Constipation caused by pelvic floor dysfunction

[Pinkcrystal5]

I have been diagnosed with obstructive defecation syndrome (pelvic floor dysfunction) from a proctogram - I’ve been given physiotherapy and it hasn’t worked. I’ve asked to be referred for biofeedback and my doctor says they won’t do anything else. Does anyone have any advice? It’s severely impacting my quality of life and making me depressed. It makes me suffer from chronic constipation and bloating

[Skye22]

Hi there sorry to hear you are going through something very similar to me.I have levator ani syndrome and slow transit colon which means I have very limited ability to having a normal bowel motion resulting in chronic pelvic and anal pain and chronic constipation.

I have to use daily trans anal irrigation and manual extraction which is painful and demoralising.

I am supported by my specialist women's physio who does internal external vaginal trigger point therapy which does alleviate pain from pelvic floor.

In conjunction with this treatment I receive three monthly Botox injections into levator muscles. It doesn't eradicate pain but makes it more bearable that I can sit for longer periods of time

It has taken a very long time to get a confirmed diagnosis after years of tests and to get a treatment plan that works for me. I also take ant spasmodics which helps with painful spasms.

I hope that you find a treatment plan that works for you.

[ACSurvivorSF]

I would definitely try taking senna. It’s gentle, mild and causes a bowel movement in about 6 to 8 hours. I’m on strong opiate-based pain meds for pelvic and rectal pain, and the senna works well to keep me unconstipated.

[Black_Cat1]

I'm so sorry your going through this, I recommend having a colonic irrigation treatment, it will help with the impacted bowel and may help release some pain. If you are in London England I can recommend a place for you

[CockeyMoor]

Glycerin Suppositories help with the impaction at the end of the bowel. Senna are good once you get the lower bowel emptied. Trouble is Senna can gripe and is not as gentle as Docusate Sodium . It is trial and error to find what works for you. Antispasmodics can sometimes cause constipation so beware of some of them too.

[Nearlygaveup]

Hi there, sorry to hear of your suffering. I've been getting passed around for four years now and have basically been left to get on with it. I was suffering from anxiety and depressed because of this problem, I also have ODD which has caused me to acquire several prolapses and I use bulking laxatives and use peristeen bowel irrigation system. My physio exercises did make a slight improvement but I still suffer most days and nights. I have changed my diet to increase fibre, drink plenty of filtered water and fennel cumin seed and dried mint tea. I have just started seeing an osteopath and my back and diaphragm pain have decreased a bit. I listen to solfeggio frequencies through my headphones and do healing meditations, yoga and reiki which all help me cope. Black seed oil and slippery elm powder help strengthen the colon and pro biotics such as kefir all help to promote bowel health. I take a lot of supplements as eating means emptying and that is always an ordeal so I don't eat a lot. Vit c, d3, magnesium, zinc are just some. I bought a slow cooker which is cheaper to run than the oven and make healthy soups and stews with chick peas, lentils black beans etc to try and ensure good levels of fibre, vitamins and minerals. I hope some of this helps you.

[Knitting20projects]

I don’t know if you’re in the USA. If possible you could try a 2nd opinion pelvic PT consult with Stephanie Prendergast’s group—Pelvic Health & Rehabilitation Center. Apparently they can do telehealth. Maybe inquire about a second opinion option? They’re among the best in the USA.