Hi Everybody,
I have a friend who has IBS, Her doctor put her on Lactulose once a
day and one fleet enema a day. She still hasn't had any relief from taking
it for over 3 weeks. She's had gas and a few little tiny bowel movements.
She went for an e-ray and it showed that she was backed up up by
her rib area and thatswhen her doctor put her on the Lactulose and
fleet enema's and a fiber diet also.
Is there anything else she can do to go the bathroom somewhat on
a regular basic. I know IBS is tricky and you really don't go regular.
But she is scared that something is very wrong with her. And
can her doing the Lactulose and enema's too much strain her intestines
and colon also?
Thanks so much for any help
~~~ Donna
UC Since 1987
Live life as it comes....
Hi Donna,
I would be a little concerned about the enema unless it was a retention enema however her doctor did prescribe it. She may want to get a different opinion however. Have your friend ask her doctor about Miralax which is an osmotic laxative (not stimulant) that actually pulls water into the stool. This is what helped me when I was having mostly constipation. Has she tried Zelnorm yet?
I would be a little concerned about the enema unless it was a retention enema however her doctor did prescribe it. She may want to get a different opinion however. Have your friend ask her doctor about Miralax which is an osmotic laxative (not stimulant) that actually pulls water into the stool. This is what helped me when I was having mostly constipation. Has she tried Zelnorm yet?
Hugs, Des
Co-Moderator ~ IBS Forum
~My reality check bounced
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That's a lot of impaction. And I can't see how an enema is going to help with anything but the impaction down lower in her intestines. What does her doctor think about the phospho-soda or the go-lyghtly stuff that they put people on before a colonoscopy? I would think she needs to get all of that cleaned out first, then work on the fiber, etc. to keep things moving. I'm afraid fiber isn't going to be enough to get all of that moved out, and it sounds like her prescription med isn't getting it done either.
Are they sure she doesn't have a blockage?
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That's what I was thinking, too, Lil. It's my understanding that a lot of impaction is pretty serious; like they put people in the hospital for it and give them laxatives continuously until they get it out. I think she does need a second opinion. Or just go to an emergency room and tell them that she's barely pooped in three weeks (I didn't see that was "weeks" the first time I read it, yikes!). Even though some people can have IBS so bad that they get that backed up, even they have to go to the hospital and get it out (there's some people here who can tell you stories about it).
Glycolax worked good for me the two months I was on it, but caused me to be more gassy, than I normally am....smelly too. Zelnorm, didn't do much, but it did help w/gas. I am now not taking anything, since I had a bout of D two weeks ago and last Sunday. Go figure, I had a normal poop today. My stomach still feels a little off and a bitter taste in my mouth, but I guess I will be ok. I bought Gas-X chewable tablets this evening, but didn't take one yet. I figure I will once I feel bloated again.
I'm not sure an enema would even begin to help. My gastro doctor did NOT recommend enemas of any kind. At the time I had been through a series of colon irrigations. Did nothing. In fact, once after a treatment I had to pull to the side of the road on the way home I was cramping so bad. Didn't help doing #2 at all.
One thing I have tried that cleaned me out was good old Millk of Magnesia. I had abdominal surgery in 2003 and, tyically, bloated up and got constipated after. MOM of recommended and I tried it. Yes, it did work. Rather aggressive D but it did last long. I did a lot of walking around the house too. But, Donna, tell you friend to consult with her doctor before she tries anything on her on.
One thing I have tried that cleaned me out was good old Millk of Magnesia. I had abdominal surgery in 2003 and, tyically, bloated up and got constipated after. MOM of recommended and I tried it. Yes, it did work. Rather aggressive D but it did last long. I did a lot of walking around the house too. But, Donna, tell you friend to consult with her doctor before she tries anything on her on.
Everything I've read about enemas say that they shouldn't be used on a regular basis ??? I have no idea what Lactulose is so I can't comment on that.
For myself, I take Metamucil daily to combat constipation and it works well. The odd time I still need to drink prune juice.
I'd say if your friend is scared that she needs to go back to the dr. and tell him this.
Take care, Softy
For myself, I take Metamucil daily to combat constipation and it works well. The odd time I still need to drink prune juice.
I'd say if your friend is scared that she needs to go back to the dr. and tell him this.
Take care, Softy