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Suggest Remedies For Constipation
Question: Recently (past few weeks) have been having trouble with bowel movements. I can pass very little stool at any one time, so consequently try to go frequently. Stool softeners and laxatives have not helped. I'm assuming I have some sort of blockage. Recently, an urgent need to have a bowel movement will come up very suddenly many times a day and on occasion I will lightly soil myself trying to reach the bathroom. Even then, I am only passing the minimal amount of stool I mentioned earlier. This is currently occurring 6-8 times a day. Your opinions as to what this condition could be and what could be its cause? I do have an appt. with my Gen Prac tomorrow.
Brief Answer:
Possible impaction.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
There are a variety of things that can cause constipation and, in general, alteration of normal bowel habits. Since it came on recently, the possibilities include an alteration in intestinal flora (were you on an antibiotic before this?).
The leakage of stool could be from the laxatives or from a bowel impaction with stool which allows only small amounts of stool to get around it.
And, if you haven't had a colonoscopy recently, and if the problem isn't due to fecal impaction, then a colonoscopy to make sure there isn't an obstruction from the bowel itself would be indicated. A plain X-ray can help show what is going on, and in addition to a physical exam, is the first step.
A fiber laxative such as Citrucel can help correct constipation and form better whole stools (and eliminate subsequent incontinence), but I would not recommend you start something like this until you are seen by your doctor and a blockage is ruled out. Because if you have a blockage, you don't want a lot of fiber backing up behind it.
I hope this information helps. I welcome you to let me know how you are doing after you've been evaluated.
Possible impaction.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
There are a variety of things that can cause constipation and, in general, alteration of normal bowel habits. Since it came on recently, the possibilities include an alteration in intestinal flora (were you on an antibiotic before this?).
The leakage of stool could be from the laxatives or from a bowel impaction with stool which allows only small amounts of stool to get around it.
And, if you haven't had a colonoscopy recently, and if the problem isn't due to fecal impaction, then a colonoscopy to make sure there isn't an obstruction from the bowel itself would be indicated. A plain X-ray can help show what is going on, and in addition to a physical exam, is the first step.
A fiber laxative such as Citrucel can help correct constipation and form better whole stools (and eliminate subsequent incontinence), but I would not recommend you start something like this until you are seen by your doctor and a blockage is ruled out. Because if you have a blockage, you don't want a lot of fiber backing up behind it.
I hope this information helps. I welcome you to let me know how you are doing after you've been evaluated.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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