Sluggish bowel, spasms and constipation

[Peaches Mum]

I have a long history (30 years) of IBSC, with occasional Diarrhoea, usually due to an imbalance in IBS medication (Macrogol, usually three sachets daily and Mebeverine), I can go two weeks without passing any stools and have been diagnosed as having a 'Sluggish' Bowel complicated by Fibromyalgia, Under active thyroid and Osteoarthritis, and the medications taken for the symptoms of the above, particularly slow release morphine. I went to see a bowel specialist last year due to increasing pain and severe trapped wind episodes) and was told nothing could be done as the pain I have would normally be treated with the Pregabalin and Baclofen I already take to treat the Fibro and Osteoarthritis. My bowels seem to be getting worse, slower and more painful, particularly in the bottom right hand corner of my torso, with pain spreading down my groin into my thigh, lower back and rectum. I had a full hysterectomy including ovaries three years ago and am unsure if scar tissue could be contributing. My question is, is there anything that can be done?

[Dr Anton Bungay]

Constipation predominant IBS is obviously treated with laxatives where these are effective. Occasionally when regular doses of normal laxatives fail to work as well as I would like I sometimes suggest patients attempt a good clean out with a powerful laxative such as 2 sachets of picolax. This may not be appropriate for all patients. Over and above this there are some newer drugs that can be used to get things moving. In no particular order but worth trying are prucalopride, lubiprostone and linaclotide. You could discuss this with your Gp....

best of luck

Anton