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Failed prep for colonoscopy: What can I do?
Digestive Health | Last Active: May 16 10:35am | Replies (156)Comment receiving replies
Hello @wifeworry and welcome to Mayo Connect. A diagnosis of "slow transit constipation" is common as we age and also if we have other health conditions and/or take medications that slow down the muscle contractions in the intestinal tract.
Many medications that are used to treat health conditions do slow the digestive tract. There are also neurological diagnoses like Parkinson's, MS that can cause the gut to slow down.
As with any problem involving constipation a change of lifestyle is needed. More exercise, more liquids, high fiber foods and the addition of products that provide bulk, like Metamucil can help. Also, the addition of stool softeners is good.
Did the doctor give your husband any information on how to treat this problem?
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Thank you all for the comments. Dr. has prescribed Motegrity, but as of yet Humana has not approved filling the prescription. As background he was diagnosed (at Mayo) with PLS - similar to ALS. He has severe spasticity in his voluntary muscles (legs, hands and vocal cords) - which seems to be the opposite of what is happening in his gut. I wish there was some way to know if all of this is related or just a coincidence.