Bloating. How do I sleep through the night?

Hi Gordan,

Here are some more answers from the community:

Shane Robb Try some melatonin tablets. I refuse to take sleeping tablets. Melatonin is made from natural herbs. Found they work for me, I had a stroke 12 mths ago and have had trouble sleeping. Took about 2 weeks for the capsules to start to kick in, I know a few work colleagues who take it as well due to PTSD helps them, Expensive if prescribed by a doctor but you can get it online cheaper. Was initially prescribed by my GP to try.

Belinda Greenslade I'm 5yrs post and survive off 4hrs p/Night. Simply chose not to do GP recommendation for sleeping pills as I'm now a single mum of 7yr old twins. Each to their own but I can't afford to zonk out without backup. Never done drugs in my life I'd probs turn into sleeping gorgeous

Ryn Shell Sleep on your left side. This due to the position of your stomach opening. Try ginger tea. Store ginger in the frezer and grate what you need to make a tea with whatever other tea mix you choose, as required.

Jeanette Spencer Have you tried drinking a glass of warm water with lemon. Its meant to help with digestion.

Joanne Ashby Lactose free yogurt works

Dave Lark Try cbd oil

How do you get fixed?

Over two and half years since my stroke.

Same bloating problem as before, only more painful when I wake stupidly early to fart. The constipation is every day. A colonoscopy was scheduled in March last year (2020), but Covid made a mess and 10 months later I am still waiting.

About once a week I’ll call Lifeline or Beyond Blue because the pain is too intense ( the fecal builds up in the lower colon until it presses against the spine ). I need to speak for the last hour before I poo - but both Lifeline and Beyond Blue give up after 20 minutes as I’m not planing on killing myself. ( I have children! Get real. I’m just in pain ). Hospitals send the phone call to emergency when you are in pain. I just need some help when it hurts.

Two questions.

Where can I call when I am in pain?

Is there a care regulator? Someone that cares after you have left the hospital and you have a chance of fixing all of your stroke stuff.

Yes I have a continence nurse, had abdominal x-rays, bladder was checked, two other doctors waiting for my colonoscopy and I am on a priority listing.

But I’m not bleeding. There is a backlog of Melbourne health staff after Covid and just not enough health professionals in this country. So I’m waiting.

Hello Gordon,

It sounds like you are having a difficult time and yes, pain is very difficult to live with , you must be so frustrated to try and find both an answer and a solution for the ongoing issues you are experiencing.

The  colonoscopy that you have been recommended to have and are waitlisted for may  certainly assist you with some of your answers. Are you seeing a Gastroenterologist for this investigation?

Have you also considered seeing a Dietician?They can be very helpfull with looking further also into any dietary related matters that could be contributing to your bloating , constipation and pain.

In relation to a care regulator ,post hospital discharge there is no such thing, a  follow up appointment is often completed via the stroke outpatient team or registrar. Then any ongoing care needs post stroke are often referred to your GP or neurologist for ongoing medical care management

Kind regards

Alicia(Strokeline)