Severe Constipation

I need help. I have developed horrible rectal pressure and constipation. I can feel it sitting right at descending colon and it causes aching all the way under left ribs. I have never had bathroom issues until the last 5 months and I'm wondering if its related to my possible slipping rib syndrome and my misalignment in my spine and pelvis. Advice please.. I have so many issues and this makes it that much worse. Im in pelvic floor therapy, but have not worked much yet.

I need help. I have developed horrible rectal pressure and constipation. I can feel it sitting right at descending colon and it causes aching all the way under left ribs. I have never had bathroom issues until the last 5 months and I'm wondering if its related to my possible slipping rib syndrome and my misalignment in my spine and pelvis. Advice please.. I have so many issues and this makes it that much worse. Im in pelvic floor therapy, but have not worked much yet.

Hello all. I have been on here for awhile trying to figure out some Chest issues. I have digestive issues as well however. Yesterday afternoon I has a sharp pain in gallbladder area. Soon after it was from there all the way to center and my left side. Almost like a squeezing pain. Lasted about 5 minutes or so and also hurt to the touch lightly. It left and has been off and on today and it seems the area right below my sternum is swollen at times. I had had a scope and said I had a very small high hernia and also had a gallbladder test done with no issues. Could this be constipation or any other thoughts ?

Hello, Iv had chronic constipation since childhood and it had gotten worse after menopause. I was recently diagnosed with a redundant colon after doing a colonoscopy. My doctor told me to change my diet by adding more fibre etc and to use Orvilax which is a mild laxative(works overnight). Iv gotten to the point where Im using the Orvilax twice a week, but would definitely like to stop completely because I dont know what the long-term effect would be. Im thinking of starting fibre supplements...Benefibre or Metamucil. Which would be better and easier to digest in the long-term. I also have High Blood Pressure and Partial Epilepsy. And get acid reflux for weeks at a time. By the way can my constipation be causing the AR?
Right now Im at my wits end...thank you for any advice.

Hello @sherry59,

I would like to add my welcome to you as you have recently joined Mayo Clinic Connect. I read, with interest, your question about chronic constipation. As I've had three surgeries of the upper digestive tract, I have a lot of experience with something called "slow transit constipation."

Your diet and activity level are most important. Fiber supplements are usually very helpful. Have you tried any probiotics? I make a smoothy with Kefir. Kefir is a liquid product similar to yogurt but with lots more probiotics. It has a very sour taste so it needs to be mixed with something else (I use half of an Atkins shake but you could use Ensure or other flavored protein drinks). Then I add to that half a banana (a frozen banana makes it very frothy) and other fruit that I may have on hand (including dried prunes). I mix all of this in a blender at a high speed. It makes a high protein, high fiber drink that works quite nicely for constipation.

There is also a powdered product called, "Calm." It is a powder that you mix in water and take at bedtime. It has a lot of magnesium which is very helpful for constipation.

I hope you have developed some new ideas for this chronic problem. Will you keep in touch and update on your progress in dealing with this?

Hello @sherry59, Welcome to Connect. You ask some very good questions. I take a fiber supplement like Benefiber and do think it helps with my constipation issues along with drinking a lot of water. There is an another discussion you might want to read through and learn what others with similar diagnosis have shared.

Redundant / Tortuous Colon: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/redundant-tortured-colon/

Also, you might find the following information helpful:
-- Evidence-Based Approach to Fiber Supplements and Clinically Meaningful Health Benefits, Part 2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4415970/
-- Redundant Colon and Constipation Diet: https://www.livestrong.com/article/495984-redundant-colon-constipation-diet/
-- Acid Reflux and Constipation - Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/constipation

Have you discussed your concern with long term side effects of using Orvilax with your doctor or pharmacist?

Hello John, thank you for your response. Yes I do take Benefiber and it does help a bit. And yes I know that I should be drinking more water, I sometimes forget to but plain water sucks....lol
So I do make cucumber and lemon water when I can and have that throughout the day.
I have questioned my doctors about the long term safety of the Orvilax and have been assured its fine.
Thank you for the links and I will check them out.
Stay safe.

Love water with cucumber and lemon! I have a water bottle with an infuser that holds fruit and veggies. I generally slice up part of a lemon and some small cukes and put them in the infuser, then cap and shake the bottle. I usually put in in the refrigerator for an hour or so and drink it the rest of the day.