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Welcome to the Gastroenterology Forum! This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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| TomL 3/16/2003 | . | I'm 53 year male in excellent condition at 6 ft, 155 lbs., and I don't use alcohol or tobacco. I've always had minor but chronic constipation, which is usually resolved by taking doses of psyllium or, occasionally, a single dose of Milk Of Magnesia or a stool softener. I exercise regularly and drink six to eight glasses of water daily and use beans, greens and whole grains in my diet. However, I probably do consume too much white sugar. I began taking Synthroid .05 mg. eighteen months ago. My annual checkup one year later showed my thyroid level within normal range. The blood work showed slight anemia, which I dismissed. I have normal blood pressure, typically 120/70. --------- About four weeks ago my bowels suddenly seemed to stop functioning. After seven days without a bowel movement I took a stimulant laxative (which I generally avoid), but had no relief after eight hours. I then took two doses of Milk Of Magnesia with plenty of water, but still had no relief within eight hours. That evening, I took ten ounces of Magnesium Citrate and plenty of water and, six hours later, emptied my bowels as watery diarrhea. The following week, I had no urge for a bowel movement and tried taking massive amounts of psyllium with no results whatsoever. Over the weekend, I had to again take large doses of laxative and Magnesium Citrate to obtain any relief -- again discharged as watery diarrhea. This scenario has repeated every week for four weeks. That is, I have no natural urge for a BM, even after taking a stimulant laxative, and can only empty my bowels by taking enough lasative and magnesia to liquify the waste. Although I have no way of knowing, it "feels" as if the colon itself is not receiving waste normally. During these four weeks I have had the uncomfortable "bloated" feeling, but have had NO pain, NO nausea, and have NOT seen any blood or mucus in the liquid discharge. There is some gas, which seems to pass normally. I have reduced my food intake, eating mainly oatmeal, yogurt, milk, juices and fruit, but this has had no effect on the problem. Most recently (the last two days) I have had more gas and have begun to feel a mild, diffused pain in my lower back (colon area). Questions: 1. Is this a condition that needs immediate medical attention? 2. Does such a sudden, acute change indicate a constriction or obstruction (e.g., tumor)? 3. What diagnostics would you recommend first? Any other advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. |
| Forum-M.D.-KYP 3/16/2003 | TomL | Hello - thanks for asking your question. Please understand my limitations over the internet as I have neither met nor examined you. This information is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation. You are describing chronic constipation. It surely deserves medical attention. It is difficult to say what the acute change in bowel habits can mean, but it possibly could be an obstruction. Many different medical conditions can also cause constipation. Examples include hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and colon cancer. In addition, medications used for pain, muscle spasms, depression, mineral deficiencies, high blood pressure, and heart disease can often be associated with constipation. If the history and physical examination do not reveal the cause of chronic constipation, an imaging study of the colon and rectum to exclude mass lesions, strictures, megacolon, and megarectum is recommended. Endoscopy should also be considered. A normal imaging study should lead to a search for problems causing abnormal transit and pelvic floor dysfunction. Marker studies are useful for this purpose; a normal study should prompt a therapeutic trial, while an abnormal test should lead to defecography or manometry to test the pelvic floor. Followup with your personal physician is essential. This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case. Thanks, Kevin, M.D. |
| Gi.PA 3/17/2003 C2 | . | Tom, You are over the age of 50 and have had a significant change in your bowel pattern. Colonoscopy is the next step to assure that there is no obstructing polyp or cancer. This is unlikely but all would feel better knowing this is not the cause. In order to get set up for a colon exam, you will be establishing with a gastroenterologist who can also talk to you about medications that would be helpful. Miralax (a PEG-gylcol solution) is very helpful. Avoid stimulant laxitives. See your doctor! Erin GI.PA |
| 4gpact 3/17/2003 C3 | . | It sounds as though you have gotten yourself into a repeating cycle. The use of the laxatives, etc, probably is "over-emptying", for lack of a better term, then it takes awhile for things to go through your system and accumulate again. You might also want to ask your doctor about zelnorm, for constipation predominant IBS. It was initially tested for women, but I know men that take it too, with good results. It would certainly be less of a strain on your digestive tract. | [Thread closed to new comments] |
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