Dr. Rajesh Kumar Bansari
Medical Gastroenterology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have been struggling with constipation for about five months now. I had a colonoscopy and a CT scan done about eight weeks ago, and it came out clear. However, in an effort to help myself, I purchased a long-term laxative online. I only took one recommended dose ten days ago. The next day, I had a lot of diarrhea and severe pain. I took Iodium to stop it. I still had back pain a day later, but it improved the next day. However, I had severe pain and bad diarrhea the next night and went to my local emergency hospital. The doctor more or else dismissed me, saying it was a tummy bug that I found hard to understand as no one else in the house had it. Blood tests were done for the liver and heart, and a complete blood count was done, which was fine. Two days later, the pain decreased. I was in good form, and even this morning, I was good. But today, I had bowel movements, and my stomach is uncomfortable. I feel there is more to come out. I have a lot of gas. Do you think this is anything to be concerned about? Could it be a side effect? Can side effects last as long? I thought I was getting better when I felt good. Could I have done myself any damage? Could this be a bowel obstruction?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
After reviewing your whole story, it looks like you have irritable bowel syndrome. Stay cool and calm; it is a benign problem. As you see, all your tests are pretty good. In most cases, stress is a provoking factor. Follow these steps, and you will feel great.
1) Take plenty of water.
2) Chew food well.
3) Avoid foods that trouble you.
4) Take fiber in the diet.
5) Try to calm your nerves; meditation can help.
I suggest you consult with a specialist and take a Mebeverine tablet twice daily if you feel cramps or pain with their consent.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Could the medication I took irritated the bowel? It was the severity of the pain that made me think it was something bad. As I have said, this has been going on for about five months, and it has not been as bad as that pain. Could I have a flare-up of IBS lasting five months? Taking Iodium eases the pain, although I am afraid of overdoing it. As I took Iodium for about seven days, four tablets a day, even though it says you can take six per day for a maximum of four days, so I am afraid of overdoing it. Can you be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome at over 40? I am 48 years old.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, you are right, it could be because of the medication, but medication effects usually wane off within 2 to 3 days. In your case, it was prolonged, so it is less likely due to medication. I understand that five months is a long duration to think of something sinister, but you have gone through extensive workup, and all is normal, so you are safe. Yes, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is the most likely possibility in your case, and medication that slows the speed of the intestines is easing you. One should be cautious while using a medication, but you can use it as per need. It will not harm you. Yes, IBS has no age to be diagnosed. But the good news is, if you manage yourself well, you can get out of it.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I take it that blood tests of the liver, heart, and kidneys would not have been normal if any serious issues were present, and the fact that it is responding to medication is a good sign. If I take Iodium after bowel movements, I tend to be fine for the rest of the day. Is there any chance of bowel obstruction?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, it does not look serious, and you are right; otherwise, the medication would not have been working. No, there is no chance of bowel obstruction as you do not have any symptoms suggestive of a bowel obstruction. And CT is normal; otherwise, the CT (computed tomography) scan would have picked it up.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Also, the fact that my blood tests, liver, and kidneys were normal is a good sign. I have heard that some medications can damage organs.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Be grateful; everything is just perfect at your end. Your blood and other workup are the proof. And you have not taken anything that could have damaged your body, so relax.
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