Constipation issues... SO FRUSTRATED!!!?!


Question: ok. so, a couple weeks ago, my doctor put me on tramadol and cyclobenzaprine for my lower back spasms. well, after that, i was very constipated and ended up not going to the bathroom for more than a week. i got really sick, so i went to my doctor, and she took an xray and performed a rectal exam and saw on the xray that i was backed up, pretty much, all the way. so she gave me some gross stuff that tasted like crap, told me to get an enema, and she also gave me polyethylene glycol, which, i think is a laxitive of some type. so, i made a bowel movement!! lol i've been making a small bowel movement just about everyday now, but it isn't as much as i had expected. she told me that i'd be empty in a couple days, but it's been a week now since i've been taking those things, and i don't feel empty at all. am i doing something wrong?? i'm 16 years old, and i eat a pretty substantial amount of fiber everyday, on top of being a vegetarian, and i try and be as active as possible.


Answers: ok. so, a couple weeks ago, my doctor put me on tramadol and cyclobenzaprine for my lower back spasms. well, after that, i was very constipated and ended up not going to the bathroom for more than a week. i got really sick, so i went to my doctor, and she took an xray and performed a rectal exam and saw on the xray that i was backed up, pretty much, all the way. so she gave me some gross stuff that tasted like crap, told me to get an enema, and she also gave me polyethylene glycol, which, i think is a laxitive of some type. so, i made a bowel movement!! lol i've been making a small bowel movement just about everyday now, but it isn't as much as i had expected. she told me that i'd be empty in a couple days, but it's been a week now since i've been taking those things, and i don't feel empty at all. am i doing something wrong?? i'm 16 years old, and i eat a pretty substantial amount of fiber everyday, on top of being a vegetarian, and i try and be as active as possible.

It may be a side effect of the tramadol and cyclobenzaprine you're taking. If that is the case, no outside medications will really help. You probably need a different anti-spasmodic or your doctor should look to another form of treatment, because really all anti spasmodics do is stop your intestines from spasming (obviously), but your colon needs to have a natural spasm to have a bowel movement. See the problem? Not all antispasmodics work the same way though, and I would definitely consult your doctor about this because your problems are definitely not clearing up as they should be (or so it sounds).

try taking a fiber subliment along with your other meds.

Are you getting sufficient fluids?
That 8 glasses of water is needed with the fiber.

Not Enough Liquids

Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, about eight 8-ounce glasses. Other liquids, like coffee and soft drinks, that contain caffeine seem to have a dehydrating effect.

Lack of Exercise

Lack of exercise can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why. For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise



Go back to the doctor or another one until you get relief.

To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through it, the colon absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.
The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water. This happens because the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly.

Common Causes Of Constipation


Not enough fiber in diet.
Not enough liquids.
Lack of exercise.
Medications.
Irritable bowel syndrome.
Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel.
Abuse of laxatives.
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
Specific diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.
Problems with the colon and rectum.
Problems with intestinal function (Chronic idiopathic constipation.)
Diet





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories