Posted by CoutureMan on November 26, 2007, at 4:47:33
In reply to Thanks for asking » CoutureMan, posted by Racer on November 25, 2007, at 2:39:06
Racer,
Oh, how I can empathize with the constipation. I have to take high doses of Miralax daily along with prunes, prune juice and tons of water just to have 'incomplete' daily evacuation. Like you, any Metamucil etc. just makes the bloating, gas and peristalsis worse. It's misery and one of the main problems I am having with finding an antidepressant that will work. When I was younger I could tolerate the antihistaminic and anticholinergic side effects better. But at 52 and on multiple drugs that have not remitted my depression, I seem to be unable to handle these effects.In my case, I know that the depression is one of the main causes of the constipation. However, if I went off several of my current meds I would not need the Miralax but in short order I would not be able to tolerate the anxiety. I've been through the whole gastroenterologist route and there really is not much they have been able to do for me except prescribe Miralax and Zelnorm (before it was taken off the market).
I also had a surgery (nissen fundoplication) that has further complicated my GI distress. It's where your upper stomach gets wrapped around your lower esophageal sphincter to prevent acid reflux. I had a precancerous condition (barrett's esophagus) that necessitated this surgery because I could not tolerate acid reflux meds (they made me anxious!). Even though the barrett's esophagus is gone I wish I had never had the surgery because the bloating and gas are so much worse … Pure misery.
On a more hopeful note, if you normally don't have severe constipation, I bet if the Emsam were to kick in and fully remit your depression the constipation and related GI symptoms would go away. I hope I am right and in the next couple of weeks you get some relief. I know your suffering all to well. I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
-CM
poster:CoutureMan
thread:796919
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071125/msgs/797101.html