cronic constipation for most of his life.

[buzebee]

My father was diagnosed with primary  liver cancer about a year
ago.  We have done two treatment using sir-spheres.  The first
ct showed half of the tumor was dead.  We had another set of
tests done  to find out about the second test.
In the mean time he has reinjured his back after having ballon
surgery  on a cracked bone in the spine.
His main problem right now is his chronic constipation.  He has
had trouble with it all of his life.  He is just miserable and
I hoping you could help.  I told the doctor that he try's exlax
and enema.  The enema finally worked but with his bad back it
cause alot of pain and he is exhausted.
I read on the interenet about a bowel medicine called  movicol  or movical.  It was a trail study and movical sounded like it
might help Dad.
I told his liver dr. and explained everything to her but all she
said was to try somemore exlax and a stool softner. No help at
all because we've been trying that, just like I told her before.
Also he has had an upper and lower GI and it showed nothing
abnormal.
The company that makes movicol is in England and I don't know
right now if we can get it here.  What is you opinon on all of
this.
Thank you

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Movicol is polyethylene glycol and really should not be used on a chronic basis.  However, if the constipation is severe, this option can be prescribed by your personal physician.

A colonoscopy should be considered if the constipation persists, to ensure there is no anatomical obstruction (this would be a more comprehensive evaluation than a lower GI).  

Another option would be colonic marker studies which can evaluate motility of the colon.

If medications cannot resolve the issue, then surgical options can be considered.

You may want to discuss these considerations with your personal physician.

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Fugue]

I've suffered with bowel problems for many years, very severe at times swinging from constipation to diahhrea. A few months ago I started taking Psyllium Grain, which is simply a natural grain which already exists in alot of our cereals and breads, though in small insignificant amounts. It can be found in capsule or loose form. Capsule is easier. It's been used for many things involving digestion, but I as well as a lot of other people I know have had great success with it. I was skeptical at first because nothing ever worked before. I was in for a big surprise! Works like a charm. It might be something you could consider looking into and ask your doctor if it would be safe in his condition. I take 3 capsules at nighttime when my symptoms are bad and it usually takes a few days to come around and start having normal bowel movements.

[Joe643]

A related discussion, Question about what to eat was started.