Obstructive defecation

[janke]

I have posted about this before but make no apologies for flagging it up again. I have a long history of IBS but about 6 years ago I started having problems passing a motion even when it was soft - needing to go many times a day and never feeling that I was empty. I saw endless specialists and the conclusion was always that it was IBS and there was nothing that could be done that I hadn`t already tried.

18 months ago I moved to a new area and sought a new consultant. He almost immediately mentioned "obstructive defecation" and I have had an anorectal manometry test and a proctogram. I received the results for the proctogram last week which confirmed that when I attempt to pass a motion the pelvic floor muscles are not relaxing which is preventing the rectum from straightening to allow the motion to pass. Because I have been having to strain for so long I have also developed a rectocele and other nerve pain. I am now on the waiting list for specialist physiotherapy but the waiting list is long and treatment is not guaranteed to be successful.

If anyone has symptoms like mine please educate yourself about obstructive defecation and, if it seems to fit you, insist on being tested for it. Don`t allow it to drag on for years like me which will make the chance of "cure" significantly less

[Readmeastory]

I’ve just been to the doctor about the exact same issue . But I was told it was my piles . But stools are mushy and end up not coming away left to wipe it all away with tissue . Then bottom feels tight . But like you I’m on a waiting list to see gastro . But was told because there is such a big waiting list don’t no when I will be seen . But I will write this down so can always ask . I’ve had this problem for 2years .😩

[janke in reply to Readmeastory]

I ended up paying to see a gastoenterologist who then passed me on to a colorectal surgeon - again privately. Those appointments came quickly but the anorectal manometry and the proctogram could only be done on the NHS and there were very long waits for those.I hope you can get some help soon.

[Readmeastory in reply to janke]

Thanks for the reply I to went private but was only told I had disfunctional and bowel with nerve damage and go back to nhs . So with lockdown no further forward I’m on a waiting list to be seen . but doctor yesterday told me it will be a long wait . Can I ask you are you on any meds for it. As I was told to take laxido One in morning and one at night .

[janke in reply to Readmeastory]

I take one sachet of Laxido at night - if the motions are too soft it can be even more difficult to push everything out at once! The colorectal surgeon also put me on to Lecicarbon suppositories. They aren`t 100% effective for me but do work better than glycerin suppositories and I use one most mornings. They are very safe and can be bought without prescription. They aren`t cheap but it might be worth you buying some - then if you do find them helpful you can ask your GP to put them on prescription. You would need Lecicarbon A (Lecicarbon C are for children)To be honest, if it is the lower part of your bowel that is causing problems I think you would do better seeing a colorectal person rather than a gastroenterologist

[Readmeastory]

Thanks I saved your posts so I can remember everything . But will ask to see the colorectal surgeon , but everything is at a stand still . But what you described is exactly what happens to me to soft to come out . Then stringy and soft . Plus sometimes my bottom feels numb as well . I take two laxido one in morning and one at night .you just get so fed up with it all .. but I hope you have a great Christmas thanks for your help and info 😄

[Ruby1]

Thank you for sharing. I hadn’t heard of this, but for some years now, I have been aware that sometimes I need to half stand up to enable the passage of my stools as if my internal shape was wrong, and this somehow straightens up the direction of travel. This would explain it.

[Readmeastory in reply to Ruby1]

Hi Ruby I walk about I feel it starting to move along and it can come way but always mushy and now I’m bothered with piles . But next time I see doctor will ask but everything in sc is on hold now so don’t no when I will get any response .