I have just gone 5 days without going to the loo. It’s ok, this story has a happy ending! I am still at Center Parcs, and, I have finally just been, I had last pooped on Friday morning!
The good news is that I felt absolutely fine throughout. I didn’t feel constipated. I didn’t feel that I wanted to go and couldn’t. I just didn’t feel the need. The only need was in my head, because I got more and more concerned about what was building up, literally and figuratively.
I kept running through my mind everything I had eaten since last Friday and thinking I must have to go at some point. I took a Senokot tablet Monday night, and then took 2 more yesterday afternoon. Early this morning I was looking up the addresses of local pharmacies and planning my trip. The nearest one was only 2 miles away, for some reason, presumably because Center Parcs makes you feel like you are in a remote forest, I assumed I was miles from the nearest civilisation. According to their Facebook page they opened at 8.30am so I made a decision, if I had not pooped by 8am, I would set off for the car. Then 7.30 bingo. My bowels obviously respond to a deadline.
It wasn’t even uncomfortable or unpleasant. It was a bit dark and a bit smelly, but I was mentally prepared for a very difficult experience, which didn’t happen.
So, I hope that this can offer some reassurance if you are starting out on this medication. The combination of the medication, which does slow down your digestion, and eating less, will inevitably mean your bathroom habits will be unpredictable for a while. My advice is be prepared, make sure you have a medicine cabinet with gentle laxatives, fibre supplements, and a fast-acting laxative ready in case of emergency. Trust your own instincts, you know your body and what is normal for you and when to start to take action. Especially if you are going away, say to stay in the middle of a forest, with no pharmacy on site!
I think I am doing pretty well here. I have brought all my protein shake kit and am having my regular shake for breakfast/lunch. Last night I had a small fillet steak and salad, then a bit of ice cream. The kids had chips and huge desserts, and I genuinely had no desire to pick at them. This is huge for me. I was not interested in the amazing desserts, I genuinely just fancied the ice cream machine, where you got a little pot and self-served ‘Mr Whippy’ stye ice cream and I added a little sauce. It was under 200 calories, and I didn’t even finish it.
I hate not being able to weigh myself every day. I will be excited to get on the scales on Sunday morning but must not let the numbers have too much power. This has to be working, it may not always be as quick as the first couple of weeks, but I know I am still hoping for a 3 or 4 lb loss.
Now to get ready to go off to the pool.
**By the way, the photo on this blog is not me, it’s from Canva. I’d put up with a bit of constipation for legs like those!