
How Should Intermittent Change In Stool Appearance And Abdominal Pain Be Treated And Would Milk Of Magnesia Help?

Question: I have had a change in my stool now for a few weeks on and off. Sometimes it is what shows up on the charts as #3 (normal but loose and rounded edges on separate pieces) and periodically it is pencil thin but goes back to soft but normal at other times. I have not had a colonoscopy for several years due to a problem with anesthesia and its potential impact on my glaucoma but did have the cologuard test which was negative and several stool tests for blood - also negative. I have a huge gallstone near the duct which periodically gives me a flareup with pain that subsides and there is no evidence that the gallbladder is diseased but I am afraid to take a laxative. The only medication I take is Diamox Sequels (500 mg) and several eye drops. I am 74 years old and have two types of glaucoma - closed angle since age 18 after an accident and open angle that just started. I had a bout of abdominal pain 3 days ago that lasted from 6pm Sunday to 5am Monday then went away. It was a little different than previous gallbladder attacks. Would taking Milk of Magnesia be okay?
Brief Answer:
Hello. Milk of magnesia wont help too much
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone the details provided. So the concern is repeated attacks of cholelithiasis. Even if the gall bladder seems ok on ultrasonography, repeated attacks of pain is an indication for removal of gall bladder for 2 reasons
1. Stone is near the duct, it may get impacted and cause jaundice and infection
2. Chronic cholelithiasis is a risk factor for caner of gall bladder.
Milk of magnesia is not going to help in gall stone pain but it may relieve you of gerd discomfort. For pain, you can take acetaminophen or narcotic drug like tramadol.
Thanks and regards
feel free to ask further
Hello. Milk of magnesia wont help too much
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone the details provided. So the concern is repeated attacks of cholelithiasis. Even if the gall bladder seems ok on ultrasonography, repeated attacks of pain is an indication for removal of gall bladder for 2 reasons
1. Stone is near the duct, it may get impacted and cause jaundice and infection
2. Chronic cholelithiasis is a risk factor for caner of gall bladder.
Milk of magnesia is not going to help in gall stone pain but it may relieve you of gerd discomfort. For pain, you can take acetaminophen or narcotic drug like tramadol.
Thanks and regards
feel free to ask further
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng


The gallbladder (or whatever pain I had this time) is gone since Monday. I was asking about the Milk of Magnesia to help with my bowels. I don't seem to be going as much as I have in the past and seem constipated.
Brief Answer:
HEllo. Yes , it should work for constipation
Detailed Answer:
Hello again. So milk of magnesia is a good laxative and it should work. It can be habit forming too if taken regularly. I also advise to increase fluid and roughage intake in diet.
Thanks and regards
HEllo. Yes , it should work for constipation
Detailed Answer:
Hello again. So milk of magnesia is a good laxative and it should work. It can be habit forming too if taken regularly. I also advise to increase fluid and roughage intake in diet.
Thanks and regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
