Severe Constipation

Hello @klk464,

Welcome to Connect. Here's more information about the treatment of constipation, from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354259

I'd like to introduce you to a few members who've shared their experiences with severe constipation. Please meet @sousou @dolan @subhi @clemlaa @delicht; I'm certain they will have more insights for you.

Here are a few discussions on Connect, which I also encourage you to view:
– Abdominal pain with severe constipation and weight loss https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/abdominal-pain-since-july-2017-with-severe-constipation-and-weight-los/
– Leaky Gut, Constipation and Gluten Free? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/leaky-gut-constipation-and-gluten-free/
– RLQ Abdominal Pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rlq-abdominal-pain/

if you would like to make an appointment at Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. You can also request an appointment online. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments

@klk464, have you made any diet changes, or added foods that might help relieve your symptoms?

@klk464, I have the same issue because of the pain medications I take and diabetes tends to dry you out pretty badly. I have four medications that I rotate whenever it seems something is not working; amitiza, linzess, movantik, and rellistor. Currently I take Rellistor and four docusates and add linzess on days that I take more medication than avg. If you have tried any of these and they worked short term, you may want to consider some type of rotation. Because of pancreatitis, I also have gastroparesis, so this is always gonna be an issue for me and I can gain or lose ten pounds in a couple of days routinely. I hope you can land on something that will work and alleviate the pain. Anyone else have this problem and found different ways of relief?

@klk464, I don't have severe; but I do have occasional bothersome constipation. About a month ago, I decided to start taking fish oil again after about 6 months. ( I didn't want to waste the extra bottle that I had purchased in a 2 for 1 sale). And, my system has returned to an amazing level of regularity. I just thought I'd pass this along to you.
Rosemary

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 ?

Hi @jadillow ,
Abdominal pain can be very confusing because the nervous system in the abdomen does not always tell you much what hurts. Often there is referred pain, for example- gallbladder and pancreatic pain are felt in the back. In your situation pain could be caused by expansion of the intestine- most likely colon. There could be a gas pocket that can’t move well because you are constipated. Have you had problems with constipation and if so how have you managed it?

I have bouts where I can’t get anything to come out. Also have reflux. I often, and today, have a pain left chest towards bottom of sternum. My reflux has been acting up the past two days even with taking my ppi so I’m wondering if maybe it’s related

The reflux could definitely be a factor- in my own experience I’ll get a gnawing pain/ discomfort in the middle below the sternum.
About the constipation it would be helpful if your doctor could tell you how to approach it.

This post made me look twice -- sounds a little like me, actually.

Eons ago I had my GB out as it was very diseased and I'd had numerous very bad pain attacks in entire abdomen that would come on fast and end some four hours later. After it was over, each time I felt absolutely fine. Some people vomit or feel sick but I just had a rock hard abdomen and major pain. People say it's like the pain from kidney stones.

My other GB symptoms were annoying little ache under right rib cage, and similar ache in upper right back just below the shoulder blade. Those are classic GB symptoms.. Ultrasound confirmed GB stones/sludge and I finally had the surgery after putting it off for over a year.

After surgery, I almost immediately developed obvious reflux and now, years later, learned via upper endoscopy that I have a medium sized hiatal hernia among other problems (in esophagus plus stomach irritation from bile).

Many people say that hiatal hernia itself can cause pain. Had a routine colonoscopy months ago (everything was fine with the colon), BUT GI doctor said I have a "redundant/tortuous" colon. That means it's too long and has extra loops and twists. Many people have this but don't know it. And it can cause discomfort/pain and constipation, which makes sense. Studies show that many constipated people have redundant colon and it's usually a congenital condition. It is not an uncommon finding - many have this redundancy.

Ever since that colonoscopy I've had pain, sometimes significant, across mid to upper abdomen, nearly always occurring ONLY during a BM. Doc thinks it's from constipation but I do 'go' pretty regularly. It seems the act of just slightly 'pushing' (NOT straining) brings on the pain. Then for days I 'go' but feel no pain at all. It varies. I think 'pushing' even a little brings it on. It seems like a mechanical issue. But pain is felt in the areas YOU describe as being painful to you at various times..

The admin here is right -- it's very difficult to ascertain reasons for pain in abdominal area. So often it's a real puzzle to figure out. Agree yours could likely be from constipation and/or gas pockets -- or perhaps you have redundant colon like many of us. Sounds like just another abdominal mystery -- and there are many. So many organs in the area and it's frustrating for doctors. Note: I also had a CT scan of the entire abdomen recently and it revealed absolutely nothing so I know that while pain can be annoying it is often meaningless. I am one who dwells on 'ailments' so I find that trying to totally ignore weird pains and such is actually helpful and lessens the annoyance. Sounds crazy but I have a lifetime of evidence that I can, with my own mind, make just about anything feel worse than it is. Good luck to you!

Thank you for the response. I always automatically think it’s my heart and panic

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.