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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Constipation

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Posted on Sat, 10 Dec 2016
Question: a few months back I was constipated I think it was day five when I went. then it was every 2-4 days now its 1-3 days. before this id go 1-2 times a day or every day.
this is new to me and out of nowhere as far as I no
today its still not back to normal I'm still eating the same types of foods
I seen the dr hes sending me for a colonoscopy in January
he asked about my weight and eating it pretty much the same
all he said was I don't think its cancer
should I be worried could it be something serious?
and why would he say doesn't think its not cancer when he just asked a couple questions? thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

There are a variety of reasons that constipation can occur as an ongoing problem. Any change in the bowel flora, such as having taken an antibiotic, or having had a gut bug or stomach flu, can do this. Decreased exercise can also cause constipation.

It sound as though whatever may have caused the problem a few months ago is gradually resolving. I realize your pattern has not returned to normal, but it does sound like it's gradually getting better.

It is a good idea to have a colonoscopy. Your doctor may have said he doesn't think it's cancer because you are in a lower risk age group, and your symptoms aren't highly concerning for cancer, especially that it is changing for the better now.

I recommend you gradually increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, even if you didn't use to need them before. I say gradually increase because if you increase by a lot suddenly, you can get gas and bloating.

Can you tell me what a typical day's diet might include (food and drink)?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (16 minutes later)
red bull fast food caffeine milk chips
90% crap 10% fruit and decent food ive ate like this for half my life
I eat out a lot. some days 3 meals of fast food and I'm 6'1 175
I'm slowly now trying to stop that
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
About food choices

Detailed Answer:
Oh, I see. Well, this constipation problem may have a silver lining to it if it helps you change your diet. And changing your diet will help you have a healthier life in many ways.

Find fruits that you like, and a variety of vegetables. For people who already have a good diet but continue to have problems with constipation, or are unable to have a lot of fruits and vegetables, I recommend a fiber supplement such as Metamucil or Citrucel, and to gradually increase the fiber supplement (again the gradual recommendation is to avoid gas and bloating). But at your age, and given your diet, if you can, try the real thing - fruits and vegetables.

Some ways to do this -
- replace one snack with a piece of fruit (apple, banana, orange, etc).
- have some fun types of fruit for breakfast such as raspberries, dried cranberries, or frozen blueberries in your cereal. Adding nuts such as walnuts is a good idea too.
- add a salad to your lunch (even fast food places usually have this on the menu), and a cooked vegetable to your dinner

I applaud you for slowly changing your diet. It will pay off.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Constipation

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX There are a variety of reasons that constipation can occur as an ongoing problem. Any change in the bowel flora, such as having taken an antibiotic, or having had a gut bug or stomach flu, can do this. Decreased exercise can also cause constipation. It sound as though whatever may have caused the problem a few months ago is gradually resolving. I realize your pattern has not returned to normal, but it does sound like it's gradually getting better. It is a good idea to have a colonoscopy. Your doctor may have said he doesn't think it's cancer because you are in a lower risk age group, and your symptoms aren't highly concerning for cancer, especially that it is changing for the better now. I recommend you gradually increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, even if you didn't use to need them before. I say gradually increase because if you increase by a lot suddenly, you can get gas and bloating. Can you tell me what a typical day's diet might include (food and drink)?