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Are Frequent Bowel Movements And Constipation Signs Of IBS?
Question: I have had trouble with constipation all my life. Fibromyalgia and multiple significant neck injuries require opiods 24/7. This seriously increases my constipation. Taking Senna and a stool softener BID. After several years of that working well, now dairy products (a problem all my life but lately a new, significant increase in is effects which slows down events enough to cause severe, hard painful constipation. After 3 days with no bowel movement, I eat big handfuls of nuts and take a extra dose of senna and stool softener dose just before dinner. That works within 24 hours. Completely empties my bowels ater several bowel movements to near diarrhea. I admit completely cutting out dairy completely is beyond my self-discipline capacity, but I'm moderating my intake significantly. In addition, any foods with spicy hot ingredients are not totally off my ability to injest without significant bowel upset. All of this suggests, I'm growing more sensitive. Is it IBS? Is it time to chat with my family doctor? Thanks for anything you can suggest. I do use WebMD a lot and am grateful having available. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
yes talk to your doctor
Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for your question.
I do not think this is IBS. That would be quite unusual in someone your age and the fact that you are on the narcotics makes it the most likely cause for your constipation and bowel problems.
It may just be that you will need something stronger occasionally than the senna and stool softener. It is great that they have worked in the past but you may need to occasionally add something like Miralax.
In addition now there are some prescription medications that are safe and effective for chronic constipation like Amitiza.
It is best to work with your doctor and see if it is time for you to be on one of the prescription medications. Remember you can always add some prune just or a fiber supplement too your senna and stool softener and see if that helps.
Regards,
DR. Robinson
yes talk to your doctor
Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for your question.
I do not think this is IBS. That would be quite unusual in someone your age and the fact that you are on the narcotics makes it the most likely cause for your constipation and bowel problems.
It may just be that you will need something stronger occasionally than the senna and stool softener. It is great that they have worked in the past but you may need to occasionally add something like Miralax.
In addition now there are some prescription medications that are safe and effective for chronic constipation like Amitiza.
It is best to work with your doctor and see if it is time for you to be on one of the prescription medications. Remember you can always add some prune just or a fiber supplement too your senna and stool softener and see if that helps.
Regards,
DR. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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