Can constipation kill me?

[sweetnspunky]

Hey haven't posted in a while. Been super busy. Now I am worried and sorry for the topic but I am so worried. My doctor put me on Abilify about 2 weeks ago and it helps. But it has made me very constipated. My appetite is fine but I haven't used the bathroom in days. I took ex lax and it worked just a bit. I am scared and no not to search google. But can I die from this? Can it rupture something? I feel so bloated right now and crampy. I took ex lax a couple of hours ago and hasn't helped yet except for some gas. My diet hasn't helped I am sure but when should I consider going to the er? I never go to the doctor but this is really scaring me. Thanks for any help!

[Ravens Lady]

Hi sweetnspunky,

No, it will not kill you, but it can certainly make you uncomfortable.

Perhaps you can add some things to your diet?  Vegetables? Prunes or pitted plumbs?  Prune juice?  Yogurt? Also, make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Being hydrated helps. 

Good for you for not googling!  :)  It is an exercise in self control, but it will pay off I think.

I think you'll be fine quite soon.  If you get really uncomfortable I suppose you can call your doctor and maybe there is something else they can give to you or do for you to help you out.

Oh yeah, also staying active.  Take a walk.  Move around.  Sometimes being actively helps to keep our body "flowing" so to speak. 

You'll be fine in a matter of time, I think, naturally.  Just call your doc if it gets too uncomfortable or you don't go soon (so that they can help you).

-Ravens Lady

[sweetnspunky]

Thanks Ravens! I started to google because it usually doesn't bother me but I am already feeling anxious about this. I will try the tips. Thanks again for the reply!

[1looneychick]

Hi   I just went through this same thing a few days ago, I don't think it can kill you but it sure made me fell like my insides were going to explode   It also caused me to have severe anxiety being that I am like that anyway.  I took flaxseed oil, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, aloe vera gel, probiotics and a stool softener before I got any relief.  I also ate a lot of fruit and drank juice.  I was afraid to take anything really strong because I have IBS and usually have the opposite problem   I am told that miralax(sp?) really helps but I didn't try it.  Feel better!

[apple43]

I went through this after Christmas (eating so unhealthy!!) where I did not go at all for 6 days... it was so uncomfortable I was afraid of the same thing!!  It took taking fiber supplements, eating fibrous food, and 2 days of Senokot before I finally went (and not just like the tiny hard little pebbles ... Sorry TMI)

The best advice I can give is to just keep up with eating well and a laxative if you need it.  Relax, it will end soon.  If you have severe pain that is when you need to go to a doctor, but I would not worry about that, as I went 6 days without anything lol

[29sillygirl]

Good post.  It is so worrisome when we don't have a normal bowel movement...it is not too much info...everyone had a digestive system, after all!
You got good advice.  I also..have just gone thru' a week of difficulty like yours.  It really scares me...as I am an anal cancer survivor...so the spector of a rush to ER is just really anxiety-making thought!

No Dr. Google!   I take a combination of supplements regularly...tho' may veer off in the opposite direction if super stressed or overdo Miralax.
For my money, the combination of a fiber plus Miralax...is the winner.  Diet is important/fluids etc...but when I get blocked....there is nothing for it but this combination.  Stool softeners are ok...but don't work that well for me.  Chief bene of Miralax in small consistant amounts is that it gives gentle results...

Try not to worry as long as you are drinking fluids and taking something to insure a soft stool.

[LindaRK]

Will definitely not kill you ... up until about a year ago, I was a 1x a week, maybe 2x a week pooper.

I now have a higher fiber diet and am quite regular now.  Fiber One cereal has about 11 grams of fiber - it's great if you're constipated.

Also, try taking some probiotics or acidophilus.  It will help, too.

[mollyfin]

It can't kill you - but sometimes it'll make you wish you were dead ;)  Apple juice works for me.  Better than prune juice.  Also, if you're taking a laxative, get one that includes a stool softener.  You'll be glad you did! 

[sweetnspunky]

Thanks guys! It just worries me when I hear its only healthy to go once a day. I think I read that on an ad though for something that cleans out your system. It has gotten some better and thanks for the tips. The staying hydrated and moving around really seemed to work best.

[marc]

My wife is a pharmacist and she said to increase your fiber intake with items
such as nuts, oatmeal, fiber bars, etc., and to drink plenty of water.

[floridaguy65]

Thanks guys! It just worries me when I hear its only healthy to go once a day. I think I read that on an ad though for something that cleans out your system. It has gotten some better and thanks for the tips. The staying hydrated and moving around really seemed to work best.

Nope. We are all different. And, we all have times when our systems act a little bit differently, as well. An old Gastro Doc once told me that 'normal' could be going once every three days or going three times in one day. There are lots of factors that can play with our bowels that could make us deviate from the once a day routine. And, almost all of them are NOT serious in nature:)

Peace and Feel Well:)