Bowel impaction?

[sociologygeek]

Ok, this is sligtly off topic, but last night i was really constipated, to the point of needing to manually evacuate my bowels with my finger.. and im wondering if i should see a doctor about stool impaction, of if just a plain ol' over the counter fleet enema will fix me up.. ive already taken a glycerin suppository, but i still feel pain down there. Any insight would be appreciated.

Btw, i am passing gas so im not blocked.. I know, TMI, but lets face it, this board is TMI.. TMI is the reality of our situation.

Peace out!

Rob

[Patrick]

Colon blockages are common among folks whose GI systems are paralyzed. Dulcolax suppositories would be a good first attempt. If that doesn't work, an enema should do the trick. In the future, watch your diet, and take a stool softener tablet (ducosate sodium) if you haven't had a bowel movement in three days. Good luck and report back.

[RetiredRN]

One of the things I did as a nurse is to check for a fecal blockage. If there is one I would have to manually remove it. It is important to keep your colon open. The advice of a fleet enema is good, you could also try an oil fleet enema. Once clear, the over the counter stool softener suggested should be taken as directed on the package. If a fecal blockage is left in it can become extremely hard and may need to be removed by surgery.

[JDinVirginia]

Sociologygeek,

Others have given you good advice. Here is mine.

Try Miralax (PEG). In small doses, it softens the stool to help you go but does not "make" you go. I have chronic severe constipation and my GI doc recommended it to me. I also perform manually remove hardened stool, use digital stimulation to help prompt a bowel movement and use either bisacodyl suppositories or enemas (usually enemas).

--John

[tangerine]

I do manual evacuations and can recommend if you do need to do it then coconut oil is very helpful as a lubricant. I prefer nitrile gloves (usually blue) as the most comfortable.