Dealing with Constipation: Seeking Solutions for Chronic Bowel Problems

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around chronic constipation and potential solutions for managing bowel problems. Participants share personal experiences and suggest various approaches, while also expressing concerns about the severity of the symptoms and the need for medical evaluation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their girlfriend's ongoing constipation issues, mentioning the ineffectiveness of laxatives and the need for natural solutions.
  • Another participant suggests consulting a specialist, specifically a gastroenterologist, and mentions possible diagnostic procedures like an abdominal ultrasound or colonoscopy.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if there are signs of severe pain or abdominal distension, warning of potential serious conditions like bowel obstruction.
  • Some participants propose dietary changes, including increasing fiber intake and hydration, as well as incorporating exercise and magnesium supplementation to improve bowel function.
  • One participant cautions against giving medical advice that could exacerbate a potential underlying condition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the best course of action. While some advocate for immediate medical evaluation, others suggest dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes. There is no consensus on the most appropriate next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the situation, with varying degrees of urgency and differing opinions on the necessity of medical intervention versus home remedies. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the underlying causes of the symptoms.

JG89
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Hey, I'm not trying to seek medical advice here, but you all are a smart bunch so I thought I would ask you guys for your opinion.

My girlfriend has been having some stomach problems for the past few months (they're on and off) where she will be constipated and barely poo at all. She has tried taking laxatives -- they work sometimes, but other times do absolutely nothing. Plus, they aren't a solution because while sometimes the laxatives make her poo, if she doesn't take them then she cannot poo. She needs to be able to poo naturally. So she tried drinking a lot of prune juice, eating more fibre, etc, and that worked a bit, but she is still very constipated. To the point where her sides are killing her (from pain) and her stomach is bloated.

I have taken her to doctors. One doctor, her family doc, just said to keep trying the prune juice and fibre and so on. Another doctor said that there was nothing wrong with her at all. There is obviously something wrong with her and it's time to fix it. What is our next step? Hospital?
 
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No, I wouldn't go to a hospital unless she needs urgent care. Can you ask her doc to recommend a specialist?
 
Sound liike a job for a gastroenterologist. Who may want an abdominal ultrasound scan and/or a colonostomy (sp?) to check things out.

OF
 
Oldfart said:
or a colonostomy (sp?) to check things out.

colonoscopy

[as opposed to colostomy] Big difference! :biggrin:
 
I would suggest taking her to the Emergency Room if her abdomen is distended and she is in pain. This has been going on for awhile. It could be nothing, but don't take the chance that she has a bowel obstruction or kinked colon. I don't want to scare you but it could turn serious quickly.

It sounds like the doctor is too laid back. Get her seen and tests done immediately please.
 
some simple things you could try. watch the diet, and make sure it's got plenty of fibrous veggies in it. watch the water intake. make sure it is sufficient, but don't go overboard. get some exercise. it decreases intestinal transit time. experiment with magnesium supplementation. an ionic form like citrate or sulfate beginning with a nominal rate like the USRDA amount. magnesium is also used as a common laxative, but you may find that at a lower rate the stool will simply go from hard to soft.
 
Let's not give out advice that could cause problems if she has a medical condition.
 

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