning cereal.  Or drink a couple more liters of water during the day    Get to P, 20 times a day instead of 10.

 

Wouldn't be surprised if same people make this, and the brand you use, as ingredients are almost identical, and the only 'laxative' that works for me.  All rest suck, and not in a good way.

 

If a change in diet diet doesn't work, maybe just drink 1/2 a pack (9gr vs 18gr), on a more regular basis, and try that for a while.  See if it eases things up enough, without overkill.   I think the Psyllium husk powder, is the ingredient doing all the work.

 

Which I've actually though about searching for that, when I run out of my stash of ...

 

 

Tried this one, not a very nice taste, the bio fibre is better to drink, but not in packets so tends to dry out

[ChrisKC]

22 minutes ago, giddyup said:

At 82 can't go running to the doctor every time I have an ache or pain, or in this case constipation. Otherwise I'd spend my days in a doctor's waiting room.

You don't need to run nor go often, Right now, you are talking about one problem - maybe only need to go once to the Doctor to be reassured that the solution is easy to treat.

 

Constipation is sometimes not just an ache or a pain! It can be a serious symptom of something else that needs attention by those who know what they are talking about.

 

The fact that you tell us that you have been doing all the right things and they haven't worked is a sign to me that your situation needs to be re-assessed as to what is actually causing the constipation.

 

Good luck with all these suggestions - by the time you have tried them all... ??

 

 

 

 

Edited yesterday at 07:34 AM by ChrisKC

[giddyup]

9 minutes ago, ChrisKC said:

You don't need to run nor go often, Right now, you are talking about one problem - maybe only need to go once to the Doctor to be reassured that the solution is easy to treat.

 

Constipation is sometimes not just an ache or a pain! It can be a serious symptom of something else that needs attention by those who know what they are talking about.

 

The fact that you tell us that you have been doing all the right things and they haven't worked is a sign to me that your situation needs to be re-assessed as to what is actually causing the constipation.

 

Good luck with all these suggestions - by the time you have tried them all... ??

 

 

 

 

 At 82 nothing works as well as it used to, and that includes bowels.

[ChrisKC]

2 minutes ago, giddyup said:

 At 82 nothing works as well as it used to, and that includes bowels.

So your last hope for a  solution to a medical problem is this forum?Though with respect: except for Sheryl!

 

Interestingly, this topic opened 5 days ago so you have been happy to-ing and fro-ing here during which time you could have gone to your doctor.

 

Are you still constipated??

 

[xylophone]

33 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Thought you were on the posh tamarin powder?

Yes I did buy some of that and it worked for a short while and then it didn't! So I am trying various other options, although the prune juice and sorbitol mixture really does work, so I am back on that to have a bit of a "clear out", although as I said in an earlier post I don't want to have to use it all the time.

 

Sorbitol is a "sugar alcohol" found in prunes/prune juice (and some other fruits) which draws water into the bowel, thereby causing the desired effect; and it would appear to be safe for long term use and it has very little effect on one's blood sugar levels.

 

"Sorbitol has been reviewed and recognized as safe to consume by many global health authorities, including the FDA".

 

So maybe I will stay with this, but nothing wrong with trying to go the "fibre" way although I'm beginning to think that because my digestive system is so slow, the fibre adds to the problem, rather than helps to alleviate it. 

[giddyup]

Just now, ChrisKC said:

So your last hope for a  solution to a medical problem is this forum?Though with respect: except for Sheryl!

 

Interestingly, this topic opened 5 days ago so you have been happy to-ing and fro-ing here during which time you could have gone to your doctor.

 

Are you still constipated??

 

I guess we can close down this forum because advice here is worthless and we should see a doctor for any ailment, and no, not still constipated, but I'll have to wait and see if I can achieve regularity.

[ChrisKC]

6 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I guess we can close down this forum because advice here is worthless and we should see a doctor for any ailment, and no, not still constipated, but I'll have to wait and see if I can achieve regularity.

I think you mean "close the topic"!

 

I am sorry that you think to seek proper advice and that my suggestion do so is considered worthless.

 

Sorry also to have bothered your head to read it!

[xylophone]

1 minute ago, ChrisKC said:

I think you mean "close the topic"!

 

I am sorry that you think to seek proper advice and that my suggestion do so is considered worthless.

 

Sorry also to have bothered your head to read it!

I can see where @giddyup is coming from, because I've suffered from constipation since I was 30 years old and despite attending the large BUPA establishment in London and being given the once over by various specialists, which included a "barium swallow" and an intestinal "barium meal" procedure, with all of the x-rays and pics being taken and studied, the outcome was........ "you have a slow digestive system".

 

Luckily my company was paying for this so it didn't cost me anything, otherwise it would have been expensive.

 

Fast forward over the years and I always seem to have suffered from it, and over the past few years it has become worse, so I went to see the colorectal professor at Bangkok Phuket hospital and had the required colonoscopy (in fact I've had three) and he prescribed some Resolor tablets which had the desired effect for a few days, and then didn't and not only that, they made me feel lousy.

