Resolved question:
I have been overseas since the 27th of December. I have not had any regular bowel movements since then, only once every few days and it only occurs due to the multiple treatments I have tried to resolve the problem. I did see a doctor in Slovenia who gave me stool softener, which has helped a little but all other products I have tried only cause one large bowel movement rather than get me back to my normal routine of pooping once or twice a day at around 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Due to previous medical issues of this nature, I have been taking Miralax and Citrucill every day as prescribed by my doctor when it was discovered that I had an enlarged colon. This was when I was 13. I am now 19, and I can say that they normally work like a charm and I have regular bowel movements every day, as I previously mentioned. Thus, it is extra strange to me that even though I am taking my Miralax and Citrucill every day since I've been here, I still don't have any natural bowel movements. It is really starting to annoy me now because I cannot enjoy my trip to its full extent, Additionally, I am feeling more and more nauseous by the day due to the severity of my constipation, which is really annoying to me because I am on a bus trip and where I'm normally the last person to get sick in a bus ride, I now cannot even sit quietly and look out the window without feeling nauseous. I don't know where to turn any more and it's very frustrating. I only have a week left on my trip and I want to thoroughly enjoy it.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Gastroenterologist, Medical
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com. I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
You have mentioned enlarged colon was diagnosed when you were 13. This usually results when your bowel movements are not normal for a long time.
Miralax and Citrucel are very effective in relieving constipation. If you are not responding to these two then you may have to undergo a few tests to find the cause. First you may have to undergo a colon transit study to see how your colon is working. Since you are on a trip now, this may not possible right now. You can consider doing this after returning to your place.
For the time being, you continue taking Miralax and Citrucel. You need to drink lot of fluids and eat high fiber diet ( lot of vegetables and fruits). Drink lot of prune juice which is very effective. Also try to avoid medications like cough syrups and opioid painkiller medications which cause constipation.
I hope that answers your question. Would be glad to answer any follow-up queries.
Regards,
Dr.R.K