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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Constipation Inspite Of Taking Dulcolax Stool Softener?

Hi -I am a 60 yoa Female.About 14 days ago i started to have constipation problems. It was very nasty. After after a week it started to get better (first a round of gas in the Am and then a real bowl movement) but i continue to have several attempts I can t stop when I must try to poop again during the day. Very little comes out but it is soft. This is so uncomfortable. I do a LOT of pacing and can t sit down very long. I m even afraid to urinate in case the poop feels like it needs to come out again.I talked to the pharmacist who recommended lots of water (which I increased) and corn to get things moving. I am sort of stuck at this phase. My body seems to be confused at this point and can t move on to a normal routine. I am eating less, too. Watermelon for breakfast and hot tea yesterday. Then rice, corn and broccoli for dinner with watermelon for desert. I have also ben taking dulcolax stool softener for 4 days.How do I get back to normal?Thanks.Can you respond here? I can t get to my email until I go to work tomorrow?
Thu, 16 Apr 2020
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi,

Do you have abdominal pain or vomiting? From what you said, you are likely having severe constipation with fecal impaction. This is unlikely to respond to dulcolax. In such cases, after an abdominal examination, I used to give more potent laxatives like PEG (polyethylene glycol), cremaffin and lactulose.

If not responding, we will need to administer enema to relieve obstruction from below, that usually needs a few hours observation in hospital for fear of dehydration / electrolyte imbalance. Kindly discuss with your doctor. Meanwhile, continue taking enough water, have a fibre rich diet and avoid non-veg items for a while.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Muhammed Aslam T. K., Pediatrician
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What Causes Constipation Inspite Of Taking Dulcolax Stool Softener?

Hi, Do you have abdominal pain or vomiting? From what you said, you are likely having severe constipation with fecal impaction. This is unlikely to respond to dulcolax. In such cases, after an abdominal examination, I used to give more potent laxatives like PEG (polyethylene glycol), cremaffin and lactulose. If not responding, we will need to administer enema to relieve obstruction from below, that usually needs a few hours observation in hospital for fear of dehydration / electrolyte imbalance. Kindly discuss with your doctor. Meanwhile, continue taking enough water, have a fibre rich diet and avoid non-veg items for a while. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Muhammed Aslam T. K., Pediatrician