Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Constipation, Swollen Stomach And Diarrhea
Question: I'm 34 y/o w/f. Generally healthy. I've had bowel problems my whole life. One external hemmrhoid and no other problems that I am aware of. I was constipated about 5 days ago and took two corrector which sent me on my way to a good BM. Well I didn't feel quite emptied but sometimes we just don't get that. However the feel has grown over the last several days. About 3 days ago, I was in bed with LLQ (very low- just above and to my left of the pubis area) pain, which was sharp/stabbing in nature and intermittent (about every 20 seconds). I figured it was probably diverticulitis though I've never been dx with it. So I just dealt with the pain. After the laxative I took five days ago, day three came and no BM since laxative, then day 4, then day 5 and I was so miserable- my stomach was very swollen and it was uncomfortable to move. I had to digitally remove the feces from my rectum, and while doing so, I found a large hard yet soft (it felt like it was covered in the lining of my intestines) mass or knot or something that was deep in my rectum. It didn't hurt, but I don't know what it is. I drank some Epsom salt water mix, took 4 phillips MOM pills, and got watery diarrhea, then took two more because I still didn't feel emptied. And Still don't feel emptied. What is goin on with me?? The large mass/knot I found way back in my rectum scares me. Is setting like that supposed o be in there??
Brief Answer:
You may be feeling another organ
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. It's very likely you were feeling your uterus through the intestinal wall and not a cancerous mass. The uterus is easily palpated by a rectal exam and generally that is done when you have a pelvic exam. It feels like you describe- a definite mass or hardness that is really somewhat soft (it's primarily a muscle), and since you're feeling it through rectal tissue, it is basically covered by intestinal lining!
It sounds like you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is a problem with normal mobility of the bowel which results in significant constipation, diarrhea, or intermittent episodes of both. It can also cause some nasty crampy pain. This condition is more likely than diverticulitis in your age group. There are some treatments for IBS which may vary depending on whether constipation or diarrhea are your main symptoms. For both types, eating a high fiber diet and/or taking fiber supplements like Metamucil, and drinking a lot of water, can help with the symptoms.
If you are having regular severe problems with constipation that often results in a near blockage like you had this time, you might want to talk to your doctor about going on a daily preventative treatment for constipation.
If you continue to be concerned about this mass, have your doctor examine you. S/he could confirm whether there is truly a mass present, and take necessary steps to diagnose it, or if it's just your uterus you're feeling. If necessary, you could have a colonoscopy to take a direct look (this can also tell you if there is diverticulosis or some other problem that's making you feel like you can't empty completely).
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
You may be feeling another organ
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. It's very likely you were feeling your uterus through the intestinal wall and not a cancerous mass. The uterus is easily palpated by a rectal exam and generally that is done when you have a pelvic exam. It feels like you describe- a definite mass or hardness that is really somewhat soft (it's primarily a muscle), and since you're feeling it through rectal tissue, it is basically covered by intestinal lining!
It sounds like you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is a problem with normal mobility of the bowel which results in significant constipation, diarrhea, or intermittent episodes of both. It can also cause some nasty crampy pain. This condition is more likely than diverticulitis in your age group. There are some treatments for IBS which may vary depending on whether constipation or diarrhea are your main symptoms. For both types, eating a high fiber diet and/or taking fiber supplements like Metamucil, and drinking a lot of water, can help with the symptoms.
If you are having regular severe problems with constipation that often results in a near blockage like you had this time, you might want to talk to your doctor about going on a daily preventative treatment for constipation.
If you continue to be concerned about this mass, have your doctor examine you. S/he could confirm whether there is truly a mass present, and take necessary steps to diagnose it, or if it's just your uterus you're feeling. If necessary, you could have a colonoscopy to take a direct look (this can also tell you if there is diverticulosis or some other problem that's making you feel like you can't empty completely).
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Never knew the uterus could be felt through there. Ive got hyperactive bowel sounds - i can hear them without a scope and feel them on palpation - i feel very gassy but i havent been able to pass gas in two days. I am so very uncomfortable. And still having that LLQ pain .
Brief Answer:
Possible bowel obstruction
Detailed Answer:
The not passing gas in 2 days suggests the possibility of a bowel obstruction, especially with the LLQ pain. You would also have trouble with bowel movements, but watery stool could pass the obstruction. You could also have hyperactive bowel sounds as the intestine tries to move against the blockage.
In that case, I recommend you go to emergency and get examined for a possible bowel obstruction. If a bowel obstruction is occurring, it is not likely to improve on its own and will probably need surgery. You should mention the mass you felt, and they could examine you and see if it is part of the problem. Whether it is your uterus or not is irrelevant at this point in view of your other symptoms. You need to be assessed promptly for a surgical abdomen. Let me know if you have further questions.
Possible bowel obstruction
Detailed Answer:
The not passing gas in 2 days suggests the possibility of a bowel obstruction, especially with the LLQ pain. You would also have trouble with bowel movements, but watery stool could pass the obstruction. You could also have hyperactive bowel sounds as the intestine tries to move against the blockage.
In that case, I recommend you go to emergency and get examined for a possible bowel obstruction. If a bowel obstruction is occurring, it is not likely to improve on its own and will probably need surgery. You should mention the mass you felt, and they could examine you and see if it is part of the problem. Whether it is your uterus or not is irrelevant at this point in view of your other symptoms. You need to be assessed promptly for a surgical abdomen. Let me know if you have further questions.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
