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What Should About The Inability To Pass Motion After A Colonoscopy Apart From Mild Abdominal Pain?

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Posted on Tue, 19 Apr 2022
Question: I had a colonoscopy two weeks ago and my bowels are not moving well. I am passing gas, but little to no bowel movement. All I get are small pasty movements. I have no fever and minimal abdominal pain.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Probably fecal impaction, please follow the advice below.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your symptoms seem to be related to fecal impaction. There are several causes that lead to this diagnosis. Some of them include no physical activity and low fibers in the diet.

Some advice that I can give to you is:
- Take over the counter laxative like Dulcolax
- Use daily probiotics
- Increase water intake
- Continue taking fiber supplements like Metamucil
- Use lubricants to help the stool pass easily such as mineral oil and Fleet
- Physical activity is very important

If the symptoms continue despite this you should go to the emergency room for manual evacuation of fecal matters under supervision.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (43 minutes later)
Thanks, Doctor. I've doing pretty much all that you suggest with little results, including fiber capsules and yogurt breakfasts and exercise. I'm not in my home now, but there is an ER nearby. Is fecal impaction easily diagnosed? I'm loathe to do an ER visit on a weekend, but would do so if the treatment is relatively easy to diagnose and treat. Is it similar to colonoscopy prep or is there another form of intervention?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Fecal impaction is easily diagnosed and treated in the emergency room itself

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Usually, an X-ray abdomen is the only examination to confirm the diagnosis of fecal impaction.

Sometimes a digital rectal exam or a sigmoidoscopy may be needed. During the sigmoidoscopy, the preparation is similar to colonoscopy.

The treatment in the emergency room usually consists in enema which is a liquid to soften the stool. If the enema is not effective the stool may be removed by hand.

Hope it helps.
Take care.
Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (48 hours later)
Went to local ER after another unproductive day. Exam and xRay showed no blockage! Sent me home with laxative Miralax recommendation followed by suppository if no results in three more days. So taking laxative and lots of fluid and waiting.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Probably irritable bowel syndrome.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Your symptoms might be related to irritable bowel syndrome. We can think about this diagnosis based on the fact that there is no blockage.

I would also suggest a stool test to exclude any possible infections.

Meanwhile, I suggest you to continue the medications given by your doctor. I would include to the treatment daily probiotics.

Hope it helps.
Take care.
Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 13592 Questions

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What Should About The Inability To Pass Motion After A Colonoscopy Apart From Mild Abdominal Pain?

Brief Answer: Probably fecal impaction, please follow the advice below. Detailed Answer: Hello, Your symptoms seem to be related to fecal impaction. There are several causes that lead to this diagnosis. Some of them include no physical activity and low fibers in the diet. Some advice that I can give to you is: - Take over the counter laxative like Dulcolax - Use daily probiotics - Increase water intake - Continue taking fiber supplements like Metamucil - Use lubricants to help the stool pass easily such as mineral oil and Fleet - Physical activity is very important If the symptoms continue despite this you should go to the emergency room for manual evacuation of fecal matters under supervision. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards