So I’ve been struggling with constipation and pelvic pain for around 18 months now. At first I was diagnosed with IBS but after having been sent for a Proctogram I have now been diagnosed with recorectal intussusception with a small Rectocele. I’m waiting to see a pelvic floor professional as the gastro surgeon I saw doesn’t deal with this type of issue. He said they may give me exercises or may suggest surgery. My question is, is there anyone out there who has successfully dealt with this conservatively with pelvic floor exercises, diet etc? I am only 35 and have read that surgery is invasive, can cause further complications and is not always successful in the long term. I suppose I am looking for some hope really that the non surgical options may help.
Thanks
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Hope83
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I too have both rectocele and intussusception and manage quite well with laxatives (Movicol for me) and mini-enemas if the laxative doesn't clear everything out.
I don't have constipation in the usual way, i.e not opening my bowels for days on end or having hard dry stools; the problem for me is not fully-emptying out in one go which, I've been told, is probably caused by stool getting stuck at either or both prolapses.
I was advised to do both laxatives and enemas and drink lots of water which keeps everything as fluid as possible making it less likely to get caught up in my bowel. Although not successful 100% of the time, I find this regime works pretty well.
If you've had children, pelvic floor exercises would probably be a good idea too.
I'd do anything to avoid the surgery which, as you say, isn't always successful!
Thanks for your reply Pagan, it gives me hope to know that it may not be straight to surgery for me. My constipation sounds pretty much like yours and I do use movicol, although not every day because until I found the cause I was trying lots of other options for IBS C as my GP said that relying on laxatives isn’t great in the long term. I will try every day now that I know there is something physical causing the problem. Did you see a consultant about it? There’s mixed info on the internet, some saying that intussusception eventually usually turns to a full blown prolapse and some saying that this isn’t the case. I was wondering what the dr that you saw told you if you don’t mind me asking.
Yes, I actually saw more than one colorectal consultant about this and all of them advised taking a laxative daily and the same for enema use if needed - which it mostly isn't. None of them told me that the intussusception might morph into something else. I think that the stuff out there on the internet can be more of a hindrance than a help and some of it is just downright rubbish - it's often pretty old info too!
By the way, the problem that you and I seem to share is called frustrated evacuation.
Hey. I know this is an old post and hope you are doing better.
Can I just ask, when you take the stool bulking supplements do your stools come out like in the normal round and long log shape?
I ask this because I'm really concerned I have rectal intussusception. I have a feeling of something stuck constantly, bloating, incomplete evacuation more often than not, and my stools are pretty flat and thin when I don't take any supplements.
I'm confused because when I take the bulking supplements I've done normal stools - so I think to myself, well it can't be intussusception because I wouldn't get this 5 inch full log out so easily and in such perfect shape.
I honestly don't know what to think. I'm 30, male. I've seen a colorectal surgeon who said it would be incredibly rare for me to have this. But I do have a period of 3 weeks of heavy straining where this all started from.
Hi, yes I am having the same problem and have read these posts with great interest. I was told by local surgeon that I have a significant intussuception that needs surgery and a palpable mass in right iliac fossa. I couldn’t have a CT locally because of their inability to find an alternative to an iodine contrast ( am allergic to iodine ). After the surgeon messed around for nine months doing nothing I asked my GP to refer me to Guys. They don’t mess about. I do not have a mass of any sort and the intussuception is minor. Surgery probably not needed.
Thanks for your reply. Another positive story to make me feel better. I am awaiting my appointment with another consultant now for further advice and will post back when I have his advice. Fingers crossed!!
I actually saw the bowel health physio last week. The consultant that I was referred to looked at my scans and just referred me into them. They want me to do a transit study just to check that I’m on the right laxitive and then I will be given pelvic floor exercises. They have almost given me a small irrigation kit to try if I feel that I need it ! I think it’s just conservative management to try to prevent any worsening!
Oh I hope that this will help you though. I’m beginning to think that anything might be better than surgery. I get my test results from Guys in early November so will let you know outcome. I haven’t been waiting for three months by the way I had to delay the tests and appointments!
Aww I hope it’s good news for you. The more I read about the surgery the more it puts me off. I think I will only get referred back to an actual consultant now if this conservative management doesn’t work. I think I can manage though...I just want to make sure it doesn’t get worse. Good luck for November !!
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