Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
150 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Hard Stool And Constipation Despite Taking Citrucel And Colace

I have severe constipation. My stools are very hard and even when small, are very difficult to pass. I can t seem to pass a large stool now. Very painful. I ve been taking 2 Citrucel and 2 Colace with every meal for almost two weeks with no results. Taking probiotics as well. This is a chronic problem but has gotten worse in the last few weeks. I want advice on short term - how to pass this difficult stool, and long term constipation relief. Thanks
posted on Sat, 9 Dec 2017
Twitter Wed, 3 Jan 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 30 May 2019 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood the concerns.
Chronic constipation in spite of Citruvel and Colace can be due to the following reasons:
Less fibre in diet.
Less water contents.
Gastroparesis.
Hence the cause has to be found out in the following ways:
Change the diet to high fiber one; identify the foods and beverages that cause constipation and avoid these at any cost.
Tests of stool and blood- see for diabetes.
Barium meal and follow through studies in real tie to see the transit time of food.
X-ray of abdomen to see for impacted fecoliths, strictures etc.
Take a Enema to cleanse the bowel.
Stool softeners and laxatives help further.
If any medical condition like diabetes is found get treated accordingly.
Clinical evaluation,examination by a Gastroenterologist and further management as per the causes found.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Hard Stool And Constipation Despite Taking Citrucel And Colace

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history and understood the concerns. Chronic constipation in spite of Citruvel and Colace can be due to the following reasons: Less fibre in diet. Less water contents. Gastroparesis. Hence the cause has to be found out in the following ways: Change the diet to high fiber one; identify the foods and beverages that cause constipation and avoid these at any cost. Tests of stool and blood- see for diabetes. Barium meal and follow through studies in real tie to see the transit time of food. X-ray of abdomen to see for impacted fecoliths, strictures etc. Take a Enema to cleanse the bowel. Stool softeners and laxatives help further. If any medical condition like diabetes is found get treated accordingly. Clinical evaluation,examination by a Gastroenterologist and further management as per the causes found.