TMI... But I'm Desperate.

Updated on June 22, 2011
R.D. asks from Richmond, VA
55 answers

I can't poop.

It's been like 5 or 6 days.

I'm on an antibiotic that normally turns my insides out (gross, but true), been drinking 4-8oz of prune juice the past 3 days, and tried taking Dulcolax yesterday.

Nothing.

I'm sure it's nerves, but it's too the point I have no appetite and I'm getting worried.

I'm deathly afraid of suppositories and enemas, so pleeeease don't suggest it, LOL... Wedding is in 4 days, I need to poop!!

I'm soooo busy the next few days, I can't be rushing off to the bathroom every 10 minutes. What else can I try?!

ETA: What's the difference between colace and dulcolax? The pharmacist recommended the dulcolax...

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So What Happened?

OH and I've had no change in diet... we eat healthy on the regular ;)

Usually it's like clockwork for me... just not the past week! UGH :(

@ Lexxa, great suggestion, but I already drink coffee like it's water ;) AND I'm drinking tons of water too!

Oh, and I've eating the heck out of some dried apricots, that usually works for me...

LMAO CHERYL!! Stop tempting me, I'm almost a married woman, HAHAHA!! ;)

@AMANDA, YOU MAY HAVE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD, I've hardly been smoking real cigarettes at all (GO ME!), but that might be the problem!! This is what I get for trying to quit before the wedding, LOL

I THINK I got more responses on this than ANYTHING, LOL!! Thanks everyone... we did, in fact, 'get things moving' again today, YAAAAAAAAAY!! Now, I'm doing the happy dance, and saving this page for future reference, LOL!! ;)

Featured Answers

T.M.

answers from Reading on

I don't know if anyone has suggested running? Running usually works for me or even brisk walking or dancing.
Best wishes and I hope everything "comes out" okay!

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R.H.

answers from Boston on

take a shot of vodka and then pop in a suppository. DOn't be afraid! It provides relief within MINUTES. Just think, this could all be over in just a few short minutes!!!

3 moms found this helpful

J.X.

answers from Los Angeles on

When I was really backed up, the dulcolax suppository worked the best. It does not cause lingering stomache cramps, just cramping at its first use. Oral laxitives will give you ongoing cramping. However, I would not want a "poo belly" on my wedding day, so if all else fails, I'd take an oral laxative like senna, and just deal with the cramps so all was well on the wedding.

I get being afraid of an enema, but there is nothing and I mean nothing to freik out over a suppository. Use gloves if you have to. I'd me more scared of having to be digitally disimpacted if you let this go any longer.

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More Answers

T.N.

answers from Albany on

Beer works for me!

:)

7 moms found this helpful

A.C.

answers from Jacksonville on

I hate to even recommend this, but do you smoke cigarettes? If you've only been using the electronic one, smoke a regular one. That always did it for me. Coffee and a cigarette :) If not, you may have to woman up and do a suppository. Whatever it takes right? You don't want your body to finally decide to "go" on Saturday...

6 moms found this helpful
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S.!.

answers from Los Angeles on

This happened to me the week before I was deliver my last baby. I was sooo worried I was going to poop on the Dr.'s during labor, hehehe.

Dr. suggested Miralax. Stir it into the water your drinking and it should help get things going again.

Update - Colace works too.

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F.W.

answers from Miami on

I didn't read your other responses but a couple of things always work for me but they are strange.

1) Have a night out - I very rarely drink alcohol but it never fails to make me go more than once the next day!!

2) Have a McDonalds/Burger King - Again I very rarely have them but when I do I get a good old clear out not long after. Sorry TMI. :-)

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S.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have a couple suggestions:
One: About 15-20 ml of mineral oil, maybe 2x per day. You can mix it in with some OJ. No need to worry about the calories because it actually just runs right through your system and when it gets "there", it helps to soften the stool.

Two, and it's all natural, is psillium fiber. Mix 2 TBS with water, 1x per day--drink two of those if necessary.

For every cup of Joe, drink one cup of water because coffee is a diuretic. If your pee is yellow, you are dehydrated. You could try Miralax too. Follow the directions on the bottle.

Popcorn, peaches, pears, grapes, whole grains. No binding white foods like bananas, rice or potatoes, white flour.

Go to medicine net to check out their section. Copy/paste:
http://www.medicinenet.com/constipation/page6.htm#tocg
http://www.medicinenet.com/constipation/page5.htm#toce

Schedule a massage to help you relax! Have fun and try to focus on being relaxed. Your wedding will be beautiful. :-)

4 moms found this helpful

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

Go buy a jar of Magnesium tablets 500mg. Take two at bedtime. Works like a charm.

