constipation
August 21, 2019 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring
Hello,
I am 24 years old and suffer from persistent constipation with hard stool. My internist prescribed me Movicol, which I have been taking since this morning (1 sachet in the morning, 1 in the evening). I also received an enema kit for home use. I have AVNRT, extrasystoles, and sometimes experience rhythm disturbances (even during diarrhea and vomiting).
I am hesitant to use the enema kit and perform the enema because I am afraid of rhythm disturbances/electrolyte imbalance. Do you think this is likely? Should I wait until tomorrow, when the Movicol has softened the stool, or should I start with an enema right away?
Thank you.
Good day,
Here I am happy to answer your question.
Electrolyte deficiency occurs during diarrhea only because the passage of stool through the entire intestine is accelerated, and rhythm disturbances can be a consequence of electrolyte deficiency.
However, an enema does not cause an intensification of bowel movements with subsequent diarrhea, but simply mechanically dissolves the stool blockage located in the rectum. This stool consists only of "waste", all the important things, including electrolytes, have already been absorbed. Therefore, you can use the enema without any worries. However, I would only do this after 3 days without a bowel movement, or if the stool consists of hard pellets. Otherwise, I would wait for the effects of the Movicol.
Sincerely, Dr. Gehring
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