I've been fighting a bit of a losing battle with constipation - regardless of a lot of fiber intake, lots of water, chewing food more, etc I am still getting hit with it every few days it seems. It hasn't triggered my Afib, (one good thing!) only a few ectopics when I get really backed up - but she says I'm at a point where I should get things checked out due to family history (my grandmother died of colon cancer in her 50s) so going to have my first colonoscopy next month. I'm pretty concerned about the prep for the test (stimulant laxatives seem like a terrible idea for me considering), and the test itself, and whether it will trigger my afib. Anyone have any experience with that?
I tried to discuss a little of my afib/digestive connection with her and she looked at me like I had grown a wart out of my forehead right in front of her, so I didn't say more. Due to my ongoing acid issues, she is also putting me on a trial of PPI for 2 months to see if it "heals" anything, and if after I stop taking it I continue to have issues, she will do endoscopy as well to check my esophagus. She told me the PPI potassium magnesium problems are overblown when I asked about it - well whatever - I'll take it for the 2 months if it might help me get to the bottom of the acid issues. Need to do a process of elimination I guess.
Don't want to talk you out the colonoscopy or anything, but did your constipation issues start shortly after you went on atenolol or any other drug. Because if it did, that may be the problem right there.
Different places use different pre colonoscopy clean outs but Magnesium citrate liquid is one, where you drink the small bottle. I've found the Mag Citrate tablets people take for as a daily supplement can be helpful moving things along so to saay, without the full blown laxative effect of the liquid. Also, Mylanta, can have that same effect, which also can help with any acid problems. I've had a few colonoscopy's and endoscopies but haven't had one when my afib was very active so can't help in that regard .
I had it on and off in the past but it did get worse in the last few years - I haven’t noticed a change since I stopped taking the atenolol. Still having just as many issues.
Hi i had a colonoscopy last year and had the lovely laxatives, i had no problem with my afib at all through the whole procedure, make sure you buy yourself some nice soft wipes because things get pretty sore at that end lol, good luck with the procedure and hope it's a good outcome for you 😊
If this is any help this is my experience. I have over a few years had 3 colonoscopy procedures and none started AF or ectopics. I have not had sedation or gas and air. Not a pleasant procedure but for me not painful. I find watching the screen for the camera allows me to disassociate myself from what is happening. The preparations over the years have changed as has the guidance on what to eat, the recent prep was the worst by far, I didn't feel unwell it was extremely effective 'treatment.
The hospital has also introduced 5 days of senna too I was told that because of Covid and appointments being in short supply they want to avoid not being able to do the procedure because people hadn't prepared properly. I took 2 days senna only as I had a wedding to go to just before the colonoscopy.
I would suggest you follow the diet properly that you are given, it is possible my prep was so horrid this last time because I didn't follow the instructions because of the wedding within the 5 day preparation period, I was told I had prepared well.
The staff have all been very kind and caring with each of the procedures I have had whether a Consultant or a nurse.
I hope your procedure goes well hard not to worry but the more relaxed you can be the better. Good Luck
That is good to hear. My AF is often associated with digestive upset of all kinds so I'm concerned. I will definitely follow the diet but I've only taken a stimulant laxative ONCE in my life, about 20 years ago, and I have avoided them since because the cramping was horrible. I am not looking forward to it.
Inserting glycerine spposititeries using a finger cot. put it just inside. The nurse put it up at the top where it did not work..Dont have an enema they are horrific1
I'm a person who needs to go daily and best in the early morning 7=8am.
Have you tried abdominal massage for your constipation, works wonders. Alongside your other investigations of course. I'm sure they'll be videos on YouTube if not text me later and I'll help you. In a hurry off to work right now 🤣
I have actually, it sometimes has helped get things moving along, but I really think I may have a terrible motility issue at times. I've also experienced times when taking some medications would take way longer to work, as in instead of 30-60 minutes, it would take 2-3 hours. I've had this happen when I took things without food, but also with food. Not sure what it might mean. I realized I forgot to mention that to the GI doc.
I had a colonoscopy last month and had the sedative (midazolam I think) as well as the pain relief. Didn’t even cause any ectopics which I was happy about. Felt nice and drowsy and watched the colonoscopy on the screen. Wasn’t painful or uncomfortable at least what I remember. My specialist found a number of polyps which were removed and found to be benign. In regard to the prep I was given the usual laxative which worked very well but remember to drink loads of water (litres) otherwise you might get a severe headache. It’s also a great tip using baby wipes for the reason expressed before. I’ve had bowel cancer so going through this is a small price to pay for your bowel to be checked out.
PPI drugs are excellent to sort out whether the problem is acid related: if they work, it is; if they don't, it isn't. Constipation is a real problem for me, too and has been for years. I have an extended ("redundant") colon, shown on endoscopy (not a worry so you'll be fine). Do ask if yours is the same as the extra colon slows the transit. I take a glass of Sunsweet Prune Juice daily with half a dozen slow-stewed organic prunes cooked in juice. It works better that anything else I have tried.
