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CIDP, High BP, Diabetes, Constipation, Stool Softners Used. Treatment ?
Question: I have cidp, high blood pressure, diabetes and am now constipated. Constipation is a recent event. I'm using stool softners but have not gone for three days. What should I do
Hello and thanks for your query,
As for the issue with the stools a few things could be contributing to this.
The first factor is dietary intake of water. If you aren't drinking enough water the stool can become more hard and difficult to pass.
Next factor is medications, sometimes medications including amlodipine can exacerbate constipation. This is usually helped with a stool softener and maybe a fiber supplement.
In your case, since the softener alone is not working, we would generally recommend adding a stimulant as well. The one I use most often in patients is Senokot-S. This has both a softener and a stimulant in it which is generally quite successful in relieving constipation. If this does not help within a day I recommend you consider trying a warm tap water enema. Beyond than I think that on a daily basis you would benefit from a fiber supplement. My patients use metamucil and benefiber and have given me good feedback on both. These will help keep the stool to a moist consistency and make it easier to pass.
Finally, the CIDP may be playing a role here as well - perhaps your neurologist would know for sure regarding that. In the mean time try some of the recommendations here and hopefully you will have some relief soon.
I hope you have found my answer to be both helpful and informative. Should you have additional questions regarding this I am available to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
As for the issue with the stools a few things could be contributing to this.
The first factor is dietary intake of water. If you aren't drinking enough water the stool can become more hard and difficult to pass.
Next factor is medications, sometimes medications including amlodipine can exacerbate constipation. This is usually helped with a stool softener and maybe a fiber supplement.
In your case, since the softener alone is not working, we would generally recommend adding a stimulant as well. The one I use most often in patients is Senokot-S. This has both a softener and a stimulant in it which is generally quite successful in relieving constipation. If this does not help within a day I recommend you consider trying a warm tap water enema. Beyond than I think that on a daily basis you would benefit from a fiber supplement. My patients use metamucil and benefiber and have given me good feedback on both. These will help keep the stool to a moist consistency and make it easier to pass.
Finally, the CIDP may be playing a role here as well - perhaps your neurologist would know for sure regarding that. In the mean time try some of the recommendations here and hopefully you will have some relief soon.
I hope you have found my answer to be both helpful and informative. Should you have additional questions regarding this I am available to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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