Any GPs about?

You really ought to ask your own GP this question as they will know the specifics of your case. If you weren't clear on anything during your appointment then ring and ask to talk to them about it further.

I think you need your own GP who prescribed it for you to clarify that.

I would think that the GPs on here are the ones most likely to tell you that you really need to ask your GP ?
I'm sure the gifted amateurs will have a go for you though ?

Hope you're OK - can be quite daunting when you realise you haven't got as much information as you'd like.

If it's a specific condition and you're happy to talk about it, you might find someone who has a good link to a support site - but you really do need to take everything with a pinch of salt if it's not your own GP. Even another GP doesn't have your personal medical history.

Its not really a medicine and its not for me. Hmm, probably not very clear was I ?

My son holds in his poos (sorry!) and has been for about 8 months. The GP prescribed lactose and said it should soften and lubricate but I've googled lactose and can find absolutely no reference to easing constipation so just wondered what its actually supposed to do and how it does it. Also, I didn't know if there was a reasonable length of time I should try it before going back. The bottle she gave is huge so I don't know if she's expecting me to wait till its all gone which could take a couple of months!

Are you sure it's lactose and not lactulose?

If it's for constipation then it'll be lactulose NOT lactose. Double check the product name..........they're totally different.

The GP has probably prescribe lactulose, not lactose which is a sugar. ?

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682338.html

Found this about lactulose, I think that may be what you're talking about:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100001447.html

quote:Originally posted by Hoobygroovy
Are you sure it's lactose and not lactulose?

Http://www.chemistdirect.co.uk/lactulose-solution_1_10158.html

but still you should ask your GP instead of google.?

It'll be lactulose. On my son (gifted amateur here) it took a few days to work, it was then a matter of fine tuning the dosage until the desired frequency and consistency was acheieved. He took it for about a year or so.

My sister takes lactulose stuff and it comes in a white weird shape bottle and has been for ages but it doesn't seem to do much for her as she still has constipation problems

quote:Originally posted by Pint&APie
But I'm only a gifted amateur, so what would I know. ?

Oops [:I] That sounds more likely! Thanks everyone, that's great. At least I know I won't be waiting weeks for it take effect and answers a lot of my questions about how it actually works ?

Not a GP but a pharmacist so may be of some help.
I think you mean lactulose as others have said.The medicine its self doesnt ease constipation it just helps to lubricate the back passage so stools pass easier and you shouldnt be in as much pain.
Give it a week and hopefully it shoudl have begun working well by that point.Oh it also tastes awful just to warn you if you havent tried it yet.