I find constipation can lead to cardiac rhythm problems. I have no doubt in my own mind. I think the pressure from the bloating pushes the stomach higher against the diaphragm, that then presses onto the base of the heart and can cause ectopic beats. This is documented in studies and in prone people I presume AF can result.
I've been eating a prune or 2 after nearly every meal (don't like to, too much added calories but I try to think of them as dessert 😂) - Along with all the other things I'm doing - I'm still having issues every few days. It's frustrating.
I have no doubt about the relation to my AF either at this point!
Much of the sugar in prunes and prune juice is not absorbed, I gather (it’s called sorbitol, I think); this is one reason why they have a laxative effect. Too few won’t have any effect at all though, so that one prune isn’t doing anything.
If you want a calorie free laxative, when prunes fail, or I forget, then any magnesium salt works really well, taken last thing at night or early morning. Andrew’s Liver Salts is a fizzy form of Epsom salts - that never fails and it’s none habit forming too.
I was eating 1 or 2 after every meal, and for me "meal" is up to 6 a day because I eat very tiny meals. So I was eating 6-10 or so a day, wasn't enough still. I'm having some success now with linseed in my overnight oats each morning. Hopefully it keeps working.
i think the bowel will only react in the morning, so laxatives must be taken all in one go, just before bed or early breakfast. Taking prunes throughout the day won’t do it.
The way hospitals get things moving is with a glycerine suppository but goodness they can cause extreme cramping and pain.
I drink 400 ml of concentrated beetroot juice every day. (James White Sport Shot) Never have constipation ever. The laxative you have to take for the colonoscopy will really clear you out. I was terrified I would not get to the hospital in time for my next toilet session as it's over an hours drive from us.
I’ve had a colonoscopy and didn’t enjoy the the prep. One piece of advice, get some Vaseline. It will help no end around the anus. They do need to do this prep so the colon is clear for them to see what’s going on. Let us know how it goes
I have exactly the same problem as you. When I started on magnesium taurine I was regular as clockwork even though constipation has been a problem all my life. Now since using magnesium glycinate and edoxaban I am always constipated. I definitely have acid problems but worry about what taking esompreprazole for too long will do ie side effects. I'm having such abad time with Afib at the moment as flecanaide PIP seems to have stopped working that I'm thinking it would be better to take the esompreprazole and have a better lifestyle. So difficult to decide what to do. I have to wait months to see a cardiologist.
The worst part is I’ve been taking magnesium taurate for 2 months! It’s done wonders for my ectopics and afib but doesn’t seem to be doing anything about the constipation.
Hi there Aoxomoxoa, I’m really sorry to hear of your problems.
I’m replying as I have spent much of my life with sluggish bowels or constipation and nothing I tried worked.
About 20 years ago I was recommended to take linseed each day. I wasn’t hopeful but tried it - 2 tablespoons each day. I took it in orange juice or yoghurt.
It worked like magic. I have used it ever since - even taking it on holiday.
Obviously you may already have tried it, but I though it worth mentioning it.
I haven't tried that yet either! Thank you I will check it out. She told me to take Miralax daily and I am not happy about it, I'd much rather take something more "natural".
I have to come back here and say THANK YOU - I got some linseed, and soaked just a tablespoon overnight in some overnight oats the last few mornings, and I have to tell you this morning my weight was down 6 pounds (not kidding) from how much it helped.
But 1/2 kiwifrit/chinese gooseberry sends it away.
Hospital statys are worse and I need glycerine supposititaries.
Alternatively Dr to prescribe 140mg Colifac.
Takr 1st thing in morning with full glass of water. No food for an hour. This can be followed before lunch and dinner but it works for me in morning.
I was told that I have the longest colon this Aust had ever seen. Those in NZ had never heard of colifac or putting it as helpful but it relaxes the colon and bowel.
Lay off cheese, eat fibre and figs, prines, fresh fruit etc.
As B12 deficiecy I take Solgar x 1 twice a week. Under tongue.
Had Gall Bladder removed because of attacks and acidity. GB had disintergrated! Forms round were blood balls which disappeared. Showed in an ultra sound.
Good morning, I had a colonscopy in January followed by polypectomy. I had a history of constipation and was concerned that taking the laxatives would create havoc with my system. The worst part was drinking the liquid laxative stuff. Can't remember the name. I was ok afterwards and got back to "normal" in about 4 days. Later histology showed that there were cancerous cells at the base of the polyp. So on 7th March I had keyhole surgery to remove those cells. I did not need a stoma nor chemotherapy but have a blood test in 6 months followed by a colonscopy and CT scan next March. I consider myself very lucky to be seen so quickly. I live in the UK. I first had blood in my poo on December 30th '21. Like many people I thought: this can't be happening to me! Apart from AF I was a fairly healthy 78.
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