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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Can ARACHNOIDITIS cause impacted bowel???Forum: Neurology Forum
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Re: Can ARACHNOIDITIS cause impacted bowel???Posted by ccf neuro M.D.* on November 08, 1997 at 21:04:31: In Reply to: Can ARACHNOIDITIS cause impacted bowel??? posted by Mike P on October 18, 1997 at 10:20:24:
I was involved a serious MVA in January '97. In addition to a host of muscular-skelatal problems from the MVA, I have also been diagnosed with SEVERE ARACHNOIDITIS (Lumbar area). Following January surgery on foot and Knee (from MVA injuries) I began having difficult bowel movements. Orthopod prescribed a stool softner, which didn't help much after a few weeks. GP suggested Metamusil, which I have been using ever since. Diabetes was also diagnosed in February, so since then my diet has been low in fat & sugar, high in fiber. Diabetes seems to be under control. About 2 weeks ago, bowel movements became even more difficult. GP suggested Metamucil/Citrucel twice a day. I followed advice. 3 days later, I had to go to ER for imacted bowel & back spasms. (Spasms started after straining for 3 hours at home, trying to move bowels.) 2 days later, another impacted bowel. Another MD looked at all of my meds and said that the meds should NOT be causing the problem, and suggested additional bowel regime. After MONTHS of bran flakes every morning, lots of fruits & veggies, & Metamucil/Citrucel once a day, I added prune juice twice a day, Citrucel twice a day, Sennakote twice a day. After 5 days of this regime, I continue to have VERY, VERY DIFFICULT bowel movement once a day. Literature from Back Pain Association of America says that with arachnoiditis "constipation is common" and "In the final stages....there is an inability to have a bowel movement (impaction)". Any opinion or comments? Thank you in advance for your continued help! Yes, it is conceivable that the arachnoisitis in your lumbar spine could be the major cause of or major contributing factor to your problem. Because the nerve roots that control nerve supply to the lower legs, bowels, and bladder are all concentrated in one location called the conus medullaris of the spinal cord, and then spread out from there into another structure called the cauda equina, they are susceptable to arachnoiditis scarring them all together. Diabetes, however, is also a major cause of both stomach and bowel immobility (diabetic gastroparesis). There are medications that help stimulate bowel motility such as cissapride, metaclopramide, and cholinergic drugs, but this can be a stubborn problem. It is important to work with your treating physicians to escalate treatment to whatever level is necassary, as repeated bowel impactions are not a healthy thing for the colon and rectum. Another thing you should watch for is retention of urine, or overfilling of the bladder, especially if the arachnoiditis is to blame. The same nerves that regulate the reflex for your colon to empty when your rectum is full also control the analogous reflex in your bladder. Remember that information we provide on the forum is intended for general medical informational purposes. The actual diagnosis and treatment of your specific problems should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physicians. We hope you find the information helpful.
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