4 moms found this helpful

K.V.

answers from Lansing on

Being constipated can be a very serious thing. It can actually rupture your colon if you do not go. (My friends mom was in ICU because her colon ruptured from not going to the bathroom, the 'poop' got into her system and caused a major infection to go thru her entire body, she now has a colostomy bag for awhile, if not forever).

Not trying to scare you, but I would definately use an enema or a suppository.

3 moms found this helpful

K.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Terrified of enemas and suppositories, you should be more terrified of having to poop when you're at the alter :) I felt the exact same way BEFORE the first time I had no choice but to do an enema. It is instant gratification and not as gross as it sounds. Just do one and call it a day! I'm sure you're comparing it to douching, it's not... It's just slowly squeezing the contents of the bottle in ONCE and holding it for as long as you can, then the water comes out, then the poop. It just lubricates and loosens the dry stool, it doesn't give you diarrhea like the laxative will! Good luck and congrats!

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B.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

CONGRATULATIONS on your wedding!!! I hope marriage is a good to you as it has been to me. The best decision I ever made.

This only happened to me once in my life. I hadn't pooped in I don't know how long. I lost my appitite, and started to get a fever. I finally just sat on the toilet and forced myself to go. It was difficult, but once I got it started, then I had to go. It was very hard and difficult to pass, but it worked. I've never had the problem again. Its been so long ago, I don't remember if there was any emotional stress or not. I didn't take any pills or liquid to help me. I just sat and pushed and willed myself to go.

Good luck to you and yours.

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

g

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L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My grandpap suffers from regular constipation, and the doctor recommends Magnesium Citrate. It's a clear liquid and you can get it at a drug store. For him, after he drinks it, within a half hour, he goes.

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P.F.

answers from Dallas on

Hi!

Sometimes too much fiber is not good because it can block you up. I know you said you drink coffee, but start drinking a lot of water. Another, strange solution (it came from a nurse) is eat Twizzlers (not sure about the Red Vine brand, so stick with Twizzlers brand)! The second ingredient is wheat. Don't just eat one, eat several throughout the day. It has helped my family and others.

Good luck and congratulations on the wedding!!!

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

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C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

R.:

It's nerves...what have you been EATING?!

This is going to be sound REALLY bad - but ask your doctor for the Rx for colonoscopies - within an hour of drinking the thick Gatorade -you will be cleaned out!! Explain the problem to your doctor - especially with your suppository problem - he should be able to accommodate you!!!

Warm syrup and peanut butter work for me....fix some pancakes, put your favorite peanut butter on 'em with syrup and usually within 1 hour - I'm going!!!

Can't help you with the difference between D and C - never used either one of them!!

Like I've been telling you - COME UP HERE!!!! You'll get pampered!!! Greg has his playoff game tonight!!!

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L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I think everything will sort itself out once your stress dissipates.
Colace... it works.
Warm up the prune juice or try warmed up orange juice.
Good luck!
LBC

Updated

I think everything will sort itself out once your stress dissipates.
Colace... it works.
Warm up the prune juice or try warmed up orange juice.
Good luck!
LBC

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K.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

If you've been on an antibiotic, chances are your digestive tract has been thrown off (all the "good" bacteria in your intestines get killed off along with the "bad" bacteria you're trying to eradicate) and as a result, your digestion gets messed up. I usually go overboard with the yogurt while and after taking an antibiotic to build up the "good" bacteria again. Another thing that works for me is Senna tea (you should be able to find it in Whole Foods or Vitamin Cottage or somewhere like that). But be careful, it can be pretty powerful stuff if you're not used to it. I've tried Dulcolax and found myself on the toilet at 2am, with severe cramps, like really, really painful, so I didn't like the Dulcolax too much. Other than that, just drink lots and lots of water, eat lots and lots of yogurt and try to calm your nerves (hard, I know!) Good luck with your wedding (and your issue)!

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L.M.

answers from Norfolk on

Dulcolax is a brand name, but most likely the pharmacist meant the Dulcolax laxative. Colace is a stool softener with no stimulant, good for more prolonged use to combat chronic constipation. Laxatives tend to have a stimulant to get you going in addition to something to soften things up. Miralax is also a good suggestion.

