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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Spastic Colon - Desending
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Spastic Colon - Desending
by farnk69, Jan 14, 2007 12:00AM
I have Spastic Colon (Descending). I've seen it on an x-ray myself,and is confirmed by a barium test.
(1) What other treatments are available besides taking fiber and Milk of Magnesium ? Surgery ?
(2) I've been told that Milk of Magnesium can be taken for life with no problems, this goes contrary to everything I know about prolonged use of laxatives. Is this correct ? Is there medical research to substantiate this ?
(3) What other tests should be performed, besides a barium ?
(4) What other problems could contribute to my problem besides the spastic colon ? I may be developing food allergies, but with the spastic colon it's hard for me to tell.
I've probably been on laxatives too long already, about 1 year.
Occasionally I'll use a glycerin suppository to stimulate a movement, if it feels impacted low down, sometimes a syringe with water too.
The barium test is the only M.D. test I've had, although I've clearly seen it myself on a chiropractor’s x-ray.
Nuts and meats seem to cause an increase in IBS like symptoms, proteins are harder to digest in older age I'm told.
I'm a male, 70 years old in Mar. and this is the only medical problem I have.
Advanced age is hardly a good enough reason to be put on laxatives (to me anyway).
I've had high stress type jobs all my life, and believe this to be the cause, now I'm stressed in retirement with no stress.
I'm reasonably active, but there is no golf here (Canada)in the winter.
I should have written to you a long time ago, just kept putting it off.
(1) What other treatments are available besides taking fiber and Milk of Magnesium ? Surgery ?
(2) I've been told that Milk of Magnesium can be taken for life with no problems, this goes contrary to everything I know about prolonged use of laxatives. Is this correct ? Is there medical research to substantiate this ?
(3) What other tests should be performed, besides a barium ?
(4) What other problems could contribute to my problem besides the spastic colon ? I may be developing food allergies, but with the spastic colon it's hard for me to tell.
I've probably been on laxatives too long already, about 1 year.
Occasionally I'll use a glycerin suppository to stimulate a movement, if it feels impacted low down, sometimes a syringe with water too.
The barium test is the only M.D. test I've had, although I've clearly seen it myself on a chiropractor’s x-ray.
Nuts and meats seem to cause an increase in IBS like symptoms, proteins are harder to digest in older age I'm told.
I'm a male, 70 years old in Mar. and this is the only medical problem I have.
Advanced age is hardly a good enough reason to be put on laxatives (to me anyway).
I've had high stress type jobs all my life, and believe this to be the cause, now I'm stressed in retirement with no stress.
I'm reasonably active, but there is no golf here (Canada)in the winter.
I should have written to you a long time ago, just kept putting it off.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 15, 2007 12:00AM
, Jan 15, 2007 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) You can try anti-spasmodic agents to help with the symptoms. There are also recent studies suggesting the antibiotic Rifaxamin can be helpful. Tricyclic antidepressants have also been shown to help in some cases.
2) Occasional use of Milk of Magnesia can be taken without serious complication. However long-term use may be associated with bowel dependence.
3) A colonoscopy can be considered to exclude anatomical disease, masses or polyps.
4) Spastic colon can be worsened by anxiety, stress as well as hormonal changes.
These options can be discussed with a GI referral.
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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
1) You can try anti-spasmodic agents to help with the symptoms. There are also recent studies suggesting the antibiotic Rifaxamin can be helpful. Tricyclic antidepressants have also been shown to help in some cases.
2) Occasional use of Milk of Magnesia can be taken without serious complication. However long-term use may be associated with bowel dependence.
3) A colonoscopy can be considered to exclude anatomical disease, masses or polyps.
4) Spastic colon can be worsened by anxiety, stress as well as hormonal changes.
These options can be discussed with a GI referral.
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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
