Chronic constipation for 2 years

[Robbie44]

Since November of 2005 I have been dealing with chronic constipation.  Throughout these 2 years the severity of my constipation will get better or worse every day.  One day I won’t feel as bloated and the next I will have horrible internal pressure (I guess is the best way to describe it).  More recently, I have had occasional mucus lining my stool and by itself and on and more times than not, on an initial wipe, I will have strands of bright red (blood I assume) mixed in with mucus on the toilet paper.  The stool itself is very unhealthy.  It sinks, is  brighter than healthy stool, is narrow and long (almost shaped like boomerangs).  It almost reminds me of light clay in its consistency.  Other symptoms have included (yet not present all the time) gas, internal pressure/pain, rarely any external abdominal pain, and occasionally I will feel an odd pain/pressure in parts of my middle and lower back.  This feeling is hard to describe but it mainly feels like there is something there inside that is aching but pain really isn’t the best way to describe it.  I have tried no alcohol for 2 weeks, vegetarian for 2 weeks, all fiber diet for 3 days.  Recently I gave up alcohol again and made my diet contain a lot less and healthier food and I am feeling a little bit better at night time.  As for me, I am a 22 year old male, 6’1’’ weighing about 190 lbs.  My alcohol habits aren’t too abnormal though…I would have a beer or a glass of wine a day (sometimes more) and a good amount on the weekends (6 to 8 drinks).  I will say that I had a horrible sleeping pill addiction prior to the beginning of my effects and I would stupidly mix them with alcohol.  Back in December ’06 I went to the doctor for a horrible sore throat (hurt to turn my head and talk) and swollen tonsils.  He treated me with a Z-pack and I felt a lot better.  Also, the 2 lymph nodes in my neck have been swollen at least since October ’06 when I found them.  I have gone to the doctor about this problem and he did a colonoscopy and full blood work…both coming back with normal results.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A negative colonoscopy would rule out many of the major anatomical diseases leading to the symptoms.  You can also evaluate for metabolic causes like thyroid deficiency, that can also lead to chronic constipation.

More specialized tests like an endorectal ultrasound or motility studies can be considered to look for underlying motility disorders or masses not found during the colonoscopy.  

If the symptoms continue, surgery may need to be considered as a final option.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI opinion.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Robbie44]

when i said colonoscopy it was a rectal exam....my doctor just felt for obtrusions, etc...  Are they the same thing?

Thank you for the response