Prune juice is not as effective as actually eating prunes. Get yourself a bag and have a snack. Room-temperature water, nothing really cold until you get this worked out.

Also, when I am stressed, I sometimes feel like I don't have time to let things flow..... I would suggest taking a potty vacation. Get a book, some crossword puzzles, your laptop, whatever. Kick everyone out of the house and go camp out in the bathroom.

Maybe a hot bath or shower? Something to help you relax.

3 moms found this helpful

J.G.

answers from St. Louis on

Ahahaha I find a good unfiltered home brew blows out the system. Do you have any microbreweries around you? The bigger the beer the better, I think it is the yeast but I don't know for sure. All I know is a good unfiltered Barley Wine and I am clean as a whistle whether I like it or not. :-/

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J.K.

answers from Cleveland on

OMG, you are hilarious........and I hope you feel better SOON! I would highly recommend Phyllium Husk powder. It is natural fiber and you can mix it with water, even on a daily basis. This should get things moving for you! You can find it at the grocery store or health food store.

Good luck!!

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L.D.

answers from Dallas on

Try coffee! Lots of it. Also prune juice will help if you mix with a little bit of cranberry.

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J.T.

answers from Dallas on

i'd go with miralax, then get up and WALK a lot - moving around is the best medicine for consipation. good luck!

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D.D.

answers from Denver on

If your problem hasn't resolved, try apple juice. Straight, full strength. About 16 ounces should do it.

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

There's a great cereal called Autumn Wheat - tastes wonderful and it's shredded wheat. It'll take a day or so, but it may help. Good luck!

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S.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

Somethings that have worked for me that haven't been mentioned is getting exercise--particularly abdominal work and walking. I've also had good luck with things people have mentioned such as stool softener (like colace), drinking hot beverages, acidophilus, increasing fiber, laxatives (like exlax) and relaxation breathing or meditation. Good luck.

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J.U.

answers from Washington DC on

The difference is one is a laxative and stool softener (dulcolax) and the colace I believe is just a stool softener. Colace is safe enough to use during pregnancy. Have you tried more than one dulcolax? I have used fibersure in my food, it makes you gassssy ;) but it took care of business! lol. You can just sprinkle it over you food or mix with any drink, it's flavorless. My suggestion if you want relief try it in your coffee. Make sure your not running here and there when you do. With the dulcolax already in your system you may need to be close to the bathroom. Try a warm bath so you can relax your body enough to go.
You are under a ton of stress and have a family and house to run on top of it. Try to find moments here and there to relax. I read in one of your questions that you are possibly trying an electric cigarette, right? If your not smoking real cigarettes that may play into it too. It happened to me when I have tried quitting (several times, lol.) Hope this is the last!! I hope you feel better soon!

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R.A.

answers from Providence on

Psyllium Fiber ( Metamucil) twice a day. Plus, drink lots of water, and eat apples..If that won't help you out, I hate to say it , but if you don't want to go the the ER, then you would need to get a suppository..That's what they would do at the ER, or at least give you a prescription for one..

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L.F.

answers from San Francisco on

GO to the store and get Miralax. Works great and no cramps or diarrhea. GL!

M

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A.A.

answers from Las Vegas on

Try a shot of Jack Daniels with a beer and a cig, works for me every time hehe
Hope this helps!

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S.S.

answers from Daytona Beach on

since i was pregnant with my son, i have been constipated. i go like a week or more without pooping. i take magnesium citrate. you can get it at walmart in the pharmacy for $1 or so. it's a liquid that you drink and lasts for a day. i definitely wouldn't go to far from a bathroom though.

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K.J.

answers from New York on

Have you tried colace? It's over the counter, and safe enough to take during pregnancy.(not suggesting you're pregnant, just saying it's a gentle med) Congratulations on the wedding! Relax! You are about to marry the person of your dreams, and that shouldn't stress you out. Think of it this way....if something doesn't go right, it's just one day. The marriage and lifetime journey together is the more important part. Good luck sweetie :o)

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M.R.

answers from Phoenix on

You have tons of tips and advice already....

My hunch is that this is all your nerves prior to your wedding. If I recall correctly you've had a lot of drama with your parents.

Please, do some deep breathing, have a large hot cup of whatever you like, take a 10 minute walk alone and while you are walking repeat to yourself positive words of pooping....like 'natural flow...natural flow...natural flow...' Get your mind and body reconnected to your need to eliminate naturally.

In the midst of your busy-ness you are neglecting the urge to poop, probably by missing the cue. Give yourself time each and every time you pee to let everything out.

