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What Does Cramping, Bloating, Abdominal Tenderness And Poor Bowel Movement With History Of Fecal Mass Indicate?
Hi
I am 56 year old. Always had problems with irregular bowel action. (3xperweek). I do not care for laxatives. About a month ago I had x-rays for my back and my gp commented on fecal mass, but never treated it. The past 5 days I have a feeling of bloatedness, andsevere cramping in my upper abdomen. Last night I woke up twice sweating and experiencing excruciating pain and this disapeared without RX. However I feel like a general in army camp because I have to sit up straight as when I bend forward a little I have this constant pain and feeling uncomfortable. Yesterday I was very tender over the liver are and this morning again and also including my whole upper abdomen. I am also short of breath. I am taking rx for hpertension but for the past 10 I am taking milk thisle caps as well as capsicum caps 1 daily. I have taken 3 Naturalax tabs the night before but had only a a small soft bowel action. I hope youcan advise me on what to do.
I am 56 year old. Always had problems with irregular bowel action. (3xperweek). I do not care for laxatives. About a month ago I had x-rays for my back and my gp commented on fecal mass, but never treated it. The past 5 days I have a feeling of bloatedness, andsevere cramping in my upper abdomen. Last night I woke up twice sweating and experiencing excruciating pain and this disapeared without RX. However I feel like a general in army camp because I have to sit up straight as when I bend forward a little I have this constant pain and feeling uncomfortable. Yesterday I was very tender over the liver are and this morning again and also including my whole upper abdomen. I am also short of breath. I am taking rx for hpertension but for the past 10 I am taking milk thisle caps as well as capsicum caps 1 daily. I have taken 3 Naturalax tabs the night before but had only a a small soft bowel action. I hope youcan advise me on what to do.
Mon, 20 Jan 2014
Hi there,
Thanks for your query.
Your problem is due to either, underactive thyroid problem, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), low fiber diet or, a slow gut motility.
Impacted feces has caused obstruction of the colon. The pain is due to intestine trying to pump harder to expel the impacted feces and clear the obstruction.
Take strong purgative (Lactulose or Liquid Paraffin) for 2-3 days and STOP it once you develop loose stools. Thereafter, take Psyllium husk/powder DAILY at bedtime to maintain normal bowel movement. Also, daily intake of Probiotics, such as, lactobacillus, for 04 weeks, will be of great help. ALWAYS TAKE A HIGH FIBER DIET; DRINK PLENTY OF WATER EVERYDAY.
Get Thyroid function test done to detect/rule out underactive thyroid glands.
Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me, order required tests, and- based on the reports- will prescribe suitable/modified treatment as advised.
If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating) to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries.
Take care
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
Thanks for your query.
Your problem is due to either, underactive thyroid problem, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), low fiber diet or, a slow gut motility.
Impacted feces has caused obstruction of the colon. The pain is due to intestine trying to pump harder to expel the impacted feces and clear the obstruction.
Take strong purgative (Lactulose or Liquid Paraffin) for 2-3 days and STOP it once you develop loose stools. Thereafter, take Psyllium husk/powder DAILY at bedtime to maintain normal bowel movement. Also, daily intake of Probiotics, such as, lactobacillus, for 04 weeks, will be of great help. ALWAYS TAKE A HIGH FIBER DIET; DRINK PLENTY OF WATER EVERYDAY.
Get Thyroid function test done to detect/rule out underactive thyroid glands.
Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me, order required tests, and- based on the reports- will prescribe suitable/modified treatment as advised.
If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating) to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries.
Take care
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
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