I cannot defecate fully. Are there solutions for constipation?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 32 years old, overweight (231 lbs, height five feet seven inches). For the past week or so, I feel like I am not able to defecate entirely. I always feel pressure like I want to pass stool, but when I sit on the pot, I cannot.

It is not like I cannot pass stool. Usually, I feel there could be more. Additionally, when I burp, I feel a little uncomfortable in the stomach, and there is a very, very slight pain on the left side of the stomach. Not every time that I burped, but sometimes.

There is a lot of gas, and I keep burping. I took Zantac and Unienzyme, as well as a liquid laxative, Cremaffin. Also took Digene for three to four days.

Things are better, and now when I burp, I do not feel pain, most of the time, maybe once or twice a day. Also, the constant pressure that I have felt has decreased. I have looked after each stool, and I never noticed any blood or anything like that in the shit.

I have also not lost any weight lately, and if anything, perhaps have gained a kilo in the last two to three weeks. However, even though things have slowly improved, I am not fully normal. Additionally, I am one big hypochondriac, and this digestive issue is now starting to drive me nuts.

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Worrying about your GI (gastrointestinal) tract will create stress, which increases your cortisol levels and creates further problems with your sugars, sleep, and bowel movements in the future, so try not to worry. It might be due to a lack of physical activity, diet, or lack of water intake.

I advise you not to take any over-the-counter laxatives, especially if your bowels are returning to normal. You can also create further problems by taking all those things. I want you to increase your water intake and engage in some type of exercise.

This is the best way to make your bowels regular. This is why, after surgery, doctors make sure patients are passing gas and getting up and walking.

If not improved with lifestyle changes, get these tests-

H.pylori (Helicobacter pylori).
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).
CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel).
CBC (complete blood count).

Your probable diagnosis can be constipation, so I suggest the following:

Increase physical activity three to four times a week.
Increase water intake to six to eight glasses a day.
Increase fiber intake, salads, green leafy vegetables, and fruits.
Avoid mint, caffeine, over-the-counter laxatives, and stool softeners.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am glad to hear you are feeling a little bit better. Yes, the spicy food will make you burp a lot; it lowers your esophageal sphincter tone in your esophagus, and allows things to go up instead of down.

That is why I said to eliminate certain foods and lifestyles, drink plenty of water, and exercise. You can try taking over-the-counter Omeprazole 20 mg once a day to see if this helps.

For the anal itching, apply OTC (over-the-counter) Hydrocortisone cream to the anus after each bowel movement. This will help. Also, do not wipe too hard. Avoid spicy food, caffeine, peppermint, and smoking.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.