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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Constipation Despite Taking Laxative. What Is Going On?

Hi I m a 25 year old female, in the past I have had trouble with bowel movements. Some days I couldn t go and others I would go but I would bleed . I started taking miralax last week and I was ggoing every day sometimes twice. This week I haven t been able to go and I m still taking the laxatives. Its going on three days. I have no pain and was able to go just a little today. What s going on? Why can t I go like I was going last week?
Wed, 7 Nov 2012
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Gastroenterologist 's  Response
Hello, chelse10e,
You are in the right age group to have IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
This is due to the fact your contractions in the large bowel are slower
than normal. If you are also experiencing abdominal pain and bloating
along with constipation, you meet the criteria for IBS. Environmemtal
factors, dietary factors can aggravate the problem. Lack of adequate
fiber intake and liquid intake makes this condition worse.
Miralax which is polyethylene glycol solution helps to break up the hard
stool and put moisture to make it liquidy.
The bleeding that you mention is probably related to small hemorrhoids
due to straining or a small fissure or crack around the anus.
I really want you to increase your fiber intake by eating more whole
grain cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables along with enough water daily.
Regular excercise like walking 2-3 miles/day three times a week is
very helpful.
You can stay on the Miralax and adjust the dose up or down to keep the
stool near normal. There are over the counter cortisone containing creams
that you can apply around the anal opening to help heal the hemorrhoids
and fissure if you have them. If the problem becomes severe, you should
consult a gastroenterologist for further guidance.
Wish you well.
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Constipation Despite Taking Laxative. What Is Going On?

Hello, chelse10e, You are in the right age group to have IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This is due to the fact your contractions in the large bowel are slower than normal. If you are also experiencing abdominal pain and bloating along with constipation, you meet the criteria for IBS. Environmemtal factors, dietary factors can aggravate the problem. Lack of adequate fiber intake and liquid intake makes this condition worse. Miralax which is polyethylene glycol solution helps to break up the hard stool and put moisture to make it liquidy. The bleeding that you mention is probably related to small hemorrhoids due to straining or a small fissure or crack around the anus. I really want you to increase your fiber intake by eating more whole grain cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables along with enough water daily. Regular excercise like walking 2-3 miles/day three times a week is very helpful. You can stay on the Miralax and adjust the dose up or down to keep the stool near normal. There are over the counter cortisone containing creams that you can apply around the anal opening to help heal the hemorrhoids and fissure if you have them. If the problem becomes severe, you should consult a gastroenterologist for further guidance. Wish you well.