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Suggest Treatment For Severe Constipation
Question: I am 86. I have had what I call severe constipation for about 3 years. I live at 7400 feet and feel like
I drink plenty of water which I realize is needed living at high altitudes. I have tried just about every
thing that has been suggested but I still have a constant problem to the point of not wanting to go far
from a toilet until I have an elimination. Sometimes it is very dry and crusty. Sometimes normal size
other times snake size. Until I have an eliimination I have such severe pain above my right hip I can
hardly make it to the bathroom. I am bent over with pain. To actually help getting something out I must
stretch my legs out in front of me and straighten my body out, pushing and pushing. Can you help me?
I drink plenty of water which I realize is needed living at high altitudes. I have tried just about every
thing that has been suggested but I still have a constant problem to the point of not wanting to go far
from a toilet until I have an elimination. Sometimes it is very dry and crusty. Sometimes normal size
other times snake size. Until I have an eliimination I have such severe pain above my right hip I can
hardly make it to the bathroom. I am bent over with pain. To actually help getting something out I must
stretch my legs out in front of me and straighten my body out, pushing and pushing. Can you help me?
Brief Answer:
avoid straining. Will need bulk and hydration for stool formation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows
1. Increased fluid intake - I am sure you are drinking plenty of water. Based on routine activity, I would expect your to take atleast 6-8 liters of water per day, spread through out the day, except after 6, where it will be minimal.
2. Exercise - Mild exercises, like walking, early in the morning will be helpful.
3. Bowel training regimen - Always evacuating bowel at same time, will get the training. Avoid going to bowels at all times. Avoid straining, as it increases further risk of hemorrhoids.
4. Bowel clearance, once in three days is also not a problem. avoid straining and stress. Stress increases further constipation.
5. Increase fiber in diet, particularly from fruits and vegetables. Atleast 60% of your diet intake should form fiber.
If you have tried these, then,
a. Bulking agents like XXXXXXX or psyllium - available over the counter. Along with it, adequate hydration is essential.
b. Stool softeners such as colace or docusate.
Both have no complication and can be used for any length of time.
Need to look into medications, as certain medications are known to be cause anti-motility and constipation.
I am not sure, about your previous treatment, so, if I am repetitive, do let me know.
The above regimen should be followed together for good results.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
avoid straining. Will need bulk and hydration for stool formation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows
1. Increased fluid intake - I am sure you are drinking plenty of water. Based on routine activity, I would expect your to take atleast 6-8 liters of water per day, spread through out the day, except after 6, where it will be minimal.
2. Exercise - Mild exercises, like walking, early in the morning will be helpful.
3. Bowel training regimen - Always evacuating bowel at same time, will get the training. Avoid going to bowels at all times. Avoid straining, as it increases further risk of hemorrhoids.
4. Bowel clearance, once in three days is also not a problem. avoid straining and stress. Stress increases further constipation.
5. Increase fiber in diet, particularly from fruits and vegetables. Atleast 60% of your diet intake should form fiber.
If you have tried these, then,
a. Bulking agents like XXXXXXX or psyllium - available over the counter. Along with it, adequate hydration is essential.
b. Stool softeners such as colace or docusate.
Both have no complication and can be used for any length of time.
Need to look into medications, as certain medications are known to be cause anti-motility and constipation.
I am not sure, about your previous treatment, so, if I am repetitive, do let me know.
The above regimen should be followed together for good results.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
i HAVE DONE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE TOLD ME TO DO. AGAIN THIS MORNING I
HAD THE TERRIBLE PAIN ABOVE MY RIGHT HIP IN THE BACK SO I HAD TROUBLE WALKING. ONCE I AM UP AND MOVE AROUND, PEE, HAVE BREAKFAST, ALL
ROUTINE THINGS THE PAIN SUBSIDES AND I AM BACK TO NORMAL WAITING FOR SIGNS OF AN IMPENDING BM. THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH FIBER I CAN EAT AND SO MUCH WATER I CAN DRINK. EVERY TIME I PEE I DRINK MORE WATER SO I AM GOING ALL DAY LONG. IT WILL BE SOME MIRACLE IF YOU COME UP WITH SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP. THANK YOU.
HAD THE TERRIBLE PAIN ABOVE MY RIGHT HIP IN THE BACK SO I HAD TROUBLE WALKING. ONCE I AM UP AND MOVE AROUND, PEE, HAVE BREAKFAST, ALL
ROUTINE THINGS THE PAIN SUBSIDES AND I AM BACK TO NORMAL WAITING FOR SIGNS OF AN IMPENDING BM. THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH FIBER I CAN EAT AND SO MUCH WATER I CAN DRINK. EVERY TIME I PEE I DRINK MORE WATER SO I AM GOING ALL DAY LONG. IT WILL BE SOME MIRACLE IF YOU COME UP WITH SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP. THANK YOU.
Brief Answer:
Follow longer and further investigation necessary
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
You need to follow everything for longer time. 2-3 weeks for expecting any changes.
Also, if not recently done, will require a colonoscopy for any colon abnormalities and a X-ray of hip to evaluate for associated hip joint arthritis.
Bowel abnormalities with hip related pain, does require both evaluation.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Follow longer and further investigation necessary
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
You need to follow everything for longer time. 2-3 weeks for expecting any changes.
Also, if not recently done, will require a colonoscopy for any colon abnormalities and a X-ray of hip to evaluate for associated hip joint arthritis.
Bowel abnormalities with hip related pain, does require both evaluation.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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