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Suggest Treatment For Severe Constipation

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Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Question: I am so constipated. I have been trying all day to have a bowel movement . Have gotten some out but need to do more. I am very uncomfortable. I have been putting Vaseline around the anus to help but so far, I am still in pain and trouble.
when can I expect an answer. 24 hours for an email is not going to work for me. I don't have a XXXXXXX phone
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
can try alternative laxative for the short term

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Constipation can be distressing.

There are different types of laxatives,since you took one last night with little effect , you may need to use another one.

The name of the one used is not mentioned but below are possible alternatives. It is important to remember that laxatives should not be used too often because they can actually cause constipation when used often (the bowel can no longer work on its own)

If the previous laxative contained sodium phosphate (eg fleet), cannot use another one with this in a 24 hour period, has serious health risk, so use another

Laxatives to try:
(1)ducolax, correctol, docusoft- these are the same drug with different names

(2)senna

(3)mineral oil- in general more gentle than other laxatives. Taken as 3 tsp to 45 ml a day, in one dose or divided doses

After this clean out , it would be important to make sure to use enough fiber and fluids to prevent recurrence

At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and whole grain foods. If there is still a problem then using fiber supplement would help ( metamucil, cetrucil, benefiber

At least 8 glasses of fluid daily unless there is a medical reason why should not be used eg heart disease, kidney disease

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Constipation

Brief Answer: can try alternative laxative for the short term Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Constipation can be distressing. There are different types of laxatives,since you took one last night with little effect , you may need to use another one. The name of the one used is not mentioned but below are possible alternatives. It is important to remember that laxatives should not be used too often because they can actually cause constipation when used often (the bowel can no longer work on its own) If the previous laxative contained sodium phosphate (eg fleet), cannot use another one with this in a 24 hour period, has serious health risk, so use another Laxatives to try: (1)ducolax, correctol, docusoft- these are the same drug with different names (2)senna (3)mineral oil- in general more gentle than other laxatives. Taken as 3 tsp to 45 ml a day, in one dose or divided doses After this clean out , it would be important to make sure to use enough fiber and fluids to prevent recurrence At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and whole grain foods. If there is still a problem then using fiber supplement would help ( metamucil, cetrucil, benefiber At least 8 glasses of fluid daily unless there is a medical reason why should not be used eg heart disease, kidney disease I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions