Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Posted on Mon, 17 Oct 2016

Question: Hello Doctor,

I have had a history of constipation since 2 years,but since 4 months itss been worse.I have been to several doctors,but no relief.Firstly, I visited a doctor 4 months ago and explained him by condition.He took an X-ray of my abdomen and he said faeces are stuck in transcending and descending colon,and told to take Amitiza but I am vegetarian and it contained Gelatin,so I didnt take it.He then told to take Metamucil,I took heavy doses of Psyllium Husk,I used to pass big large stools,but that didnt give me a sense of complete relief.Then I went to a gastro.Explained him my condition.He told that it is not possible with an X ray to show faeces in colon.He advised me to take Miralax for 15 days.After 3-4 days of Miralax it improved to a extent after that,I took it for 15 days,but it was not giving complete relief.I used to feel like something is stuck and gases are trapped and are not coming out and also didnt had feeling of complete evacuation.I went again to Gastro and he said that I am having IBS,and he subscribed me Linzess.I am on linzess for 45 days and it was working to some extent in starting,but that is not working too now.I feel bloated and could always feel there is something in my gut.I do not pass much gas.Shall I go for a colonoscopy.Is it possible to have such impacted faeces for so long ? I pass stools sometimes very soft and sticky,sometimes small pellets.With Linzess sometimes some diarhhea.I do not know what is wrong with me.Is it IBS or something else ? I am confused what is wrong with me.I have had test for H pylori breath test.It was normal.Had blood tests got done.I have uploaded it.I have visited Ayurvedic doctors too.But not much relief

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX I would like you to continue with psyllium husk--if you can get a

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX I would like you to continue with psyllium husk--if you can get a soluble variety take 1 big spoon in 1 big glass of water at night and drink it. Also if you smoke, do quit. Exercise is very important for your problem--hope you are doing some aerobic activity for an hour a day. Pranayam, learnt properly will also help. Try to avoid things like rajma, kabuli chana, ground nuts, coffee, chocolates, colas. Soya milk mixed with curds may help you.Try a high fibre diet with plenty of cooked vegetables, salads, fruits.It may help. If you are stressed, it can add to the problem. You may try a mild anxiety reducing medicine.

Please check your liver functions, blood glucose and thyroid functions. You are welcome to revert back to me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (29 minutes later)

Do you think it is IBS ? I feel a lot of waste is clogged up in my colon.But the doctor told me it is IBS. I don't smoke. I do not get the urge to go to the restroom. I do have bowel movement daily,but it is a very small bowel movement. Do I have my liver,thyroid and blood glucose checked ?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX Yes it does sound like a mild form of IBS. The diet I have sugges

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX Yes it does sound like a mild form of IBS. The diet I have suggested will help you. Sometimes Liver problems, Diabetes and Thyroid problems can give similar symptoms. That is why I suggested these tests. But you can check with your doctor. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (46 minutes later)

Hello,

Do you think it could be Faecal Impaction ? Shall I have a colonoscopy test ?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX faecal impaction would have cleared up by now.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX faecal impaction would have cleared up by now. However to rule it out, you can insert a glycerine suppository into your rectum at night and the impaction if any will be taken care of. Yes there is no harm in getting a colonoscopy done. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (26 minutes later)

Yes I am getting a colonoscopy done in 2 days.The prep will clear if there is any impaction ? I feel like strong wind passing through in my abdomen. And because of that I am not able to have a proper bowel movement. My stools are not hard but I am not having urge to defaecate but I know I need to have a bowel movement.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX yes the pre colonoscopy laxative medication

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX yes the pre colonoscopy laxative medication should help to clear your bowels. All the best with colonoscopy report. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (2 days later)

Hello Doctor,

I have uploaded the report for my colonoscopy.The doctor has mentioned Type 1 hemorrhoids which I can see in the image as well.But why has he mentioned about Cecum in the Summary section.What is wrong there ? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX since the colonoscopy is showing grade 1 Haemorrhoids(piles)

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX since the colonoscopy is showing grade 1 Haemorrhoids(piles) please continue with psyllium husk and the diet as I had earlier suggested. Also you can use a local cream like anovate to be applied into the anus twice a day.

Regarding Caecum--I do not know why it is mentioned, since there is no remark attached to it. Please follow up with your doctor as advised a week from now and he will hopefully clarify.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (28 minutes later)

Hello,

The doctor has told to take, Ibgard which is basically Peppermint oil.Also he said it is IBS only. Can I instead take Peppermint oil instead of Ibgard because Ibgard contains gelatin and I am vegetarian. Also doctor had told me to try Align Probiotic before but I did not try that.It contains B. infantis.Will it help. I read online that brewed mint leaves water is helpful to soothe the abdominal pain and discomfort.Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See if you can get peppermint oil with a green label

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

See if you can get peppermint oil with a green label (vegetarian). I do not think you can take peppermint oil direct--it may prove too strong. Brewed mint leaves should be a safe alternative to peppermint oil. Pre and Pro biotics are said to help in IBS, but I personally have found less benefit. However I do use them. So in short--take the brewed mint leaves and try the Probiotics besides other diet measures.

Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj