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Possible to have impaction removed and hernia repaired at same time?
Digestive Health | Last Active: Aug 25 4:18am | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
Hi Shelley,
whew, it's been some week! To answer some of your questions, my PCP found the hernia, and imaging showed that part of my colon is popping through it. I can push it through the hole, and it doesn't generally hurt unless my stool is firm enough to have any form to it, at which point I have sharp pain at the hernia and immediately chug some Miralax, so I'm keeping my stool watery. I worried when Dr. Google said that taking Miralax with a blockage wasn't recommended since the extra water can build up in the colon, but I have no choice and it'll probably be OK anyways since I don't seem to be blocked up too bad. The mass is near the hernia, which is in my groin, but it's on the right side so not near the anus, and my rectum feels empty. (Actually the mass is bigger than the hernia and reaches from my right groin to the middle of my belly.) My X-ray showed a moderate amount of stool, and I knew I was backed up because my abdomen is always pretty distended and my BMs tend to be on the small side. The X-ray, ultrasounds, and MRI all came back normal except for the hernia and backup, though, so it's still a total mystery what this mass is, but I feel it growing fast. I thought for sure it was an impaction since it was so hard - doesn't give at all when I press on it, and I can't budge it by massaging my belly like I can with the rest of my stool - but wouldn't an impaction have shown up in the imaging? Maybe it would have helped if I'd had 2 X-rays, though - I had one standing but not lying down. I'm at a loss. If it is an impaction, though, an enema is probably next. I had one years ago but don't remember it very well. You have way more knowledge on it than I do!
Replies to "Hi Shelley, whew, it's been some week! To answer some of your questions, my PCP found..."
@geekygirl9
Hi, I am 42 with a parastomal hernia and a midline hernia, I had my colostomy in September 2023 and had a few blockages with 4 operations on my bowels to go with that. I have read your post regarding laxatives etc.
Can I ask a question on that one? I don't want to make you feel that I am pushing you into this but have you thought about prune juice, as it is a strong laxative. I would recommend you speak to a GP first because of your issues but is seems to help me, but as all laxatives take their time in getting to the problem, prune juice is a more powerful one
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I feel so bad for you. Pushing your colon back thru the opening sounds just like mine...weird huh!! At age 16, I don't remember having any hard bowels. I have read the same info about miralax not being used if: constipation is actually a blockage, not for use longer than 2 weeks, unless dr. says it is ok.
I agree with you, it's given me a bit of anxiety taking it LONG term and in ELEVATED amounts... but like you, what else can we do?
The reason for the 2 X-rays, is the gas in the colon moves up in the colon and gives a more complete picture of what is going on inside.
The Mass: is it on the same side as the hernia, I think it is, but not sure I understood? Was has your doctor said about the Mass? This is the mom and patient talking...THE MASS IS NOT OK, NO MATTER WHAT THE SCANS SAY!!!!
I would do the enema, now. No it's comfortable, yes it's painful. I only use the name brand, FLEET. I layer a few towels on the floor to kneel on, a pillow to lay my forehead on. I put a teeny bit of Vaseline on enema insert, but be careful not to block up the holes. Bend on all fours and insert, squeeze and re-squeeze to get as much of it inside. There will be some left over in the bottle. Then do whatever helps you keep the enema fluid in as long as possible, while still keeping the pain tolerable. I rock back and forth, side to side, I have no idea why this seems helpful to me. When the pressure gets stronger I rock faster, it seems to lower the pressure for a bit. When you do let it rip into the toilet, take a good look at it, look for anything that is odd to you. Keep me posted, if you want to.
I was just in the ER 4 days ago with a heavy fecal load and urinary retention and now I have a catheter I have to carry around for a week +-. If I repeat myself, feel free to tell me I am doing it. Old age sucks, I suggest that you never get old, it's like having a new pain/problem every other day 👎🏼