How Can Laxatives Worsen Constipation?

There was a post about if an individual could have blockage since no go for couple of days.  I also replied about constipation and asked why no replies  mention to take laxative. One reply to me stated a Laxative might make it worse. How would a Laxative make it worse?

Yes I remember that post and I remember I believe the woman replied who was the stoma nurse she said that a laxative can make you dehydrate because of laxative doesn't end up working with the small intestine it works with the large intestine which I believe you do not have... so in ....short it would actually make you dehydrated and that's not good

No I had a Colostomy last August.  The removal portion of the colon or large intestine was only the signoid  colon.   I do have the majority of the colon or large intestine. 

That might be my answer about managing rectal stump mucus. People with an ileostomy should not take laxatives (unless under supervision of a medical provider) to deal with blockages or mucus buildup.

Not giving medical advice here, but someone with a Colostomy may use gentle laxatives if ok with your medical provider. If you have enough large intestine remaining, then it is still able to do its job of reabsorbing fluid out of stool to prevent dehydration and electrolyte loss. A medical provider can recommend fluid, fiber, and a gentle laxative.

So you can’t go and you wanna take stuff to make you go. The question is…..once you get going, how much comes out, when it comes out, and how often it’ll come out til you’re empty. Ok, that’s 3 questions but you could have a major eruption when you don’t want it. I’m horrible about this(ask my girlfriend) but you need more fluids, maybe lots more. 

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Hospital emergency room if you have pain and nothing coming out for a couple of days.  With my colostomy, I have times where nothing comes out for a couple of days... but have no pain.  And by day 3..... steady output.

Not good to self medicate, unless you're real sure whats going to be the result.  You do not want to become dehydrated.  About 4 months post op, I became dehydrated at work, passed out.. smacked my head on the side of a machine.  Had an amusing paramedic ride to the nearest hospital.  Extremely unamused wife.

I'm thinking blockage is like a dam.  Lots of poop backed up under pressure.  Laxatives might cause unintended consequences.

Please explain Laxatives might cause unintended consequences. What unintended consequences?

This woman Won't Give Up!!! 

Alex , break out the crayons!!

It's always safer to seek professional medical help if you suspect a blockage, have pain, unusual swelling, stoma color change, major prolapse, extensive skin damage.

Never a good idea to self medicate.  You could make the situation worse.

I agree with MBT

I have ileo and fight dehydration almost daily, mainly due to my athletic lifestyle.

While a laxative may help a blockage it will most likely leave the patient dehydrated.

I hope I’m still learning and just haven’t figured it out yet but how the hell do you have an athletic lifestyle and own a pair of clothes that haven’t had shit on them…… serious question.  :-|

I’ve never had shit on my clothes since getting an ostomy. 🤷‍♂️