What do I have to do to get my bowels moving again?

[Dipterocarp]

A spicy Panaeng curry with coconut milk woks for me.

Emergency blow guaranteed within a few hours.

[pmarlowe]

Try two to three packets of Mucillin sugar free before bedtime. Take lots of water during the day. This is not medicine or a harsh stimulant. It just adds fiber to your diet. You can take it as a daily supplement forever.

[Andrew Dwyer]

I'm not a regular, every other day for me ! but I do like to eat pappaya for breakfast and find that does the trick.
Plenty of water, I know you wrote 8 glasses a day, but you could increase that a little, no harm.
Re: colonoscopy, I had one about 8 years ago, no biggie ( no pun intended), in fact I slept through it due to a pre med.
The worst was the powder/water solution I had to drink before !! Now that was a thorough clean out !!

Good luck [emoji4]

[Damrongsak]

Many years ago, a guy had the runs.  My wife had him eat green bananas.  When he got plugged up a day or two later, she recommended green tamarind.  That got things moving again. Or maybe it was in reverse order.  Been 40 years ...

[giddyup]

10 minutes ago, Damrongsak said:

Many years ago, a guy had the runs.  My wife had him eat green bananas.  When he got plugged up a day or two later, she recommended green tamarind.  That got things moving again. Or maybe it was in reverse order.  Been 40 years ...

Tamarind works as a mild laxative.

[ThaiWai]

About a week ago I found my gf in a fetal position outside the bathroom door crying.  She told me to go to the pharmacy armed with the photo below.  She was ready to start shopping again 30 minutes later.

 

 

[ThaiWai]

35 minutes ago, giddyup said:

Been having lemon juice and honey in the morning for years.

Your tooth enamel is probably all gone then.

[giddyup]

Just now, ThaiWai said:

About a week ago I found my gf in a fetal position outside the bathroom door crying.  She told me to go to the pharmacy armed with the photo below.  She was ready to start shopping again 30 minutes later.

 

 

I'm not really looking for a quick fix solution, Dulcolax will loosen me up overnight, but rather some suggestions as how to keep regular without medications.

[Sheryl]

It's 4 days since the "cleanout", and I'm eating a combination of around 4 prunes, figs and dates every day. Before I took the Dulcolax I had a week or so of feeling quite bloated, a feeling that would come and go from time to time. Never had a colonscopy, but was screened via a stool sample a few years back I guess it might be time for another bloody hospital visit, seems like that's all I do these days.

yes, the "joys" of aging....

From the sounds of it you are getting enough fiber. A colonoscopy then is definitely in order, especially as you have never had one.

Do not just go to a doctor complaining of constipation, that will usually just lead to being given laxatives. See a GI specialist, tell him you are X years old, never had a colonoscopy and would like one to rule out cancer or other bowel disease as you now have change in bowel pattetn and abdomibal duscomfort (bloating).

Prior to the colonoscopy you will receive heavy duty laxatives that will thoroughly clean you out, so that problem solved at least for now, and then you will either get a clean bill of health (in which case you are set for another 10 years in terms of colon cancer screening, and can just focus on fiber and hydration) or will have identified an underlying cause which can then be treated.

[giddyup]

Just now, ThaiWai said:

Your tooth enamel is probably all gone then.

No, rinse with plain water after the lemon.

[TheFishman1]

It is recommended st age 50 ever 5 to 10 years get a camera up your butt to check for cancer TIT

[ThaiWai]

6 minutes ago, giddyup said:

Tamarind works as a mild laxative.

Coconut oil and water as well

[Commogwinto]

12 hours ago, luk AJ said:

Two capsules Senna leave extract every day very cheap and best brand from Boots. I take them around noon time and by morning all is ok. Timing will be very different for each individual.


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

Was going to suggest Senna, can also buy in tablet form.  My wife buys Senna leaf from a herbalist, boil and strain into mug.  Otherwise 'Fitne' herbal tea, B75.- for 20 sachet.

[ThaiWai]

Just now, giddyup said:

I'm not really looking for a quick fix solution, Dulcolax will loosen me up overnight, but rather some suggestions as how to keep regular without medications.

Coconut oil in your food or morning coffee. Done.

[thaifoodruns]

I take probiotics, spirulina and magnesium citrate (cheap and acts as a laxative)

Creatine also works buts just one of the unwanted side effects

Otherwise high fibre goods

For some reason ice cream always keeps me regular


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[giddyup]

Just now, Sheryl said:

 

yes, the "joys" of aging....

From the sounds of it you are getting enough fiber. A colonoscopy then is definitely in order, especially as you have never had one.

