My father is 86 years old. For a number of months he has been complaining of severe constipation, he says he has to get up 6 or 7 times every night to visit the bathroom. He says his stool is so hard that he has to strain enormously but often with no result. He has been examined a number of times by different doctors who have carried out tests as well and reassured us that he has no constipation. It seems that he has an obsession that he has not emptied his bowels and repeatedly feels the need to sit on the toilet seat. A number of medications treating his constipation have been tried. We have finally concurred with the doctors that there is really no constipation. we have tried explaining this to him but he is convinced otherwise. we are looking for any helpful suggestions to deal with this situation, thank you.
I agree with you but I find myself that as a I age I tend to say exactly what is on my mind (but hope I filter it a bit!) Guess age does have its privileges!
Coincidentally, it started about 86 for him as well. Almost 90 now. Like I said, it comes and goes in waves....
Rectal Dyssynergia- The rectal muscles are "confused" from too much straining and don't work. There is pelvic physical therapy for this.
Hernia - A nerve, piece of fat, or intestine is trapped by a weakness in the abdominal wall. Send scans to Dr. Shirin Towfigh in Beverly Hills. She's the only one who gets it.
Pseudo-Obstruction - Kinks or muscle weakness in the large or small intestine prevent proper flow. (Mayo Clinic)
Scar Tissue - Scar tissue from prior surgery can press against or wrap around intestines and restrict flow.
Chocolate Tumors - Dark tumors that do not show up on Scans.
Parasites - Clusters of worms that block flow; particularly if traveled out of country to poor countries.
SIBO- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
Food Allergies - Dairy, Soy and Gluten are common. There are many more.
Note: I personally think Irritable Bowel Syndrome is code for "We don't know what's wrong with you and we wont keep looking." Symptoms are always the result of an underlying problem. You just need to find it.
The hospital has Mom on all kinds of stuff because she didn't go everyday. When I was given the discharge papers I questioned it. Later found out her med was causing the constipation so was taken off. Stopped the Senna and when she went the other way, the colace. Dr. said Phillips if haven't gone in two days. There muscles are not the same anymore. If they have a hemroid that could be what they r feeling.