Unknown Bowel Issues……….Please Help! Hello All, I am reaching out in pure desperation in hopes someone can shed some light on whatever is going on with my body. I am a 37 year old male who has had GI issues the majority of my life, however the past two years have been a nightmare battling constipation. I know the basics regarding what causes constipation, etc. This is more so an anatomy issue, at least I think. Basically my body will not allow me to empty out. Gas feces, etc. collects in my lower abdomen- mainly my lower left side or under my bellybutton and just stays there. No matter what I do I can not get my body to relax and pass things. I’ve taken Linzess, Trulance, Motegrity, etc. and nothing changes the problem, in fact it gives me the urge to go and the pain builds up. This happens with gas too so I know it’s an issue with my body. It’s as if one part is turned off while the other is on. If I take laxatives before bed I’m able to wake up and go a bit. I have also taken Valium, Xanax, and Lorazepam and they too help a bit. I was also given prednisone for inflammation and that doesn’t help. I have been to a ton of doctors and no one seems to get what is going on.
Maybe your doctor should do a cat scan to see what is going on. what you are feeling may be inflammation.
You need to have a colonoscopy. I take MIRLAX daily and fiber gummies for my constipation.
If you are having fevers you will want to get a CT with Contrast to check for micro perforations, if you develop fevers and pelvic pressure seriously go to the ER immediately!
It sounds like your ton of doctors are just giving you things to relax you (antidepressants) without looking to see what your real problem is. If it’s been going on for two years you should definitely have a scan of some sort to see what’s going on in there. Has no one suggested a scan or colonoscopy to you?
I have done that twice, they said there was Inflammation, and I was chronically constipated. Both times they said the same thing, they gave me a prescription called Lactulouse.
I have had 2 Colonoscopies, 2 Ct scans, a gastric emptying study, and an endoscopy. things were found, but no specific diagnosis was given besides IBS-C. However, you are right, all they keep doing is giving me medicine, laxatives and mood altering drugs.
Are you in the US? I would try Mayo Clinic. They have research studies and many specialty doctors.
Hey Albert,
One thing that strikes me is you haven’t mentioned your diet at all? Things like red meat are particularly bad for constipation (they travel very slowly through the gut and therefore lose a lot of water by the time they reach the exit). I have DD and had to completely change my diet to avoid constipation - by introducing a lot green veg, cutting down processed foods and red meat I’ve noticed huge improvements. Humour me and go vegi for a day or two and see how your bowels function - if you dont notice an improvement you can call me a turnip!
Good luck!
James
I actually don’t eat much meat in general, mainly because I don’t cook well. my major problem is I don’t eat enough and do not take in a lot of protein. My diet can certainly be better.
I would agree a cleansing diet is probably needed long term, a healthy one..I would do a liquid for 2 to 3 days, then soft, then. strict plan with no red meat, carbs, pasta, bread, sugar, wheat, nightshades. Cut it all out for like 6 months. A sample menu for day would be: overnight oats for breakfast, salad for lunch with side baked sweet potatoes with chicken or turk, teas, broth, apples and yogurt for snacks in between, veggie soup for dinner, smoothie before bed..I know it sounds boring an drastic..But your system needs a complete overhaul..Just ti prove it’s not diet and just to give your environment a complete change. I did this for 9 months..and it helped tremendously…Document the entire process. Also look at doing DNA swabs for food allergies..lots of online options for mail in kits..mine were spot on.
Thank you I am going to try what I can.