Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: calcium supplements

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Constipation


I recently saw an internist because I was
experiencing constipation. I have been
taking calcium supplements ( I am female,
age 46). Since I started the supplements,
I have been very constipated.
The internist wanted to do a colonoscopy,
but I said no, because I am hypoglycemic,
and it involved consuming nothing but
sugared clear fluids for what amounted
to about forty hours. I didn't think that
was doable. I would certainly pass out.
In addition they wanted me to drink
a large quantity of a substance that
I determined to be a poison. I talked to
several nurses, one of whom had had
the test with that particular substance
to drink and all said it was brutal,
one even described it as barbaric.
That I could expect to leak fluid
uncontrollably, be nauseated,
and or vomit repeatedly. Also there
was the possibility of puncturing my
intestinal wall, and if I bled more than
a cup of blood to go to the ER.
This on top of being horribly sick
from the low blood sugar.
All that for constipation!
I asked the Dr. if I could have an enema
instead, before the test, and they were
not sympathetic, so the test was
cancelled, and I am seeing a new doctor.
In the interim, I have stopped taking the
calcium, and I am fine.
I should say that my other tests were
negative (stool sample, blood, urine).
I need to know if there is a calcium
supplement that won't cause this problem
--I need the calcium, but the constipation
is a pain, and that nightmare of a test
is out of the question.--thank you.

Dear micki,

Many medications are constipating. Calcium supplements are known to cause constipation. A change in bowel habits is an indication for evaluation of the colon or large intestine. If you find it too difficult to undergo the preparation for colonoscopy you may want to consider a flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium enema. I hope you find this information helpful.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.

HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: constipation, calcium supplements, colonoscopy

 

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