Symptoms of a bowel obstruction, as opposed to chronic constipation? Thanks!?

Answer 1

Even with chronic constipation, a trip to the MD is necessary. Advice on eating more fiber, more water, exercise, a review of constipating medications (such as Vicodin), will help prevent increasing problems and dependence on laxatives.

There is no easy way for you know the difference. But there are simple tests that can be done by you practitioner to determine what treatment or bowel regimen you may need.

Good luck!

Answer 2

As someone with chronic constipation and a history of bowel obstructions everytime post operatively, the biggest symptom for me is the terrible terrible pain in my abdomin when I am obstructed. If you are obstructed, you can't hold down water, let alone food. Constipation is uncomforatable, but can be tolerated. If you are in unimaginable pain, have had surgery recently, have a fever, vomiting, etc...RUN to the nearest ER!!!

Answer 3

Aside from waiting to talk to your doctor, you could try a few things. Adding fiber can help, as can a good enzyme complex and/or probiotics. The main problem is that there are a few things that can cause constipation, bloating, and water retention. It could be partially due to improper digestion (in which case enzymes would help to break down the foods you aren't digesting well enough), not enough fiber ("counting carbs" may not allot for enough fiber, and part of that may also depend on which enzymes are in your stomach), improper intestinal flora (which would be the probiotics, the good bacteria in your intestines that help the absorption of nutrients among other things), or maybe just not enough water (if you are sweating out and using up more water than you are taking in, the constipation could be from dehydration). Your doctor (assuming he's good enough that he doesn't want to just throw some drugs at you) should be able to evaluate what's happening and suggest one of those three to help things flow smoother. If nothing else, try adding any or all of the things that I mentioned, as none of them would negatively impact your diet/exercise regiment when taken properly (the fiber may impact your diet if you just eat chips or crackers, but if you take an insoluble fiber, it shouldn't impact it negatively at all). In any case, good luck, and I hope you find speedy relief... I know how painful and annoying that can be.

Answer 4

No BM for several days and severe pain with BO...often nausea and vomiting also, pressure and swelling of abdomen. If in doubt, see your MD right away. If you truly have chronic diarrhea, you should know by now what that feels like. If this feels different, run...do not walk to the MD or ED.

Answer 5

Headaches, cold sweats, crosseyed look, severe cramps, suicidal tendencies...etc. Use a pint some Fleets Phospho-soda
It will clear your bowels in no time.