why do i have to take a laxative before an ivp?
439027
So your organs show up clearly in the x ray, and no 'material' is blocking the view
994489
Prolonged diarrhea  from laxative abuse can lead to dehydration and depletion in important minerals, particularly if it co-exists, as often it does, with other weight control behaviours such as dieting or bulimia. It will tend to weaken the by muscles and undermine your ability to function at work or lead an active social life. Dehydration predisposes to low blood pressure (hypotension) and collapse. Long-term over-use of laxatives can damage muscle within the bowel wall and eventually predispose to chronic constipation. Laxatives only alter weight by causing fluid-depletion within the body. Paradoxically, they don't cause sustained weight loss because calories from food are absorbed in a part of the intestine that is not significantly affected by laxatives.
181128
You want to make sure you're drinking loads of water, getting enough fiber (vegetables and fruit, whole meal bread).  And for an immediate visit to the bathroom, I'd pick up some laxatives from your local drugstore, there's over-the-counter stuff available.  If none of this helps go see a doctor immediately. Hope that helps.
652162
People all seem to say laxatives are bad. Of course people are always fearful of what they have not tried. I have had a far different experience. I set aside one weekend a month to cleanse my system and it seems to help a great deal. I take two Bisacodyl suppositories and drink four ounces of Castor oil. It is best to take the Castor oil in juice. I just swallow it in one big gulp so I don't have to taste it. This will cause multiple bowel movements. After the first few I take six bisacodyl pills. Be sure to drink at least 8 to 10 ounces of water or more every hour as you will lose fluids in the clean out process. You will go to the bathroom until what comes out is clear. There will be some cramping. But nothing intolerable. After you are all cleaned out eat very lightly for the next few days and include yogurt to put a good flora back in your colon. I know that many will disagree with this method but it works great for me!!! I have done this once a month for over 10 years with great results and far better health!!!
911206
A laxative has no effect on colon cancer but not having regular bowel movements does increase your cancer risk.  When the contents of the colon pass through more slowly there is an opportunity for toxins and carcinogens (substances which may induce cancer) to be in prolonged contact with the bowel wall which is where cancer starts.  Fiber, docusate sodium, and milk of magnesia (depending upon various factors) should regulate your bowel habit without the need for laxatives.
765892
you need to drink mineral oil every night two big swallows plus take the stool softeners 3 times daily. you can lay off the laxatives you do this for two days and you will be amazed at the difference it makes. you also need to not eat peanut butter or cheese. for the gas you can take two soft gel caps of gas-x any time you feel the gas starting to build up and it will stop that. al this stuff i told you to take is over the counter from wal-mart
884506
If you are taking no prescription medicine and experiencing what you are going through this may be the way that your body is healing itself of body waste by purging itself till you recover to a full healing from the colonoscopy.  As long as there is no blood or black tarry stool to many bowel movements are far better than to few.
1091520
Some drugs have to be taken without food because digestion reduces it's absorption.  Some drugs should be taken with food, because it can be harsh on your stomach.
1137261
I am a registered radiologic technologist; I used to give people barium all the time, but now I do nuclear medicine.  But anyways, barium is an inert chalk substance that is suspended in liquid.  Once it gets to your colon (large intestine) that is when it gives some people troubles.  The colon's function is to reabsorb water from whatever is passing through it, so the colon asbsorbs all the water out of that chalky substance, leaving almost a concrete behind.  You need to drink plenty of water and take a mild laxative.  If this pain last more than one day see your doctor.  A minor risk of barium is bowel impaction, which is when the bowel is completely blocked up, this is dangerous as the bowel can become anoxic and potentially portions of bowel can die, the circulation is cut off.  There is very low probability of this, but nonetheless it is possible.    But like I said, plenty of fluids and mild laxatives, seek medical attention if it persists!
219176
No, I wouldn't worry. The blood is probably from there being so much pressure on your bowels. I've had this problem, and you should just take a good laxative, like Carters Little Pills. To keep from having these episodes, you should also drink plenty of liquids, water, juice and so on to keep yourself regulated. Another thing, add more roughage into your diet. Good luck!
911529
Maybe you're "backed up". I'm not poking fun at it, I'm being serious. One of my exes had the same problem (going by your short description) and that was the problem. Doctors said nothing was wrong. It took a trip to the hospital -voluntarily- to find it out. She was in pain for a month and half, if I remember correctly. But, they took an x-ray and found out she was indeed, "backed up". The best way to find out is to go to a professional or specialist and ask. Specialist would be better because they focus on one part of the body and not the whole body which regular doctors guess way off than specialists. I'd say take laxatives or something as a suggestion but this is medical advice and can't really give you that since I'm not a doctor.
1159021
It's much harder to control your bowel movement than your urinary release because in your rectum you have the external sphincter (which is voluntary) and the internal sphincter (involuntary), the space in between them is not alot of space and therefore the need to empty it is greater due to the involuntary sphincter.  in the urinary tract, the release is almost completely voluntary!
869102
Absolutely. If you're having "problems "and want to take a laxative, try eating prunes or figs daily and increase the ammount of water you drink every day. At least 8 cups a day is the minimum reccomendation.
251997
Roto rooter of the alimentary canal...\n\nI had one several years ago. The prep is worse than the procedure.  You can't eat anything solid for 3-4 days prior, and only drink clear liquids.  Then, you have to drink some stuff that cleans you out the night before you go in for the procedure.\n\nAs for the procedure itself... Mild discomfort, but mostly embarrassing. Imagine laying on your side while a total stranger shoves a TV camera up your bum!  \n\nSmile for the camera!
143511
Are you that constipated? If so then you need to see your MD. If you are using them for weight loss, you face your body becomming dependant on laxatives to induce a BM. In other words, you may find yourself HAVING to take a laxative to go to the bathroom. Again, I would suggest a trip to your MD. Best Wishes :)
599115
use an anti-stimulant laxative... it's due to hormones.. your dr. could probably prescribe the best ones for your situation.
663961
Pretty quick, but a key is this, drink a HUGE glass of water before you go (keeps you from dehydrating which slows anesthesia down.  And take two tylenol or motrin before you go.  Stop off at Walmart, get some generic ibuprofin (motrin) and take {200mg every 4-6 hours for every 70 pounds you weigh.    IE if you are 140lbs take 400 mg} thereafter for a week.  It will keep the inflamation down