new diagnosis colitis

My husband was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.  He had his first attack of colitis and is scheduled for a colonoscopy.  He is constitpated and I read there is a feeling that with colitis they feel the bowel is not completely empty.  I gave him prune juice 2 nights in a row, and nothing.  Is it safe to give him milk of Magnesia?  He is 75 and has had rheumatoid arthritis since 28.  He has enmphasema from taking methrotrexate all these years but it does not effect his breathing.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Since he is an elderly person his kidney function should be assessed before giving milk of magnesia.

[Gracie1908]

Thanks for answering my question.  How do we prevent flareups.  Lung cancer diagnosis was changed to lung inflammation.  Colonoscopy is scheduled for December 18 and I cannot get any information from the dr. until after the colonoscopy.  If you could answer this, I'd really appreciate.

Gracie1908

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

The common causes of flareups include infection and NSAIDs.
Treat infection if it is present.
Avoid NSAIDs.
Avoid insoluble fibers and high amount of dairy products to prevent flareup.