 

Rather than go on, in a nutshell, every doctor/specialist/hospital etc that I have visited with this problem has been of no help whatsoever other than to tell me what I found out when I was 30 from BUPA – – I have a slow digestive system!

 

Having said that, the sorbitol remedy I posted about does work and I may well have to stick with that every couple of days or so.

[giddyup]

18 minutes ago, ChrisKC said:

I think you mean "close the topic"!

 

I am sorry that you think to seek proper advice and that my suggestion do so is considered worthless.

 

Sorry also to have bothered your head to read it!

 

You misread my comment. You were the one suggesting this was "my last hope" when in fact the constipation problem has only recently occurred, so my first port of call was here for members who suffered the same problem to comment. Obviously if the problem persisted, or if I was suffering some kind of other symptoms like bleeding etc, I would definitely seek professional help, but I really don't  need someone to point out the obvious, like go see a doctor, it might be serious.

I would hope that's not going to be your standard for all who seek advice here, or as I said may as well close this forum down and just leave a big, bold header. SEE A DOCTOR!

Edited yesterday at 08:25 AM by giddyup

[ChrisKC]

3 minutes ago, xylophone said:

I can see where @giddyup is coming from, because I've suffered from constipation since I was 30 years old and despite attending the large BUPA establishment in London and being given the once over by various specialists, which included a "barium swallow" and an intestinal "barium meal" procedure, with all of the x-rays and pics being taken and studied, the outcome was........ "you have a slow digestive system".

 

Luckily my company was paying for this so it didn't cost me anything, otherwise it would have been expensive.

 

Fast forward over the years and I always seem to have suffered from it, and over the past few years it has become worse, so I went to see the colorectal professor at Bangkok Phuket hospital and had the required colonoscopy (in fact I've had three) and he prescribed some Resolor tablets which had the desired effect for a few days, and then didn't and not only that, they made me feel lousy.

 

Rather than go on, in a nutshell, every doctor/specialist/hospital etc that I have visited with this problem has been of no help whatsoever other than to tell me what I found out when I was 30 from BUPA – – I have a slow digestive system!

 

Having said that, the sorbitol remedy I posted about does work and I may well have to stick with that every couple of days or so.

 

5 minutes ago, giddyup said:

 

You misread my comment. You were the one suggesting this was "my last hope" when in fact the constipation problem has only recently occurred, so my first port of call was here for members who suffered the same problem to comment. Obviously if the problem persisted, or if I was suffering some kind of other symptoms like bleeding etc, I would definitely seek professional help, but I really don't  need someone to point out the obvious, like go see a doctor, it might be serious.

No further comment from me!

[cowellandrew]

Try som tam for breakfast!

😂🚀

[geisha]

Forlax from Boots. Dissolve 2 sachets in water morning of early afternoon. Works in 24 hours +. Use now and again. Drink lots of water , exercise, lots of leafy greens . 

[kevinsan]

In the later years, often a sign of tooth infection. Try cleaning more often.

[giddyup]

I'm arranging for a colonoscopy at Bangkok Pattaya hospital, just to be on the safe side, didn't realize it was so expensive, nearly 30,000 Baht!

[Expat68]

14 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I'm arranging for a colonoscopy at Bangkok Pattaya hospital, just to be on the safe side, didn't realize it was so expensive, nearly 30,000 Baht!

I paid just over 8,000 baht

[xylophone]

22 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I'm arranging for a colonoscopy at Bangkok Pattaya hospital, just to be on the safe side, didn't realize it was so expensive, nearly 30,000 Baht!

Good luck and please keep us posters up-to-date with the outcome.

[giddyup]

12 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Good luck and please keep us posters up-to-date with the outcome.

Will do.

[giddyup]

21 minutes ago, Expat68 said:

I paid just over 8,000 baht

Where was that, and what were the preparations for it?

[giddyup]

18 hours ago, xylophone said:

I can see where @giddyup is coming from, because I've suffered from constipation since I was 30 years old and despite attending the large BUPA establishment in London and being given the once over by various specialists, which included a "barium swallow" and an intestinal "barium meal" procedure, with all of the x-rays and pics being taken and studied, the outcome was........ "you have a slow digestive system".

 

Luckily my company was paying for this so it didn't cost me anything, otherwise it would have been expensive.

 

Fast forward over the years and I always seem to have suffered from it, and over the past few years it has become worse, so I went to see the colorectal professor at Bangkok Phuket hospital and had the required colonoscopy (in fact I've had three) and he prescribed some Resolor tablets which had the desired effect for a few days, and then didn't and not only that, they made me feel lousy.

 

Rather than go on, in a nutshell, every doctor/specialist/hospital etc that I have visited with this problem has been of no help whatsoever other than to tell me what I found out when I was 30 from BUPA – – I have a slow digestive system!

