What goes in must come out. Right?

I'm a 50-year-old male in good health. Previously treated for diverticulitis -- a single incident. Symptom-free for four years. My last colonoscopy was a year ago; nothing anomolous was evident, except for a single, small polyp that was removed through the scope; path report was benign.

My question: My body's normal rhythm, until about a month ago, was to clear the bowel once or twice a day with normal, soft, formed stool output. For about a month, the daily output is mostly liquid with seemingly little actual stool production, none of it formed. My GI prescribed Miralax daily (the standard dosage), which I've used daily since 2002 with good results; I routinely use high-fiber cereal, eat a high-fiber diet generally, and drink about 60 oz. of water daily.  I have no abdominal pain and no symptoms of bloating such as I've experienced in the past when constipation was definitely present. A perhaps irrational fear that I have is that constipation may actually be currently present and that the water drawn into the colon by the osmotic Miralax is merely finding its way around static stool production. Your comments on this set of symptoms will be most appreciated. Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The normal colonoscopy would make an anatomic blockage or cancer less likely.  

I agree with your treatment course thus far.  Sometimes suppositories like Dulcolax or the medication Lactulose can help in conjunction with your current bowel regimen.

Metabolic diseases like thyroid dysfunction can also affect constipation, and should be ruled out.

More specialized tests like an endorectal ultrasound or motility studies can be considered if the tests continue to be negative.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[PikaPika88]

Can colonoscopy see the diverticulars?  I didn't see you mentioned this in you colonoscopy result.  I also see the Dr didn't mention this too?  So, what is the best test that will show diverticulars?