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I've read through quite a few posts, but still need to ask.
I don't want to know how to deal with constipation. I'll sort that out seperately. Right now I'd like some information about how serious laxative dependence is. For example, I've heard it can lead to surgery and (partial) removal of the bowel.
My wife saw a doctor/specialist 2 years ago. A colonoscopy show nothing except a long bowl. He then said try laxatives and see how you go (uurghh!).
She has tried a variety of alternatives but the only thing that works is taking Senna every evening.
So now I/we are concerned about the affect. What are the possible and likely degrees of damage and the consequences?
thank you
bruce
In Reply to: treatments/prognosis for laxative dependence posted by bruce on May 31, 2003 at 06:49:18:
I believe stimulants type laxatives are the ones that lead to dependence and damage. Like Senna. Osmotics like magnesium citrate and phospha soda should not damage the bowel.
In Reply to: treatments/prognosis for laxative dependence posted by bruce on May 31, 2003 at 06:49:18:
Please list the diet she is on. Could be a food allergy or inadequate fiber, lack of water, etc. Wouldn't recommend putting a piece of tape on the red blinking light on the dashboard. There is an underlying cause to this and taking laxatives daily is not the answer.
In Reply to: treatments/prognosis for laxative dependence posted by bruce on May 31, 2003 at 06:49:18:
Hi, Bruce.
Laxative dependence is not a true addiction. It is a "dependence". That means that the bowel "learns" not to move until it gets a signal from the laxative. So, even a suppository can do that. (To Wellbeing: I think the osmotic laxatives do the same.)
Listen to Relax. That is the only true remedy in the long run and I think it is OK to use a laxative for a few months until that begins to work. The psyllium and MO remedy has the advantage of keeping things going at least that long without producing any chance of dependence.
Hope this helps.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: treatments/prognosis for laxative dependence (Archive in constipation.) posted by Walt Stoll on June 01, 2003 at 06:43:53:
about 3 years ago I was a hardcore laxative user and didnt stop till about 6 months ago. I stopped cold turkey and I seem to be doing not quite perfect yet but ok and alive. I attribute that to taking osmotics and not stimulants. I agree that all long term laxative use is very bad and I did the wrong thing but its definitly the lesser of two evils in my opinion. I think forcing peristalsis causing the intestines to jerk around is much more addicting than simply causing more water to enter the bowel. Of course Im only speaking from personal experience but thought id share. If someone was hell bent on taking an oral laxative I think an osmotic would be the way to go.
In Reply to: Re: treatments/prognosis for laxative dependence (Archive in constipation.) posted by Wellbeing on June 01, 2003 at 09:21:25:
What are osmotics excactly? Could you give an example of one, please?
Thanks,
Naya
In Reply to: Re: treatments/prognosis for laxative dependence (Archive in constipation.) posted by Naya on June 01, 2003 at 16:37:51:
Magnesium Citrate and fleet phospha soda are both osmotics. you can get them at any drug store. Ive gotten them at wal mart too. I prefered phospha soda because there was less to drink. But it tastes like drinking salt water. very disgusting. No osmotic ive tried had a pleasant taste.
I wanted to give a precise answer so here is a definition I pulled off the net
Osmotic Laxative: Osmotic laxatives exert a laxative effect by drawing water into the colon and retaining fluid in the bowel or by changing the pattern of water distribution in the feces. Unlike stimulant laxatives, they are safer and non-habit-forming. The most commonly used osmotic laxatives include magnesium hydroxide ("Milk of Magnesia"), magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), sodium potassium tartrate, lactulose, glycerol and polyethylene glycol. Some are administered orally and others by enema.
and here is a definition of a stimulant
Stimulant Laxative: Stimulant laxatives are believed to stimulate nerve endings in the nerve plexuses of the bowel wall, increasing the movement of its content via several mechanisms. The most common active ingredients include the Anthraquinones (Senna, Aloin, Frangula, Cascara and Powdered rhubarb) and the Diphenylmethane derivatives (Bisacodyl, Sodium picosulfate, Phenolphthalein). Traditionally-used castor oil has fallen into disuse because of its 'drastic' action and unpleasant taste.
In Reply to: Re: treatments/prognosis for laxative dependence (Archive in constipation.) posted by Wellbeing on June 01, 2003 at 09:21:25:
Thanks, Welbing.
I agree.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: treatments/prognosis for laxative dependence (Archive in constipation.) posted by Wellbeing on June 01, 2003 at 18:38:42:
Thanks so much for your very concise response, Wellbeing. I really appreciate it. You learn someting new every day.
Thanks again,
Naya
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