by jr2 » 06 May 2012, 00:33
Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. You're describing something that happens to me almost daily. The problem is that small amounts of stool have been retained in the rectum but there isn't enough volume in there to give your intestine the momentum of contraction to get it out. It's enough to make you feel miserable, but not enough to be able to expel it. I like your doctor's description of having something stuck in your tooth. I haven't found that taking anything like Miralax helps, if anything it kind of perpetuates the problem more. I guess if you took enough of it to create a purge it might help, but then you run the risk of diarrhea, or a lot of loose, burning stools. Sometimes, massaging the abdomen and in particular the lower left part can help encourage things to move out. Sitting in the hot bath with your knees to your chest might help too. Some people here have used a rectal bulb syringe with warm water in it. I've never tried that. Mostly, I pretty much am stuck waiting until the next time I really have to go, but the cycle doesn't take long to start again. Sometimes using a stack of books or a footstool to elevate your knees while you sit on the toilet can help open and relax the anal canal. But as you already know it is essential not to strain to try to get it out. Sometimes it does help to place a finger gently on the outside sphincter just to encourage it to relax. The other thing to keep in mind is that when you're in such a bad way as you are right now, just the irritation and pain itself can make you feel like you have to go more than you really have to. I have tried the manual option too, and most of the time that has just made things worse... Not always, but enough times that I don't try that any more.
Also, while you are on antibiotics you want to take a good probiotic several times a day, 2to3 hours after or before your dose of antibiotics. Antibiotics wreak havoc on your bowel.
I wish there was more I could suggest. I so feel for you, and have had those long nights in the tub too. I so hope the Vicodin kicks in for you soon.
:(