Hello. Rather glad to find this forum. I'm feeling very low. In a nutshell got diagnosed with AF in February after a couple of months of what I wrongly assumed was piles.
Tried NitroGlycerin, no noticeable effect. Now doc has recommended Diltiazem which I just started using. The only thing that works for me is Dulcolax - I go (BM) once a day and I'm done, BUT, I know this isn't a long term solution so after 3 pain free weeks I switched to a stool softener and BANG, back to square 1. Back on Dulcolax, OK for a couple of weeks, transition to stool softener, BANG. And so on. I feel trapped now into a life of laxatives which I know is storing up problems, is not viable longer term and scares the heck out of me.
I have made huge changes to diet, drink tons of water, fresh fruit, cut back on alcohol, but still feel totally reliant on laxatives. I'm so scared of having to have surgery as a last resort and becoming an incontinent hermit for the rest of my life.
In my mid 40s and male, and being British feel very embarrassed by the whole thing.
Can I/should I try laxatives for longer, eg 8 weeks? Is that dangerous?
Any thoughts very much appreciated.