Do not just go to a doctor complaining of constipation, that will usually just lead to being given laxatives. See a GI specialist, tell him you are X years old, never had a colonoscopy and would like one to rule out cancer or other bowel disease as you now have change in bowel pattetn and abdomibal duscomfort (bloating).

Prior to the colonoscopy you will receive heavy duty laxatives that will thoroughly clean you out, so that problem solved at least for now, and then you will either get a clean bill of health (in which case you are set for another 10 years in terms of colon cancer screening, and can just focus on fiber and hydration) or will have identified an underlying cause which can then be treated.

 

Thanks Sheryl, fully intend to get the colonoscopy, but I'm wondering if it couldn't just be IBS?

[xylophone]

3 hours ago, giddyup said:

Is Fibely Donutt any different that Fibregel or similar high fibre powders that you drink with water?

Contents of it are:-   Fructooligosaccharide (FOS is extracted from the blue Agave plant as well as fruits and vegetables such as bananas, onions, chicory root, garlic, asparagus, jícama, and leeks and works as a type of prebiotic. Also used as a sweetener); Psyllium husk powder (same as Mucilin and similar); Wheat grass powder; Alfalfa extract powder; Apple cider vinegar; Black sesame extract; Dandelion root extract.

 

Works well, taken in water and followed by another large glassful of water............very pleasant to drink, with a sweet flavour.

[Sheryl]

A number of inappropriate/unhelpful posts and replies to them have been removed.

This is the health forum. Naturally there will be posts concerning bodily functions and it is not a laughing or trivial matter to those afflicted. There will be zero tolerance for posters who mock or are otherwise non-constructive.

[Pdaz]

2 hours ago, giddyup said:

Any idea what a colonoscopy should cost at a private hospital?

Last year at Bumrumgrad was 26k. But can be done for less at other hospitals. 

[giddyup]

Just now, Pdaz said:

Last year at Bumrumgrad was 26k. But can be done for less at other hospitals. 

Thanks.

[geriatrickid]

1 hour ago, tonray said:

 

Might not be a good idea as he is already on BP meds. I am guessing the sea salt has magnesium for it's effect and a safer way is to get some mag citrate from the pharmacy.

Finally, we get a hint as to a possible cause: Drug related constipation.

Usually, constipation in the  elderly is due to;

1.  Drugs that are taken to   manage other chronic conditions

2. Physical  blockage within the GI tract, e.g. tumor, polyps,  knotting/bending within the  intestinal tract etc.

3. Diet low in  natural fiber

4. Low physical activity

5. Poor hydration

 

I have no idea as to the medication this person is on, but if there is a diuretic, then  this impacts fluid disposition.  If one has had the recommended colonoscopy  every 5 years, and a rectal exam every year, then I doubt  it is physical. One can always do the non invasive fecal exam for blood very quickly.  If the OP  has BP issues, drinking large amounts of fluid  may harm him. If this is just an off event, exercise, high fiber diet, fluids as per  BP control  guide lines and the issue will sort itself out.  Never, ever strain or attempt to force the stool otherwise there will be some veins popping out etc. Also it puts tremendous strain on the heart especially if one holds his breath when doing so.

Patients should have an inventory of all their drugs and supplements and discuss with pharmacist or physician. Many supplements not prescribed should not be taken with some drugs. Some supplements can  cause constipation. Read the product monographs and know what  you are taking.

 

[giddyup]

3 minutes ago, geriatrickid said:

Finally, we get a hint as to a possible cause: Drug related constipation.

Usually, constipation in the  elderly is due to;

1.  Drugs that are taken to   manage other chronic conditions

2. Physical  blockage within the GI tract, e.g. tumor, polyps,  knotting/bending within the  intestinal tract etc.

3. Diet low in  natural fiber

4. Low physical activity

5. Poor hydration

 

I have no idea as to the medication this person is on, but if there is a diuretic, then  this impacts fluid disposition.  If one has had the recommended colonoscopy  every 5 years, and a rectal exam every year, then I doubt  it is physical. One can always do the non invasive fecal exam for blood very quickly.  If the OP  has BP issues, drinking large amounts of fluid  may harm him. If this is just an off event, exercise, high fiber diet, fluids as per  BP control  guide lines and the issue will sort itself out.  Never, ever strain or attempt to force the stool otherwise there will be some veins popping out etc. Also it puts tremendous strain on the heart especially if one holds his breath when doing so.

Patients should have an inventory of all their drugs and supplements and discuss with pharmacist or physician. Many supplements not prescribed should not be taken with some drugs. Some supplements can  cause constipation. Read the product monographs and know what  you are taking.

