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What Causes Alternating Constipation And Diarrhea While Having Diverticulitis?
Question: hello, I'm having constipation issue, about three weeks, with diarrhea, which I think is bypass diarrhea. getting pretty good lower adominal pain. I'm 62. I have had divertticulitis before. I have been drinking lots of water, taking fiber tablets and stool softener, no results. any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
As explained and give feedback
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
To recapitulate: Male/62 - constipation 3 weeks - bypass diarrhea - lower abdominal pain - history of diverticulitis - drinking lots of water - fiber tablets and stool softeners - no results - wants suggestions ...
I would advise you the following in such a situation:
X-ray of the abdomen to see for fecoliths/ fecal load in the colon.
If present, you may need enema for evacuation since the problem is of 3 weeks duration.
Initially can try routine phosphate enema.
If not effective then you may need a conventional saline/water + soap enema. This works always.
Continue taking the laxatives in a dose to maintain soft stool.
Make a list of the foods, beverages or anything else that cause constipation and stop these things altogether.
Sitz bath in a tub with warm water helps.
If these measures fail, then you may need further clinical evaluation, examination and further investigations like CT scan of abdomen and colonoscopy after preparation under the guidance of a Gastroenterologist.
I hope this answer helps you. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
As explained and give feedback
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
To recapitulate: Male/62 - constipation 3 weeks - bypass diarrhea - lower abdominal pain - history of diverticulitis - drinking lots of water - fiber tablets and stool softeners - no results - wants suggestions ...
I would advise you the following in such a situation:
X-ray of the abdomen to see for fecoliths/ fecal load in the colon.
If present, you may need enema for evacuation since the problem is of 3 weeks duration.
Initially can try routine phosphate enema.
If not effective then you may need a conventional saline/water + soap enema. This works always.
Continue taking the laxatives in a dose to maintain soft stool.
Make a list of the foods, beverages or anything else that cause constipation and stop these things altogether.
Sitz bath in a tub with warm water helps.
If these measures fail, then you may need further clinical evaluation, examination and further investigations like CT scan of abdomen and colonoscopy after preparation under the guidance of a Gastroenterologist.
I hope this answer helps you. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
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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