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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Constipation

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Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Question: I have had chronic constipation for many years. I exercise, drinks lots of water and eat a large variety of vegetables because I love vegetables. My GI doctor here recommended Linzess, but I had no results from that medication. Finally I went to a Specialist at New York Cornell Wield who did some tests to measure the amount of pressure I was able to reach when "pushing" on my rectal muscles. The doctors conclusion was that I needed therapy to enhance my Pelvic Floor Muscles. I am doing the exercises which the therapist gave me but still have no results. I have used every possible laxative including herbal formulas but nothing gives me the 'urge' to go. An enema helps somewhat but I can't do that every day. What can you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible drug induced constipation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir.

I understand your concern.

As per your symptoms described you could possibly have drug induced chronic constipation.

This is most likely be attributed to Ativan and Desipramine.

These two drugs have severe constipation as their side effect.

Pelvic floor excercises are very good.You can continue with them.

Avoid straining at stools.

Since your colonoscopy ruled out major organic lesions,you can be test assured for the moment.

Long loopy colon is a benign condition in most cases.

All I recommend is to taper or completely put yourself off these drugs-Ativan and Desipramine.

This should certainly improve your symptoms.

One a while enema is also advised.

Avoid laxative over use.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (29 hours later)
Unfortunately, I cannot give up Ativan or Desipramine at this time, but I will try to wean myself off them. In the meantime, will laxatives such as Miralax help me? Two other Gastroenterologists told me that I could take Miralax as long as I need to and that I could increase the daily dose to more than what the instructions say. Do you agree?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes you can take Miralax.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I understand your concern.

Yes Miralax can be taken meanwhile .

I do agree with your Doctors.

Take the drug for not more than 1 week.

Take 17 g in 4-8 oz water PO once daily for ≤1 week.

Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)
Thank you Dr.Heijebu. I have taken Miralax for even more than one week, but no results. Can you suggest the name of some other laxative more efficient? I am desperate because usually, 3-4 weeks pass and I still cannot move my bowels.
Please tell me what else I can do. Thank you for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Rectal Dulcolax will help.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

If Miralax has no benefit,I advise you to go with Rectal Suppository of Dulcolax.

This works pretty well from the outset.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Suresh Heijebu

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 3646 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Constipation

Brief Answer: Possible drug induced constipation. Detailed Answer: Hi Sir. I understand your concern. As per your symptoms described you could possibly have drug induced chronic constipation. This is most likely be attributed to Ativan and Desipramine. These two drugs have severe constipation as their side effect. Pelvic floor excercises are very good.You can continue with them. Avoid straining at stools. Since your colonoscopy ruled out major organic lesions,you can be test assured for the moment. Long loopy colon is a benign condition in most cases. All I recommend is to taper or completely put yourself off these drugs-Ativan and Desipramine. This should certainly improve your symptoms. One a while enema is also advised. Avoid laxative over use. Post your further queries if any. Thank you.