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Suggest Treatment For Constiaption
Question: Hi. Can I ask you another health question? I have had constipation problems for quite some time. Since my surgery and use of pain killers it has gotten worse. At first my doctor was against prune juice but seemed to reverse his opinion. I have increased fruits, vegetables, water and what exercise I can. But I still need something. I was given a prescription for linzess and try to use it only a few days a week. Use also metamucil. I was also diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction which is a problem and I try to do kegels. I don't want to feel my colon is extremely slugish or what my doctor called a "lead pipe" colon. What else can I do to reverse this? Is it possible.
Brief Answer:
avoid strong stimulants
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
Constipation is always a problem with narcotics. The things that can cause the lead pipe colon are strong stimulant medications like ex-lax used for long periods of time. If you get into a serious period of constipation, using enemas is safer than strong stimulants. For most patients on chronic narcotics, I usually work with them to come up with a regimen that allows them to have regular bowel movements every one to two days without long periods of constipation.
You are doing many good things already. Here are some things to try. Add a dose of psyllium daily. It is a fiber that helps relieve constipation. If you add psyllium only add one dose daily at first and take it with a full glass of water. You can go up on it but only increase from one dose two two after 2-3 weeks. Drink at least 6-8 (8oz.) glasses of water daily. The prune juice is fine and a 4-6 oz. glass of it can be part of your regimen. The exercise is really important. Even if it is just getting up frequently and walking around the house.
Miralax is probably the safest medication to use regularly and you can take a dose of it nightly if needed. It is over the counter.
Avoid anything that can cause dehyddration like caffeine and alcohol. Even those these are in liquids they have a diuretic effect and can cause a mild dehydration. Stomach massage can be helpful in some patients. Just lie down and rub around on your abdominal area to keep the intestines and colon XXXXXXX
Working with a physical therapist to get more XXXXXXX may also be good for you.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson
avoid strong stimulants
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
Constipation is always a problem with narcotics. The things that can cause the lead pipe colon are strong stimulant medications like ex-lax used for long periods of time. If you get into a serious period of constipation, using enemas is safer than strong stimulants. For most patients on chronic narcotics, I usually work with them to come up with a regimen that allows them to have regular bowel movements every one to two days without long periods of constipation.
You are doing many good things already. Here are some things to try. Add a dose of psyllium daily. It is a fiber that helps relieve constipation. If you add psyllium only add one dose daily at first and take it with a full glass of water. You can go up on it but only increase from one dose two two after 2-3 weeks. Drink at least 6-8 (8oz.) glasses of water daily. The prune juice is fine and a 4-6 oz. glass of it can be part of your regimen. The exercise is really important. Even if it is just getting up frequently and walking around the house.
Miralax is probably the safest medication to use regularly and you can take a dose of it nightly if needed. It is over the counter.
Avoid anything that can cause dehyddration like caffeine and alcohol. Even those these are in liquids they have a diuretic effect and can cause a mild dehydration. Stomach massage can be helpful in some patients. Just lie down and rub around on your abdominal area to keep the intestines and colon XXXXXXX
Working with a physical therapist to get more XXXXXXX may also be good for you.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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