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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Miralax For Chronic Constipation. Edema Caused Due To Taking Verapamil. Mucus Filled Tarry Stool. History Of GERD. Need To Go To Emergency?

For the past month, I have had chronic constipation . I take verapamil and edecrin for the edema caused by the verapamil. My stools have been small and hard over the past month. I take Miralax with no relief-up to two cup fulls at at time. Started noticing over the last two weeks that I have an abundance of mucus in my stool and the smell is very foul. I have had some dark and tarry stools yesterday. I have had to take two doses of Ex-Lax to relieve the constipation and my gut is burning right now. Have had some resurgence of GERD lately. Could this be urgent?
Sat, 30 Mar 2013
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Yes, it can be urgent condition. The most neglecting symptom is tarry like stool which usually indicates bleeding from upper digestive tract (usually from peptic ulcer). You should definitely go to ER and have at least hemoglobin level checked. Upper GI endoscopy should be also done.

Your constipation problem needs to be diagnosed as well. Usually the reason of constipation is bad diet (low fiber products, low mineral water intake), severe bacterial infection, medicines (antidepressants, Ca-blockers), thyroid disease or large intestine disease. If you are around 50, colon cancer should be the first ruled out condition.

You should visit your doctor, have rectal examination and get scheduled for colonoscopy.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
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Taking Miralax For Chronic Constipation. Edema Caused Due To Taking Verapamil. Mucus Filled Tarry Stool. History Of GERD. Need To Go To Emergency?

Hello! Thank you for the query. Yes, it can be urgent condition. The most neglecting symptom is tarry like stool which usually indicates bleeding from upper digestive tract (usually from peptic ulcer). You should definitely go to ER and have at least hemoglobin level checked. Upper GI endoscopy should be also done. Your constipation problem needs to be diagnosed as well. Usually the reason of constipation is bad diet (low fiber products, low mineral water intake), severe bacterial infection, medicines (antidepressants, Ca-blockers), thyroid disease or large intestine disease. If you are around 50, colon cancer should be the first ruled out condition. You should visit your doctor, have rectal examination and get scheduled for colonoscopy. Hope this will help. Regards.