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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Probiotics Be Given To A 17-year-old Who Has Been On Miralax For Over 10 Years?

I apologize in advance for the graphic nature of this question. My 17 y.o son has had issues w/ constipation almost since birth (average bm s 2-3/week). His stool is usually hard, thick, and almost always hotdog-length in size. (Needless to say, very uncomfortable.) For this reason, his Dr started him on Miralax nearly 10 years ago. He weighs 125 lbs (he s been underweight since birth), and he s also on meds for ADHD, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, Chiari, Allergies & Gerd. So I ve been trying to look for anything natural I can put him on (as he s a very picky eater) that can help him with these issues. Over the summer, I started him on Probiotics for Kids while still keeping him on the Miralax. While I realize it s not a miracle supplement I believe it has helped to make him more regular, even though he s not going every day. So my question is (sorry for taking a long time to get here) is it safe to continue this until he s going daily to every other day?
Fri, 4 Jan 2019
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

This may be related to IBS and chronic constipation (spasms). That is particularly true when you consume foods like nuts or popcorn that would trigger spasms of the bowel. I suggest to run a colonoscopy to exclude organic problems first. With regards to finding blood floating in the toilet after you pass motion, that would be related to possible:
- fissures due to chronic constipation
- hemorrhoids

In both cases, you need to take measures to reduce constipation that would trigger such problems:
- do more physical activity
- increase water consumption
- take more foods high in fiber content
- fiber supplements can help
- can use laxatives once in a while to improve the symptoms

I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein
General Surgeon
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Can Probiotics Be Given To A 17-year-old Who Has Been On Miralax For Over 10 Years?

Hi, This may be related to IBS and chronic constipation (spasms). That is particularly true when you consume foods like nuts or popcorn that would trigger spasms of the bowel. I suggest to run a colonoscopy to exclude organic problems first. With regards to finding blood floating in the toilet after you pass motion, that would be related to possible: - fissures due to chronic constipation - hemorrhoids In both cases, you need to take measures to reduce constipation that would trigger such problems: - do more physical activity - increase water consumption - take more foods high in fiber content - fiber supplements can help - can use laxatives once in a while to improve the symptoms I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein General Surgeon