Health & Support

Ok, so..this is TMI (be prepared). So..I've been constipated for a few days. And this morning I woke up and um, no change, so I took a half dose of a bulk forming laxative and 1.5 pieces of ex-lax. (I didn't really know what was normal, I don't use it) Anyways...a funny thing happened...a few minutes later um, 'change'. So, I went on about my day and I've eaten and such. I was basically wondering 1.) how long will this stay in my system? (I have plans late tomorrow night :/) and 2.) since I ate afterwards, will that be digested normally or will that be 'quick'?

So, will I be ok tomorrow night? lol

So sorry for TMI.

I have no idea, but they must have a product info 1-800 number on the package that could help.

Yes.  As long as you didn't take more than the recommended dosage, you should be fine by tomorrow.

Thank you. I'm a newb lol

1.5 pieces of the ex lax that's in chocolate form?  You may get stomach cramps soon; then a mass exodus.  Or; if you haven't gone for a few days; it may just help ease things along. 

When I used to take them; I had a mass exodus episode where I was stationed very close to the b-room.  You have to test your tolerance.  I would not take anymore-   just get a bowl of fiber one; followed by hot green tea and some water; and you'll be thanking the intestinal gods.  It's much less painful then taking laxies.

i think the laxatives will stay in your system until you basically excrete them out with food. say your usual non-constipated cycle is ~24 to 48 hours (average person's digestive rate according to my physician) you should be fine for tomorrow night, especially because i think you took a bit more than would be considered 1 dosage. next time (if there is one) start with 1/2 or 1 dosage (says on the box/back of pills) and if you don't see results THEN increase gradually. or else you end up with the 'mass exodus' vanessa1031 talked about..usually the next morning :) not too fun because it can last all day). and don't worry - it's not TMI - where else are you gonna ask without paying $$$, right?!

i hope this helps! i have severe IBS issues and took laxatives for a while when it was pretty bad, but haven't had to in a while, so i hope my advice is sound. everyone's different, again, but yes. read labels fo sho and listen to your body always.

don't know.  but may i suggest that next time (hopefully there won't be a next time) that you use epsom salts.  yes, you can take 2 tsp of the stuff mixed in warm water and in about 10-15 mins your problem will be resolved.  and no side, or residual, effects.

 

 

eating almonds helps me stay regular.  I think I learned that from someone on this site.  Also, taking a tablespoon or two of molasses is supposed to help. 

Funnily enough..nothing happened lol. I was all worried and basically it just made me bloated :/. I got no fruit whatsoever this week, only vegges so...I need to get on that.

Thanks for the help and suggestions! I wrote down all your ideas for next time lol.

I'm guessing you'll be back to normal for next time...  Make sure that you're getting enough fiber (25g per day) and drinking enough water.  That will help keep it from happening in the first place. 

this may not be any help...but i usually constipate prior to my period- then either during or after things start- it gets better if you catch my drift lol but it is sometimes 2-5days before a moevement. try taking magnesium...it helps. but too much will cause diaharria

I generally recommend eating more fibre in your diet and using natural laxatives before jumping for products in boxes. Try eating prunes (or drinking the juice) - they work the best for me, but if you don't like those figs and apricots are also fairly effective. Drink plenty of water and perhaps keep an eye on your fibre intake to see how much you get. If you're eating too much fibre it could be the cause of your BM trouble; however, the culprit is usually too little fibre in the diet. Get a good balance of insoluble (the fibre that forms bulk and regulates acidity and PH in the gut) and soluble (the fibre that helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol) fibre and you should be okay. :]

Insoluble fibre:
 -- Whole-wheat pastas, breads, etc
 -- Quinoa
 -- Brown rice
 -- Bran products
 -- Fruit and vegetable skins, such as potato skins, tomato skins, plum/prune skins, apple skins, pear skins
 -- Nuts and seeds, particularly flax, almonds, brazil nuts and walnuts

Soluble fibre:
 -- Oats
 -- Rye
 -- Barley
 -- Potatoes of all varieties
 -- Psyillium husks
 -- Legumes and pulses, especially lentils, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), kidney beans, pinto beans and soybeans

And pretty much all fruits and vegetables. Particularly raspberries, plums, bananas, prunes, apples, pears, blackberries, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels, asparagus, artichokes and dried fruit. Don't suddenly introduce a lot of fibre at once, though, as it can make things worse, and drink PLENTY of fluid alongside to help it along. If you still end up being constipated after that speak with a doctor. :] Feel better!