What Causes Severe Constipation After Treating Lymphocytic Colitis?
In 2011 I had microscopic lymphatic colitis which took me a few weeks to recover from. Since then until the present I have problems with constipation. Have tried several over-the-counter aids and now I am taking milk of magnesia daily or every other day. Every once in awhile I take a Dulcolax pill which tends to help. Have been trying to establish a set pattern for elimination but to no avail. I used to have a pattern of going after breakfast daily. Now it's pieces 2 or 3 times a day or nothing if I don't take something. I have a couple hemorrhoids as well.
What do you suggest? Thanks.
Need to rule out some other diseases; if no other symptom then we can go with management
Detailed Answer:
Hello Maam
Thank You & welcome back to HCM.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of reasons that can result in constipation OR you can say participate in aggravating it. Most common include diet & activity. Can you please share if you are having any of the following symptom as well:
- Fatigue, Increased sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin, Weight gain
- Puffy face, Hoarseness
- Muscle weakness or Thinning hair
> If there is no other symptom then following measures will help you in reducing the problem:
1. Increase Dietary fiber intake:
It is available in multiple forms like fresh fruits, vegetables & cereals. You need to take them on daily basis.
2. Increase fluids intake:
it is the key to treatment. Take at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Avoid milk & milk products because in some cases it aggravates constipation. Take a glass of warm water empty stomach in the morning. It also improves gut motility. I recommend this to almost all patients visiting my clinic.
3. Oral stool softeners:
They are easy to use and have shown good results. Some of the OTC includes Colace, ispaghul husk & Surfak.
4. As you are already taking Dulcolax so keep it in the bottom. Lubricants like mineral oil also helps in passage of stool through colon. Have you ever tried glycerine suppositories ? They also help to pass stool if its accumulated in rectum.
5. Physical activity:
Go out for walk in the evening. Physical activity improves muscles movement.
Lastly if all these measures fail in giving relief then you need to visit hospital and get an appointment for Consultant Gastroenterologist. He will examine you thoroughly for other diseases than can result in constipation (as a complication).
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you a very good health !!
No effect other than blood spot in stool
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for the followup query & sorry for the delay in response.
Hemorrhoids causes no effect on constipation. On the other hand there could be blood spot in stool due to hemorrhoids.
Thank you & feel free to get back for if you have any further query.