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: Chronic Constipation

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Constipation


I am a 29 year old female who has had chronic constipation for over 10 years (keeps getting worse). I exercise daily, make sure I have over 30g of fiber daily, drink 10-12 eight ounce glasses of water and have taken every OTC laxative/fiber/herb known to mankind. I have also gone to four GI's and now a colon and rectal surgon. I have had a barium enema, colonosocpy, colonic transit test, defocagraphy and all that has been found is that my large intestine is not passing food. They want to cut me open on 3/8 and take out my entire large intesting and attach my small one to my bowel. I have also been on metamucil, lactulose and golytely, none of which do anything.

Please help me, I do not want to have this surgery if it is unnecessary but I am miserable. Thank you.

Dear Shelly,
Surgery is a lst ditch effort to relieve symptoms of constipation. In our experience, however, most patients can be managed with medical treatment. Ever increasing doses of fiber and osmotic laxatives is the initial therapy. We will sometimes use flush solutions of Golytely ( amount used depends on hosw much is needed to clean colon).

This information is presented for educational purposes. Ask specific questions to your personal physician.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: constipation
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