talkhealth forums

I have had a problem with constipation for a couple of years now. I used to go every day no problem.
I have had a lot of lower back problems in the last few years also-L4-L5-S1, tears, bulging discs and stenosis. I avoid painkillers as I know the detrimental effect they have. I took some with a bad flare and was unable to go for four days despite eight sachets of movicol a day.
I use lidocaine patches instead.
I am also have an underactive thyroid but it is well controlled and my consultant said my bowels are just sluggish.
I eat plenty of fruit and veg, drink a lot of water and excerise regularly.
I have to take movicol every day to go. Some days it hurts and I have some blood
on the toilet paper.
I think it is worse since my most recent back injury and I get a dragging sensation into my perineum.
Is this related to my back?. What else can I do to improve the situation? .

Yes, the underactive thyroid will certain make your bowel sluggish, but the spinal stenosis could well make it very difficult to evacuate the rectum. The fruit and veg and the movicol will certainly help but I would recommend your doctor sends you to a specialist centre that can assess your anorectal function and advise treatment. If you are in London, there is one at Northwick Park and another at UCH.