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Suggest Treatment For Severe Abdominal Pain And Constipation

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Posted on Thu, 22 Jun 2017
Question: Hello. My name is Julie and I have unspecified abdominal pain which is not localized. My stomach hurts and feels like when you need to have a B.M. I wake up with this pain, which is constant. I also have a moderate headache, which I also wake up with. In addition, I become very gassy when I lay down at night. I have had a number of specialized tests which have conclusively confirmed that I have pelvic floor dysfunction. I saw a pelvic floor physical therapist three times a week for a year and a half. This helped with the constipation, but not with the abdominal pain. I am told that my pelvic floor is contracted, tied into knots, and straight as a board. I was also told that the pain is caused from the contracted pelvic floor. However, no one seems to know how to solve my problem. I do not feel well and just want to feel better again. Do you have any suggestions or theories? Thank you so much for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Take muscle relaxants.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for asking the query.

Pain in pelvic floor dysfunction is similar to severe cramping you might experience in your leg or other body part. A patient with high-tone pelvic-floor muscle dysfunction experiences sudden and involuntary contractions of the levator ani muscles, or pelvic-floor muscles, which hold the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum in place like a hammock.
Most of the causes of pelvic floor dysfunction are unknown. Traumatic injuries to the pelvic area, such as in an accident, and complications from vaginal childbirth can contribute to this condition.A small device called a perineometer may also be placed into the rectum or vagina to test your muscle control.
Physiotherapy if done properly provide relief in 80% of cases.Taking a muscle relaxant would also help.As you are not fully relieved by physiotherapy regular intake of muscle relaxant is adviced.
A laxative like lactulose should be taken daily.This will help in clearing up of bowel moments easily.
For gases take Nexium 40 mg once daily to provide symptomatic relief.
As you are a diagnosed case of pelvic dysfunction long term physiotherapy can only help you.

Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sunil (13 hours later)
Hello. My abdominal pain feels like I need to have a B.M., it hurts to have one, and doesn't feel any better afterwards. I wake up with this pain and it remains constant. However, it does seem to taper off late in the evening, but never completely dissipates. I also wake up with a moderate headache, which I believe is related. I have tried Flexeril, which was not effective, as well as heat and ice, which offered no relief either. I am told that the pain is caused from the contracted pelvic floor. I have had to do a bowel prep for surgery with Miralax, but that did not help the pain. I have never had any trauma in the pelvic area and I do not have spasms. A lot of times it does feel like gas pains though, so the Nexium may help, but how would this prevent me from waking up with the pain? Who administers the Perineometer to test my muscle control? How will this be beneficial to ascertain? I do not have any problems with my bladder. My stool is like a ripe banana and I no longer have problems with constipation, physical therapy has helped with that, but not with the pain. What else can I do? Thanks so much for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Perineometer would be used by a colorectal surgeon.
See firstly to treat a cause we have to be sure about diagnosis.
Start doing exercise known as Kegal exercise.
Kegal exercise is very good for pelvic floor dysfunction.
Initially Tighten your pelvic floor muscles, hold the contraction for three seconds, and then relax for three seconds. Try it a few times in a row. When your muscles get stronger, try doing Kegel exercises while sitting, standing or walking.Have a practical approach things will take time to settle down and to be normal.
Kegal will help you a lot in long term.
Don't go for botox and all right now give exercises atleast a try for 6 months.
Take a laxative daily or as and when required.
Anti spasmodic muscle relaxant can be used for pain(for few days then sos).
Exercise will take its time so initially start with exercise along with medicines then taper off the medicines and maintain your self on exercises.


Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
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Answered by
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Dr. Sunil

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1982

Answered : 351 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Abdominal Pain And Constipation

Brief Answer: Take muscle relaxants. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for asking the query. Pain in pelvic floor dysfunction is similar to severe cramping you might experience in your leg or other body part. A patient with high-tone pelvic-floor muscle dysfunction experiences sudden and involuntary contractions of the levator ani muscles, or pelvic-floor muscles, which hold the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum in place like a hammock. Most of the causes of pelvic floor dysfunction are unknown. Traumatic injuries to the pelvic area, such as in an accident, and complications from vaginal childbirth can contribute to this condition.A small device called a perineometer may also be placed into the rectum or vagina to test your muscle control. Physiotherapy if done properly provide relief in 80% of cases.Taking a muscle relaxant would also help.As you are not fully relieved by physiotherapy regular intake of muscle relaxant is adviced. A laxative like lactulose should be taken daily.This will help in clearing up of bowel moments easily. For gases take Nexium 40 mg once daily to provide symptomatic relief. As you are a diagnosed case of pelvic dysfunction long term physiotherapy can only help you. Thanks.