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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Severe Constipation After Smoking Cessation. Severe Back Pain. Will I Get Addicted To Senna Tablets?

Hi I gave up smoking 11 months ago, and since then I find that I have not been going toilet regularly, I am 62 years old and people say that it happens when you get older. My doctor has given me senna tablets and that works, she has given me it on priscription so that I can take it every day, when I try to stop taking it I dont go again and I get horrible back pains. I do keep fit four times a week and zumba one time a week, I eat lots of vegetables, and I have started eating prunes but nothing helps naturally, I am worried that taking the senna tablets will muck up my normal system and I would not be able to come off of them. Can you tell me if it is alright to take these tablets every day. Thank you
Wed, 29 May 2013
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Nicotine is a substance which affects whole nervous system. It causes addiction. If the level of nicotine suddenly drops down, whole nervous system is upset. And it needs to take some time for the nervous system to get used to such situation. Usually it takes few weeks or months. 11 months is way too long. And it seems that other reasons of constipation should be ruled out. Most common reason of constipation are bad diet (low fiber intake, low mineral water intake), thyroid diseases, medicines (anti-depressants, ca-blockers), chronic intestine infection or even colon cancer.
As you are over the age of 50, colonoscopy is advisable at your case as a cancer needs to be ruled out. You should also have blood work, thyroid test and stool test.

Increase mineral water intake (up to 2l/24 hours) and fiber rich products. Physical activity is also a very good way to stimulate bowel movements.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
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Severe Constipation After Smoking Cessation. Severe Back Pain. Will I Get Addicted To Senna Tablets?

Hello! Thank you for the query. Nicotine is a substance which affects whole nervous system. It causes addiction. If the level of nicotine suddenly drops down, whole nervous system is upset. And it needs to take some time for the nervous system to get used to such situation. Usually it takes few weeks or months. 11 months is way too long. And it seems that other reasons of constipation should be ruled out. Most common reason of constipation are bad diet (low fiber intake, low mineral water intake), thyroid diseases, medicines (anti-depressants, ca-blockers), chronic intestine infection or even colon cancer. As you are over the age of 50, colonoscopy is advisable at your case as a cancer needs to be ruled out. You should also have blood work, thyroid test and stool test. Increase mineral water intake (up to 2l/24 hours) and fiber rich products. Physical activity is also a very good way to stimulate bowel movements. Hope this will help. Regards.