Intestinal Disorders Forum - Chronic constipation

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What causes constipation? And how is constipation medically defined? Get the basics on this common gastrointestinal complaint here....

Q: Chronic constipation

asked by: DoctorQuestion on March 12th, 2009

Chronic constipation. I have had chronic constipation since my first surgery and I know in my own mind it is due to surgical scarring as well as the pressure of prolapse and wall collapse. I can feel the scar when I have to manualy help evacuate myself. In thelast 3 months I have hd a bowel movement 3 times and never are they normal. Those 3 times came about because I drink a bottle of mylanta once i can no longer take the pain or pressure of the back up. I can not have a movement with out making it happen. I have marked my calendar these last 3 months. Yes I am suppose to have a 3rd surgery. The first they removed sections of colon and used mesh, the second they took out and resectioned part of the colon. Nothing has helped, the prolapse is worse than ever and looks like a grape fruit coming out.

I would like to know if a 7 day colon cleansing would possibly help this condition? Is a GNC colon cleanser package any differant then guzzling mylanta?

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on March 14th, 2009

Intestinal Disorders Answer A6034

Rectal prolapse is usually caused by defect in the connective tissue of the rectal wall. The many surgeries might have additionally weakened the pelvic sphincter muscles that are responsible for keeping the anus closed. Detailed surgery, especially for the prolapse in order to repair the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles, is needed. There is no data from independent medical studies that cleansing is helpful in cases of rectal prolapse. Increased bowel movement might even worsen the prolapse if the stool is not soft enough. So, stool softeners might be more helpful in your case.

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