 

I take 50mg Losartan, 25mg Metoprolol for BP, and 100mg Allopurinol for gout, but have been taking these for quite a while.

Edited July 12, 2017 by giddyup

[tonray]

1 minute ago, geriatrickid said:

Finally, we get a hint as to a possible cause: Drug related constipation.

Usually, constipation in the  elderly is due to;

1.  Drugs that are taken to   manage other chronic conditions

2. Physical  blockage within the GI tract, e.g. tumor, polyps,  knotting/bending within the  intestinal tract etc.

3. Diet low in  natural fiber

4. Low physical activity

5. Poor hydration

 

I have no idea as to the medication this person is on, but if there is a diuretic, then  this impacts fluid disposition.  If one has had the recommended colonoscopy  every 5 years, and a rectal exam every year, then I doubt  it is physical. One can always do the non invasive fecal exam for blood very quickly.  If the OP  has BP issues, drinking large amounts of fluid  may harm him. If this is just an off event, exercise, high fiber diet, fluids as per  BP control  guide lines and the issue will sort itself out.  Never, ever strain or attempt to force the stool otherwise there will be some veins popping out etc. Also it puts tremendous strain on the heart especially if one holds his breath when doing so.

Patients should have an inventory of all their drugs and supplements and discuss with pharmacist or physician. Many supplements not prescribed should not be taken with some drugs. Some supplements can  cause constipation. Read the product monographs and know what  you are taking.

 

It's a good point to note. Also when I was younger and going to the gym I learned that these concentrated protein supplements can also cause constipation., you need to drink a whole lot more water if taking in these high protein powders as they change the normal digestive process and not in a good way.

[JHolmesJr]

constipation could be due to a number of factors. the colon is a pretty long and twisty

piece of engineering that gets abused quite a lot over 75 years. Over time it can develop 'blockage'.

 

Theres a place in pattaya called rasayana retreat….its on the road that leads from the dolphin circle to the bus station, maybe 200 metres on the left.

They might be able to help you organise a coffee colema to get your bowels going. You will have to take a fair bit of probiotics after.

[Sheryl]

Thanks Sheryl, fully intend to get the colonoscopy, but I'm wondering if it couldn't just be IBS?

Of course it could. But only one way to find out. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion.

[Antonymous]

OP, I certainly respect your choice to avoid hospitals and doctors if there's an alternative.

 

Question: did you take a course of antibiotics within a month of the onset of your condition?

 

If your answer is affirmative, then you have a very likely cause right there.

 

And the simple solution is to repopulate your gut with good bacteria that the antibiotics will have destroyed. Obtain some good probiotics (a great source online is iHerb) and take those for a couple of weeks before you consider plunging into needless medical procedures.

 

To learn more about why this is important I thoroughly recommend the book 'Gut' that a previous poster mentioned. A best selling paperback, full of useful information and also amusingly written and very entertaining.

 

 

[Damrongsak]

31 minutes ago, giddyup said:

Tamarind works as a mild laxative.

In this guy's case, it was far from mild.  As he was a veteran of a couple years in Thailand, maybe he took my wife's suggestion too literally. She is persuasive.

[giddyup]

1 minute ago, Antonymous said:

OP, I certainly respect your choice to avoid hospitals and doctors if there's an alternative.

 

Question: did you take a course of antibiotics within a month of the onset of your condition?

 

If your answer is affirmative, then you have a very likely cause right there.

 

And the simple solution is to repopulate your gut with good bacteria that the antibiotics will have destroyed. Obtain some good probiotics (a great source online is iHerb) and take those for a couple of weeks before you consider plunging into needless medical procedures.

 

To learn more about why this is important I thoroughly recommend the book 'Gut' that a previous poster mentioned. A best selling paperback, full of useful information and also amusingly written and very entertaining.

 

 

I did take a course of antibiotics for a bad chest infection just over a month ago. I have also been taking Acidophilus 3 billion from iHerb daily.

[DekDaeng]

4 hours ago, tonray said:

Hydration is very important, I find that sometimes after a day of heavy exercise in the heat, even though I have seemingly quenched my thirst, it affects bowel habits for a day or two if I don't drink enough. 

Piss off the white bread, white rice, 'white' pasta etc -

 

[JHolmesJr]

3 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I did take a course of antibiotics for a bad chest infection just over a month ago. I have also been taking Acidophilus 3 billion from iHerb daily.

the best probiotic from herb is Healthforce.-Friendlyforce….it sells out pretty fast