“Fecal impaction?”
I have severe pain in my entire stomach as well as my lower back. I have not had a bowel movement in 5 days. I went to the ER and was told I have a fecal impaction and to use Miralax. That has not helped and I tried a saline enema today, which also produced no results. What should I do?
Female | 60 years old
Complaint duration: 5 days
3 Answers
You should seek medical attention as it looks like you may have another issue. Of course you should have had a colonoscopy by age 45. Depending on how severe the pain is and whether you have nausea, vomiting, fever and so on, you may start with a colonoscopy or an abdominal CT
If you truly have a fecal impaction, then this may require a manual disimpaction. You need someone to do a rectal exam and evaluate the stool in the rectal vault. Otherwise, a high volume enema or taking a stimulant laxative (even two or more at a time, e.g., dulcolax, laxative tea) might help.
Go back to the Er and see a gastroenterologist. Manual disimpaction might be recommended. Best of luck and don’t wait too long before going to a provider.
Be well
Brent Reinheimer, MD
Be well
Brent Reinheimer, MD