Trust yourself that this will all come out before the wedding. Relax...relax and breath deeply.

You can also stimulate your colon internally yourself. If you are so afraid of suppositories, you can insert your finger vaginally and stroke the back of your vagina, the side facing your colon, use wet and lubricated fingers, this will help get the urge to return.

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C.T.

answers from Chicago on

After having my baby I had a similar issue (was never a problem before). The midwife said colace. Did not work for me. What did work was a calcium and magnesium powder called " calm" and Organic Clear Fiber. You should be able to get both @ Whole Foods. Could the coffee be dehydrating you?

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J.B.

answers from New York on

Have you tried increasing your fiber intake? When I am constipated, I will eat a pint of strawberries and a bag of popcorn and that gets things moving. GL

2 moms found this helpful

A.H.

answers from San Francisco on

Wow! I never knew there was so much advice on pooping!
Downing a glass of Citrucel at bedtime always produces something in the morning for me.

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C.P.

answers from Provo on

So much poop advice!! I know constipation can be the worst thing. When I was pregnant I had to drink hot tea every night.

1 mom found this helpful

C.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Try milk thistle tablets. I pick them up at Dollar General (cheap), but any health food store will have them.

Also, eat the prunes or dried figs (mission are the best), and I think that will work better.

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C.R.

answers from Dallas on

Try Miralax. It will get you moving, but not in the hurry up and run to the bathroom way. It is a miracle worker!

1 mom found this helpful

M.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

Colace is ok but Mirilax is amazing. No cramping or pain like with Colace - which I get. Mirilax all the way.

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L.G.

answers from Detroit on

I know you said you're afraid, but I was too of an enema when i had to do one before a procedure. They're really not so bad! Also, super cheap, and quick. And, it's immediate, so you won't be wondering when it's coming!

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L.K.

answers from Sheboygan on

Hi R.! Sorry if this is repetitive, as I didn't read all the posts. But my advice: Do NOT sit on the toilet and just push & push..... you could get hemorrhoids! :( Wait until you feel "the urge". Good luck! & congratulations on your wedding!

1 mom found this helpful

M.P.

answers from Provo on

You said you are desperate so why not try the suppositories. I gave my son one and with in a half an hour it all came out.
Why are you so afraid of them?

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J.G.

answers from San Antonio on

Extra Magnesium supplements.

The dr told me to give my son some pear when he was an infant and constipated. Try some pear.

I think I heard that colace is very gentle. Their commercial is the one that says "It doesn't make you have to go. It just helps you go." So their claim is that it doesn't make you have to rush to the toilet 5 times after you take it. I dunno though.

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K.N.

answers from Boston on

if you want a one time clean out try a bottle of magnesium citrate, it works witihn 6 hours and will empty you out. you may go to the restroom about 3 -4 times total.

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S.H.

answers from San Antonio on

I know you said you don't want to do suppositories but Dulcolax is the best. And its very cheap at Walmart. You will go w/in 15 minutes. Its worth the relief. Good Luck.

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R.S.

answers from New York on

I had a problem with this when I was pregnant. You can look in my profile under the title "pregnant, constipated, and desperate!"

I tried many of the ideas and they worked really well...especially the probiotics.

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J.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Metamucil and prunes are both natural ways to get things moving along. Activia yogurt is meant to keep you regular too. Good luck!

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D.K.

answers from Washington DC on

Walking around is supposed to help 'move things along' too. For future reference, lol.

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K.P.

answers from New York on

I am glad everything is moving again. Hope you have a wonderful wedding day. For future reference, castor oil or aloe vera in orange or pear juice will work like a charm.

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N.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Try an enema; then Miralax. Good luck!

K.A.

answers from San Diego on

I know you said you're all better now but I wanted to add my 2 cents worth just in case you need it again or if anyone else comes looking for ideas.
My kids' pediatrition suggested pear juice. I keep pear juice or pears of some kind in the house all the time now. Always works, even for us adults. It was recommended when my son was only 6 months old so it's mild.

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S.H.

answers from Richmond on

I see I am late to answer but since you said you are saving for future reference - did anyone mention whole flax seeds - just eat a couple of teaspoon fulls and WATCH OUT! Also, Kashi granola cereal always does me in as well! :)

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B..

answers from Dallas on

Probiotics will help you keep things moving!! Get them from the vitamin store, make sure they are refrigerated. They will also fix the reason why you're having problems, not just make you go.

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