A question about a prescription laxative I am taking called Polyethylene Glycol 3350 NF powder for solution?

Question

Im 21, went to the emergency room back in march because I was getting cramps on my lower left side. After a bunch of tests and a $2000 bill I found out that I was constipated. I was given a prescription laxative called Polyethylene Glycol 2250, NF powder for solution. So I wasnt sure how long to take it and I took it for about 5 days and then I stopped because I thought everything was fine, and I was regular again.....for about a week. Then back to being constipated. So anyways, it is January of 2007 now and I am extremely constipated. I thought I would start taking the medicine again because I have some left so I have been taking it for 3 days now. No bowel movements until today and they are long and really skinny. I have to push to get them out and I have gone 4 times today but in extremely small amounts. I am also getting bad cramps and im still really constipated because I dont feel any better I still feel really stopped up. I dont have any money to see the doctor. Please help?

I was just basically wondering if the lack of having any real bowel movement is dangerous because im taking this medicine. I am also wondering if the long skinny stools are because I have some kind of bowel obstruction blocking it?

Answer 1

Try this:

Drink senna tea.

eat more fiber from fruits and vegetables

drink more water

drink strong coffee...like expresso

take probiotics

This will keep you regular naturally...forget the prescription meds..

Answer 2

I don't see a question regarding the laxative PEG. If you're still constipated, take the PEG as directed. If you don't want to continue taking it, use an over-the-counter stool softener with laxative.

Here's some info on constipation.

Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.

Some people think they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, normal stool elimination may be three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person.

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, and a poor diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is temporary and not serious.

It is unusual for someone so young to be constipated. Unless there's an underlying medical problem or you're taking a medication that causes constipation, such as a narcotic pain reliever, it is probably caused by poor diet, poor fluid intake and lack of exercise.

Solution: drink lots of fluid, especially water. Increase the fruits, vegetables and fiber rich foods in your diet and exercise. If this doesn't help, see a doctor.

Hope this helps.

Rick the Pharmacist

Answer 3

Castor Oil Cleansing works the best for me. I am a very constipated person. But I do a Castor oil cleansing once a month and I am regular in between!!! I choose a day to relax and do my cleansing....The first day of a weekend works quite well. I take four ounces of Castor oil(I know the article says two but four works better) early in the morning and it really works well. Cleans the gallbladder and bile duct too!!! See Sources for explicit details. I usually follow this with a warm water enema or two (Sometimes Coffee enema) I use a fairly easy to obtain Fleet Bag enema it holds 1500ML of water, add a teaspoon of table salt to each one to cut down on absorption. Start out in the knee chest position and then the left side position. From there go to where it is most comfortable. Try to take in the whole 1500ML and hold it for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a nice warm water enema if you need too between cleanings if you would like.When doing the cleansing be sure to drink at least 8 to 10 ounces of water an hour to stay hydrated and to eat yogurt when you are done. The yogurt puts a good flora in your bowel and is good to add to your diet. I do this once a month and have for years. It has made me far healthier!! See Source. The above is far better for you than Polyethylene Glycol 2250 as that is a saline type laxative and does not help with long term regularity.This works great for me hope it helps you:-)!!! Good Luck and Good Health.

Answer 4

I am also a constipated person. I have tried many meds but what helped me is a natural product called PSYLLIUM HUSK, I buy it at a Natural Food Coop here in Sacramento. REseach it yourself on the internet and you will find out something that may help you that is natural.
What is so good about it is that it is cheap and it is good for you and it will help your constipation problems. GOODLUCK

Answer 5

i've had this issue in the past. it's going to sound weird, but it always works for me.

cut out your carbs. forget this whole "bulk" idea. yogurt mixed with granola will get things moving again. i use that activia stuff - it's cheap and good and filling and it gets your bowels in working order.

you need to look at your diet. are you getting enough fiber. do you fit the diagnosis for irritable bowel?

could you have celiac disease? that was my problem. it immediately went away after i cut gluten out of my diet.

best of luck to you. this sucks, i know.

also, make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. cut out your caffeine and processed foods.

Answer 6

Eat goats cheese as opposed to regular cheese. It contains 40 per cent fewer calories than the cheese created from cow’s milk.

Answer 7

People who plan their weekly meals tend to be successful at losing weight than people that don’t. Plan your dishes to incorporate healthy carbs such as special potato and wholegrain pasta, greens and lean proteins, buy the many ingredients in advance and don’t be tempted you can eat out or order in.

Answer 8

Suck the item in. Consciously hold in and contract your abdominals while you’re walking, sitting pictures desk or making the supper. This will help to strengthen your abs and your core, and provide one step closer to any flatter stomach.

Answer 9

Beans, beans, are good for your heart, the more you take in the more you... lose weight actually. Super-effective and full of fibre, beans will regulate your appetite and slow down the rate at which the stomach empties, meaning you continue to be fuller for longer.

Answer 10

Eat goats cheese instead of regular cheese. It contains 40 percent fewer calories than the cheese produced from cow’s milk.