Logan Reid
Pooping is a natural part of life, but sometimes it can be difficult, especially when in hospital. Constipation is a common issue that can be caused by stress, diet, lack of physical activity, and even pregnancy. If you haven't pooped in a few days, you may start to feel constipated, and if it goes on for too long, it can lead to severe abdominal pain, bloating, and even vomiting. While there is no exact timeframe for when constipation becomes an emergency, it's important to seek medical attention after about a week of not passing stool, or sooner if you have other symptoms. In this article, we will explore the causes of constipation, the risks of going too long without pooping, and provide tips on how to get things moving again when constipated in a hospital setting.
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What You'll Learn
Ask hospital staff for help with getting to the toilet
If you are in a hospital, it is important to ask hospital staff for help with getting to the toilet. Hospital staff are professional, understanding, and supportive, and they will help you with your toileting needs without making you feel embarrassed.
If you have concerns, ask the nursing staff when you arrive about what will happen when you need to use the toilet. In some cases, patients may involuntarily leak urine (urinary incontinence) or pass stool (faecal incontinence). Incontinence may result from the environment rather than the patient's physical condition, such as being given diuretics, which cause the bladder to fill more often with urine.
If you have incontinence problems while in bed, inform the staff immediately so they can clean you and make you comfortable. If left unattended, your skin can become irritated. Find out where the closest toilets are when you arrive, and know where the nursing call bell is. Keep it within reach at all times in case you need assistance.
If you have been asked to remain in bed or are unable to get up, toileting aids such as bed pans and urine bottles can be used. It is important to talk with your healthcare professionals about any continence issues you may experience so that they can investigate and help solve the problem. Continence refers to controlling your bladder (wee) or bowels (poo). Incontinence is when you have trouble with this control, and it is not a normal part of ageing.
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Use a bed pan if you're unable to get up
If you are unable to get up to use the toilet in hospital, there are toileting aids available, such as bed pans and urine bottles. These are usually made from metal or plastic and can be used for both urine and faecal matter.
If you are confined to your bed, it is important to ask for help. Hospital staff are accustomed to dealing with patients who are bed-bound or have limited mobility. They will be professional, understanding and supportive, so you should not feel embarrassed to ask for assistance. Nursing staff will always help you to get on and off a commode chair if you need to use one. Commode chairs are placed by the bed and are suitable for patients who can get out of bed but have limited ability to walk to the toilet.
If you are unable to get out of bed, you can use a bed pan. You may feel nervous about using a bed pan, but hospital staff are used to dealing with the toileting needs of patients. It is important to talk with healthcare professionals about any continence issues you may experience so that they can investigate and help to solve the problem.
If you are experiencing constipation, there are treatments available. You should try to eat high-fibre foods, as fibre increases the bulk and softness of stools, making them easier to pass. You can also try stool softeners, which are oral liquids, tablets or capsules that make it easier to move your bowels. Laxatives are another option, but these should only be used when needed.
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Find the closest toilets when you arrive
If you are worried about incontinence issues, it is a good idea to find out where the closest toilets are when you arrive at the hospital. Knowing where the nearest toilets are will help you avoid rushing to get there, which could result in a fall.
Ask the nursing staff when you arrive about what will happen when you need to go to the toilet. Hospital staff are professional, understanding, and supportive, and they will help you without making you feel embarrassed. They can also help you with getting to the toilet if you need assistance.
If you have limited mobility, the distance from your bed to the toilet can be daunting, and you may feel anxious about the possibility of having an accident in unfamiliar surroundings. In this case, a bedside commode might be useful. This is a portable unit that can be brought into your room and placed next to your bed.
If you have had surgery or have a condition that makes walking difficult, you might be asked to remain in bed. In this case, toileting aids such as bed pans and urine bottles can be used.
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Use continence aids provided by the hospital
If you are staying in a hospital and are unable to use the toilet to relieve yourself, you may be provided with continence aids. These aids are designed to help you manage your bowel and bladder functions while you are in the hospital.
Using continence aids can be a safe and effective way to manage your bowel and bladder health while you are in the hospital. Here are some tips on how to use continence aids provided by the hospital:
- Understand the different types of continence aids: Hospitals typically offer a range of continence aids, including bedpans, urinals, commodes, and absorbent pads or briefs. Each type of aid serves a specific purpose, so it is important to understand which aid is appropriate for your needs.
- Follow the instructions provided by the hospital staff: The hospital staff will provide you with instructions on how to properly use and care for the continence aids. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure your comfort and hygiene.
- Maintain good hygiene: Continence aids should be used and disposed of in a hygienic manner. Wash your hands before and after using the aids, and follow any specific cleaning or disposal instructions provided by the hospital.
- Seek assistance if needed: If you are unsure about how to use the continence aids or if you require help, don't hesitate to ask the hospital staff for assistance. They are trained to provide support and guidance in using these aids.
- Communicate any concerns: If you experience any discomfort or issues with the continence aids, inform the hospital staff immediately. They may be able to provide alternative solutions or adjustments to ensure your comfort and well-being.
Remember, using continence aids is a temporary solution while you are in the hospital. It is important to work with your healthcare team to address any underlying issues and develop a long-term plan for managing your bowel and bladder health.
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Lean forward while sitting on the toilet
Leaning forward while sitting on the toilet is one of several possible toilet positions that can help relieve constipation and make it easier to pass a stool. This position can be achieved by placing your elbows, forearms, or hands on your thighs and leaning forward with a straight back. Your knees should be raised, either above your hips or tilted upward, with your feet resting on the ground or on a footstool. This posture recreates a squatting position, which keeps the rectum aligned with the anus and allows for easier bowel evacuation. It also helps to relax your stomach muscles and breathe deeply through your mouth to prevent straining.
To achieve the correct height for your knees and feet, you can use a footstool, yoga blocks, or even some old books. This setup will help you maintain a straight back while leaning forward. Additionally, it is important to keep your feet flat or raised, rather than on tiptoes, to allow your pelvic floor muscles to relax.
The "squatting" position is considered the most effective way to poop, as it allows for more efficient abdominal muscle work, helping individuals empty their bowels more quickly, completely, and comfortably. Recreating this position while sitting on a Western-style toilet can be challenging, but using a footstool or other props can help achieve the desired posture.
It is worth noting that some people find that leaning back helps when they are constipated. They may rock gently backward and forward or get up and walk around. Additionally, staying hydrated, increasing fiber intake, and getting regular exercise are key lifestyle changes that can help regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
If you are experiencing constipation, it is important to seek medical advice if self-care measures and over-the-counter laxatives do not provide relief. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific situation.
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Frequently asked questions
If you haven't pooped in 14 days, you should seek immediate medical attention. This could be a case of severe constipation, which can lead to serious complications and indicate an underlying health condition. In the meantime, you can try drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, exercising, and increasing your fibre intake.
Symptoms of severe constipation include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, fever, and severe abdominal pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
There are a few ways to treat severe constipation. You can try over-the-counter remedies such as stool softeners or bulk-forming, stimulant, or osmotic laxatives. You can also try bowel training, which involves attempting to move your bowels at the same time each day.
