HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Painful Area Below Navel. Constipated. Try Laxatives?

I have had a painful area below the navel and on my left side for several days. It is just above my hip and is tender to poking. Seems like I have had this happen a few times before and it usually passed in a day or two.
I am 53 years old. It started with my normal morning movement being replaced by a few very small and firm poops - like rabbit pellets. This has been followed by days of inconsistent and varied types of BMs. Plenty of felling like I can go but getting only mucus or small very narrow diameter BMs. Should I try a laxative first? Could all of this be related to mild constipation? I normally go very regularly and have good movements. No visible evidence of blood at this time. Thanks!
Mon, 3 Jun 2013
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Painful area near the navel and bowels problem can indicate a hernia which has stuck. If so, you should be able to palpate a hard lump in the area where the pain is. Nausea, bloating, gas blockage can be also present.

As you are over the age of 50, every case of symptoms like yours should be checked with possible colon cancer. You need to know that the risk of this diseases significantly rises over the 50. That is why every person over the age of 50 (even without a symptoms) should have colonoscopy every 10 years or FOBT (fecal occult blood test) every year.
In case of symptoms like yours, colonoscopy is advisable.

That is why I suggest you to visit your doctor as soon as possible, have physical examination (in case of hernia possibility, abdominal X-ray should be done) and get scheduled for colonoscopy.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Rectum


Loading Online Doctors....
Painful Area Below Navel. Constipated. Try Laxatives?

Hello! Thank you for the query. Painful area near the navel and bowels problem can indicate a hernia which has stuck. If so, you should be able to palpate a hard lump in the area where the pain is. Nausea, bloating, gas blockage can be also present. As you are over the age of 50, every case of symptoms like yours should be checked with possible colon cancer. You need to know that the risk of this diseases significantly rises over the 50. That is why every person over the age of 50 (even without a symptoms) should have colonoscopy every 10 years or FOBT (fecal occult blood test) every year. In case of symptoms like yours, colonoscopy is advisable. That is why I suggest you to visit your doctor as soon as possible, have physical examination (in case of hernia possibility, abdominal X-ray should be done) and get scheduled for colonoscopy. Hope this will help. Regards.