Laxative abuse
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi guys, i used to have an eating disorder. Only ever taken a whole pack of laxatives the once and that was 3 years ago. Since then every few months I go through a period of having 5/6 every couple of days. This isn’t weekly. I could go few months of having a good patch and I won’t touch them then I’ll go back. I took some today, but then I started feeling chest discomfort to which that made me throw the dulcolax away. What is the liklehood of me dying ? I’m so worried I will never touch them again, I just want to know if the damage has already been done and it’s too late 
the last thing I want is to die at 20, what can I do to make me healthy again ? I’ve stopped taking them after tonight as I’ve thrown them and I’m no way buying more as the pain has scared me a little. but I want to know if there is more I can do to prevent any damage. I have one and a half kidney as it is , because half was removed when I was a baby
0 likes, 2 replies
katlouise1989 kristy_36062
Posted
Massive irony patient U.K. Then that an ad for laxatives is directly beneath this post. Honestly?!
Kirsty - thanks for sharing, it sounds like you've done the right thing. An overdose is classed as taking more of the medication than recommended or inappropriate use of the medication - both exist in this case. For different people different strengths can have no harm, serious harm or cause fatality. The main reason laxative abuse can lead to death is because of how it plays with your electrolytes (which keep your heart functioning as it should). You should take some rehydration sachets to help replace lost minerals. Persistent laxative abuse can lead to renal failure.
I would head to an a & e to get checked over (if there is a walk in centre that is more appropriate but I appreciate these don't exist everywhere). You'll probably get blood tests and an ECG done there but I'd also make a follow up appointment with your GP to talk through any follow up e.g how will you go forward from now.
Hope this helps.
katlouise1989 kristy_36062
Posted
The other thing I should add (if you don't end up doing the above) is if your condition deteriorates, you are struggling to breathe or experiencing chest pains (new to what you described) call an ambulance.