Very embarassing bathroom problem. Need professional advice?

Question

I can't have a bowel movement with manually massaging there. I only go about twice a week and it's torment when I do. It takes about 2 hours (several trips) and 2 rolls of tp. It starts out like thick paste and ends all watery like diarrhea. I have to strain and massage the whole time. I just don't know what to tell a doctor or if I could tell one face to face. I need to have it checked out but I'm so embarrassed. What could it be and what kind of doctor do I need? Please don't make fun. I'm miserable. It's been going on for years.

I meant to say without massaging.

Answer 1

Hi:

You most likely need to see a gastroenterologist with focus on motility disorders, who following a clinical evaluation would arrange a number of studies for you. These studies usually include a flexible sigmoidoscopy (and based on age and other information possibly a colonoscopy rather than sigmoidoscopy), a dynamic pelvic MRI and defecography, and an anorectal manometry (although other studies may also become necessary). Probably also OK to start with any gastroenterologist who could then refer you to a more subspecialized one if needed.

Your condition is very obviously not normal, and although you might improve to some degree with fiber supplements alone, you should still see a gastroenterologist (unless you miraculously become COMPLETELY normal). Unfortunately, most physicians (and even some gastroenterologists) have limited to no understanding of the potential etiologies of your condition, which includes pelvic floor and outlet dysfunctions, ansimus, ...). In my experience, people who resort to manual disimpaction have already exhausted other options such as prune juice, sorbitol-containing gums, fiber supplements, high-fiber diet, laxatives, ... The fact that you pass loose stool after digital disimpaction increases the likelihood of an organic problem or dysfunction.

Treatment options include dietary modification, use of fiber agents, medications, biofeedback therapy, and an evaluation by a colorectal surgeon depending on further findings.

I hope this can help. All the best.

Answer 2

If you choose to see a doctor, see your primary care doctor. If you don't have one, see a Family Practitioner or Internist. I don't think you need a Gastroenterologist just yet.

In the meantime, I agree that you could use an improvement in diet and a couple of other things. Increase dietary fiber, increase water intake to 3 liters throughout the day and increase your exercise/activity.

Don't reach for a stool softener yet. Your stools are soft already. Increased water intake will keep them that way. It sounds like you need to stimulate peristalsis, the rhythmic movement of the bowels. Fiber and exercise. Follow this faithfully for 2 weeks and if you don't begin to see improvement at or before the end of 2 weeks, see a doctor.

Pastey stools aren't typical of a normal stool. That and the diarrhea that follows it can indicate a more serious problem. But try my suggestion. If you experience abdominal pain or see blood in your stool or have less than two bowel movements per week, see your doctor right away.

Answer 3

You should start by going to your family doctor because #1- he/she might be able to solve the problem and #2- he/she will have to refer you to a gastroenterologist if they think it's necessary (unfortunately you can't usually just make your own appointment with specialists, especially if you want insurance to pay for it). Don't be embarrassed at all, because the doctor has heard way worse, and they make a living by asking people about their bowel habits and sexual habits and everything that a normal person would find embarrassing. It is likely just constipation, so you should try increasing the fiber in your diet, and your doctor will probably try a stool softener like Miralax or milk of magnesia. That should fix it and, if not, that's when you should go back in and talk to your doc about going to a gastroenterologist.

Answer 4

You definitely have a problem, especially if this has been going on for years. I would suggest going to a doctor that you trust. Sometimes you have to shop around for one so to speak. If you feel more comfortable, schedule a consultation so you can talk to them and find out what they specialize in and just how much they know about things. Ask them who they treat. If you do like the doctor you have, then talk to them. I can promise you that you're not the only person in the world who has had problems like this. It can be embarrassing but you really do need to see a doctor and see if they can help you. Using the bathroom is part of life and if it's miserable for you and something can be done about it, surely someone will understand that you want the misery to go away and you want to be in good health. Anyone in your shoes would. All the best.

Answer 5

Doctors hear worse than this! It could be IBS or something more serious and the fact that you've let it go so long is only making it worse. You do need diagnosing. Most things get worse if not caught in early stages, even simplest things.

Get your doc to give you a referral to a specialist. Don't be embarrassed. You would really be embarrassed on down the road when it turns into something serious and everyone tells you it could have been avoided. Don't suffer any longer. Care enough about yourself to deal with it now! Good luck!

Answer 6

That is a horrible thing to have to go through for so long. Have you tried a stool softener? Or maybe adding fiber to your diet? Be careful of caffeine too. This can happen with to much chocolate and other foods as well. The best thing to do is to check your diet and see if you can add or delete anything. Try the stool softener,you can find them at your local pharmacy. Don't be embarrassed to tell your doctor..They can help you out of so much pain and trouble. You can trust them to help you.
Good luck, and I hope things go well for you. You might try an internist or even even a general practitioner., any doctor will be able to help you though.

Answer 7

It sounds like you may need to add a stool softener to your regime. Several over the counter ones are available. What sometimes happens, a large amount of stool will get settled in your lower intestines. This causes a "blockage" of sorts. When you finally go, you are pushing around that blockage of stool, and it comes out watery. It can be a vicious cycle. Hope that helps.

Answer 8

I'm dealing with the same problem, except from the belly button, you may want to call a hospital to dee what the problem may be. As for the frequent bladder, UTIs pregnancy, or diabetes (comes along with along with urgent thirst). Hope this helps.

Answer 9

It sounds like your diet neds a LOT more fibre!

If there isn't a problem with your diet, then you need to consult a gastroenterologist.

Answer 10

You need a gastro-enterologist, and a thorough examination. It could be diet, sluggish colon musculature, a type of colitis, or less l;ikely redundant colon____or cancer.

Please check it out.