Constipation
The best method of cure is prevention
Though if you’re in the unfortunate position of having a back-log this is the best method that I’ve found for clearing it (it works in nearly everyone in 1-3 days).
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Three things: Standard advice, macrogol and suppositories.
Standard measures are: enough to eat (to give it a push through), enough to drink (plenty of water or clear liquids) and enough exercise (physical exercise encourages a good bowel action).
On top of this, using some medicines to help can work wonders.
Macrogol (also known as laxido). An unpleasant tasting powder. Make up with water or similar.
To clear:
Day 1 – 2 sachets, twice a day
Day 2 – 3 sachets, twice a day
Day 3 – 4 sachets, twice a day
Day 4 – 4 sachets, twice a day (most people don’t get to day four)
To keep clear: half a sachet once a day (or one sachet once a day, or half a sachet every other day. People vary with how much they will need).
Suppositories
I recommend glycerol. They can be prescribed or bought over-the-counter.
They help lubricate the poo, so it feels less like concrete and they help provide gentle irritation to the lower rectum which encourages a really efficient bowel movement.
Take a book or something to read into the lavatory (because when it works, you don’t want to have to run the length of the house).
Take the plastic wrapper off (otherwise they are scratchy and don’t work).
There are self lubricating – so hold the bullet (any way up) and wet the end under a tap.
Push it into the bottom (if it doesn’t fire across the room it is probably in far enough). A ‘rule of thumb’ is to push it into the first knuckle.
Then hold onto it for twenty minutes (to give it enough time to work and provide optimum irritation).
Then have a pleasing, dramatic bowel action. Repeat as needed. Most back-logs take about three really big actions to clear. If you are prone to them – think about what medicines you are taking, what your diet / fluid intake is like and consider talking to your doctor.
Dr Peter Windross, November 2011