 

Having said that, the sorbitol remedy I posted about does work and I may well have to stick with that every couple of days or so.

What preparation were there for the colonoscopy? I'm seeing the gastro doctor on Monday so I'm sure he'll tell me what's required.

[xylophone]

44 minutes ago, giddyup said:

What preparation were there for the colonoscopy? I'm seeing the gastro doctor on Monday so I'm sure he'll tell me what's required.

Rather than type a whole lot of stuff from memory I went online and copied this for you..............

 

To prepare for a colonoscopy, you'll need to change your diet and take a laxative: 

• Diet

  For a few days before your colonoscopy, you'll need to eat a low-fiber diet. This means avoiding seeds, nuts, corn, popcorn, fruit, green vegetables, cereals, baked beans, and brown bread. On the day before, you'll need to drink clear liquids and avoid solid food and red liquids. 
• Laxative

  The evening before your colonoscopy, you'll need to drink half of a prescription laxative drink. You'll finish the other half the next morning. You should expect to have frequent bowel movements and diarrhea after taking the laxative. Stay home and be near a toilet. 
• Medications

  You may need to adjust or stop taking some medications before your colonoscopy. For example, you should stop taking iron tablets and bulking agents like bran or Fybogel one week before your test. You should also avoid over-the-counter medicines like aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Goody's, or BC Powder for at least five days before your surgery. 
• Other

  You should shower the night before and the morning of your surgery. You should also avoid wearing jewelry

[proton]

1 hour ago, giddyup said:

I'm arranging for a colonoscopy at Bangkok Pattaya hospital, just to be on the safe side, didn't realize it was so expensive, nearly 30,000 Baht!

 

Probably not the full price. I was quoted 30k from Bumrungrad but the crafty buggers do not tell you upfront that the biopsy charge is up to 40k to be added on

[proton]

1 hour ago, giddyup said:

What preparation were there for the colonoscopy? I'm seeing the gastro doctor on Monday so I'm sure he'll tell me what's required.

 

Restricted diet for a day or two then then very effective laxative drinks

[giddyup]

15 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Probably not the full price. I was quoted 30k from Bumrungrad but the crafty buggers do not tell you upfront that the biopsy charge is up to 40k to be added on

Ouch!

[gargamon]

If it hasn't been mentioned yet, get a bottle of swiff at your local pharmacy. Industrial strength laxative. Problem solved. Be prepared for an extended time on the crapper.

 

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB14502

[giddyup]

10 minutes ago, gargamon said:

If it hasn't been mentioned yet, get a bottle of swiff at your local pharmacy. Industrial strength laxative. Problem solved. Be prepared for an extended time on the crapper.

 

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB14502

I'm sure the hospital is going to give me the correct laxative to take before the colonoscopy.

[gargamon]

4 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I'm sure the hospital is going to give me the correct laxative to take before the colonoscopy.

I didn't read the whole thread so was unaware you were already going for a colonoscopy. I was merely suggesting something that would work to alleviate constipation. Small doses of swiff work well for occasional bad constipation.

[Andrew Dwyer]

1 hour ago, xylophone said:

Laxative

The evening before your colonoscopy, you'll need to drink half of a prescription laxative drink. You'll finish the other half the next morning. You should expect to have frequent bowel movements and diarrhea after taking the laxative. Stay home and be near a toilet. 

I had a colonoscopy some years ago and this was the procedure  only I took the whole thing ( 1 1/2 litres of water on a laxative powder ) in the morning.

The reaction was very quick and i don’t think having half the evening before would have worked for me, the words “ eye “ and “ needle “ spring to mind !!

[Expat68]

2 hours ago, giddyup said:

Where was that, and what were the preparations for it?

Loei general, not eat fibre based/solid food for 24 hours, take laxatives. Check in one/two hour before , wait one hour after

[RocketDog]

On 11/18/2024 at 4:16 PM, transam said:

Posh Medica fibre Tamarind, it will clear you out, give it time to work, do not go out further than your garden..........😲

 

https://shopee.co.th/POSH-Medica-Tamarind-Dietary-Supplement-with-High-Fiber-15000-mg.-พอช-ไฟเบอร์-มะขาม-15000-มก.-x-6-ซอง-กล่อง-i.153772007.19312265927

 

Watsons, Lazada sell it too......

 

Other than that, you can buy a salt water thingy that you insert and squeeze into your bum space, it works in about 60 seconds............😱

I agree about tamarind. It really works and is gentle.

The word you're looking for is warm water enema.

Or get up close and personal with your bum gun AFTER turning the pressure way down.

[transam]

39 minutes ago, RocketDog said:

I agree about tamarind. It really works and is gentle.

The word you're looking for is warm water enema.

Or get up close and personal with your bum gun AFTER turning the pressure way down.

No, it's a saline solution 'gun' from the pharmacy, similar to this, works in seconds....😵