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What Causes Constipation In A Person With Diverticulitis And Lower Back Pain?
Question: I have diverticulitis also chronic lower bac k problems. I am now experiencing severe constipation, haven't had a movement in over a month. Have done everything Dr. has said to do, nothing has worked. Today I had a caudal epidural, within 4 hours I had a very small, very hard stool. Can a caudal epidural . helped my bowels to move,abet slowly, or can something be wrong with my back that can contribute to my having severe constipation, even without the diagnosis of diverticulitis? My lower left abdominal side stays in a constant state of pain, but the epidural is the only thing that has"seemed" to help with my constipation. I am worried that if this continues something very serious could happen. It should be noted also that although I urinate it is a very slow stream that constantly starts and stop and I often feel my bladder never gets completely empty. There are times I can crack my back and more urine will come out but never feces. Thank you, XXXXXX
XXXXX you, XXXXXX
XXXXX you, XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Diverticulitis and constipation - there is a solution.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Hats off to you for your keen interest in your health.
Thank you for your faith in Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr. Neel Kudchadkar and I'll give you a few suggestions for a better, healthier life.
The fact of the matter is that it is not your back that is causing the constipation. You probably know that you have an ailment called as diverticulitis. You might know that the issues with your problem are a stomach ache - typically in the lower left side (as you mention), that is sometimes worse when you move. People with diverticulitis also have constipation, gas, and anorexia (no appetite)
It is your issue with diverticulitis that is causing the constipation and thereby defecation that comes with great difficulty. The spinal epidural merely removed the discomfort of voiding your bowels for the time being. I suppose caudal epidural should not cause constipation in your case.
The best choice for short term gains is to increase the fibre in your diet. Isapghol is a powder that can be tried for short term help as it adds bulk to the stool and moves the bowels. This will greatly help you where bowel movements are concerned.
Why not go to a surgeon and get yourself evaluated? This is the best and most helpful choice that you can make in the long term. I am confident that when your issues with diverticulitis get over, you would not be having any discomfort, the kind of which you are experiencing right now.
Take care of your health.
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar.
Generalist Physician.
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-neel-kudchadkar/69838
Diverticulitis and constipation - there is a solution.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Hats off to you for your keen interest in your health.
Thank you for your faith in Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr. Neel Kudchadkar and I'll give you a few suggestions for a better, healthier life.
The fact of the matter is that it is not your back that is causing the constipation. You probably know that you have an ailment called as diverticulitis. You might know that the issues with your problem are a stomach ache - typically in the lower left side (as you mention), that is sometimes worse when you move. People with diverticulitis also have constipation, gas, and anorexia (no appetite)
It is your issue with diverticulitis that is causing the constipation and thereby defecation that comes with great difficulty. The spinal epidural merely removed the discomfort of voiding your bowels for the time being. I suppose caudal epidural should not cause constipation in your case.
The best choice for short term gains is to increase the fibre in your diet. Isapghol is a powder that can be tried for short term help as it adds bulk to the stool and moves the bowels. This will greatly help you where bowel movements are concerned.
Why not go to a surgeon and get yourself evaluated? This is the best and most helpful choice that you can make in the long term. I am confident that when your issues with diverticulitis get over, you would not be having any discomfort, the kind of which you are experiencing right now.
Take care of your health.
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar.
Generalist Physician.
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-neel-kudchadkar/69838
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
If I went to a surgeon would it be a general surgeon or my gastrointerologist?
Brief Answer:
The gastroenterologist is the right person to approach.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up, XXXXXXX
It just happens to be that if diverticulitis were to be resolved, it is best to do it under a surgical gastro-enterologist. A general surgeon might not have either the expertise or the experience to perform such a operation.
And you know that you deserve the best.
I'd politely ask you to get an appointment with a gastro-enterologist.
If you have any queries, or issues that need to be vocally voiced, you are free to tell me about them.
Cheers! Every cloud has a silver lining. Don't let it get you down.
Take care of yourself.
Regards,
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar.
The gastroenterologist is the right person to approach.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up, XXXXXXX
It just happens to be that if diverticulitis were to be resolved, it is best to do it under a surgical gastro-enterologist. A general surgeon might not have either the expertise or the experience to perform such a operation.
And you know that you deserve the best.
I'd politely ask you to get an appointment with a gastro-enterologist.
If you have any queries, or issues that need to be vocally voiced, you are free to tell me about them.
Cheers! Every cloud has a silver lining. Don't let it get you down.
Take care of yourself.
Regards,
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
I just wanted to thank you for your advice and help in answering all my questions. Again, thank you, XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
I appreciate your gratitude.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks a million for your sincereness. You know you'll get better soon.
You are free to personally contact me 24x7 at this link.
http://bit.ly/askdrneel
Take care, XXXXXXX
I appreciate your gratitude.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks a million for your sincereness. You know you'll get better soon.
You are free to personally contact me 24x7 at this link.
http://bit.ly/askdrneel
Take care, XXXXXXX
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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