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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Having Breast Cancer. Discomfort In Chest Below Ribs. Taking Milk Of Magnesia For Constipation. Suggestions?

Having discomfort in the left side of my abdomen, just below ribs. I'm dealing with breast cancer that has spread and most noticeable trouble now (for several weeks) is ascites in abdomen. Just had it drained for 2nd time yesterday (Wed). and today am on antacid/anti-nausea meds to deal with chronic vomiting.(Zofran dissolving tabs/ Compazine/ Zantac 150) Unable to get large amounts of liquid down so am sipping water, and appetite greatly diminished....no decent bowel movement in 7 days. I think that's my greatest problem...Pills aren't well-tolerated, so need something that is quick and preferably liquid. Tried Milk of Magnesia and did well on it but not most recent dosage (3 Tbsp one day and 4 Tbsp 2 days later....2nd dose was 3 days ago...no results except for very small wet movement. Any ideas? I start chemo this coming Tuesday (Taxol). Thank you.
Tue, 20 Aug 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.

I advise you to try either Lactulose, Polyethylene glycol or Magnesium citrate.

Lactulose can be taken by mouth. it will help to relive constipation. It is also helpful in prevention of Hepatic encephalopathy ( complication of liver disease).
As it increase bowel movement, it may cause bloating, burping sensation.
It usually takes 2 days to increase the bowel movement.

Poly ethylene glycol is available in market as Miralax. It act by osmosis.
It holds the water in stool and also increase the bowel movement.
It also takes 2 days to increase the bowel movement and relieve your constipation.

Magnesium citrate acts by increasing water in intestine and increase in peristalsis of bowel.
It can be taken orally. It have the quick action within 30 minutes to 3 hours.
But it is to be used with caution and under supervision and guidance of doctor or nurse.

Almost all the drugs for constipation can cause little abdominal discomfort, bloating.

Hope this helps.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr.Manjeth.

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Having Breast Cancer. Discomfort In Chest Below Ribs. Taking Milk Of Magnesia For Constipation. Suggestions?

Hello, Welcome to Healthcaremagic. I advise you to try either Lactulose, Polyethylene glycol or Magnesium citrate. Lactulose can be taken by mouth. it will help to relive constipation. It is also helpful in prevention of Hepatic encephalopathy ( complication of liver disease). As it increase bowel movement, it may cause bloating, burping sensation. It usually takes 2 days to increase the bowel movement. Poly ethylene glycol is available in market as Miralax. It act by osmosis. It holds the water in stool and also increase the bowel movement. It also takes 2 days to increase the bowel movement and relieve your constipation. Magnesium citrate acts by increasing water in intestine and increase in peristalsis of bowel. It can be taken orally. It have the quick action within 30 minutes to 3 hours. But it is to be used with caution and under supervision and guidance of doctor or nurse. Almost all the drugs for constipation can cause little abdominal discomfort, bloating. Hope this helps. Take care. Regards, Dr.Manjeth.