Intestinal localized pain in lower abdomen associated with constipation

[Cindy-S]

  Please help.
  My problem makes me so sick and I seriously dread seeing my doctor for such an embarrassing illness.  There has to be something I can do on my own.
  About 10 years ago, I started getting constipation with an exploding migraine and nausea.  I would have to go to bed and wait it out as I took laxitives and enemas.  I have always been able to get passed the problem until lately.  A few months ago, I began having sharp shooting pain in my lowest right side and also less frequently in my left side.  I know it was associated with my constipation problem because my headache many times would ease or disappear as I felt the sharp pain.  I guessed that my laxitive or fruit juice was working.  About a month ago though,  I couldn't get rid of the headache and intestinal pain for 4 days even after the laxitive worked. Nouthing I took helped.   I was so nauseous and even vomited a couple times in the beginning of it.  Finally it began to go away.  I can't tell you how sick I was.  I have a constant problem with this now and over-the-counter pain killers don't even touch the headache I get.  I have started taking wheat bran pills and eating better.  I also plan to do a colon cleanse soon to see if this will help.  Does it sound like a blockage or something?  Would a colon cleanse help?
  Thank you so much!
  Cindy S.
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Dear Cidi S,
The change in the nature of your pain and constipation warrants that you have an evaluation.  Although your problem may be only irritabale bowel syndrome, you should be evalauted for conditions that could cause partial, reversible bowel obstruction.  In addition you should ask your physician whether your abdominal symptoms could be secondary to a central nervous system problem such as migraine headaches.  As has been suggested in the other response to your posting, it may be necessary to have a barium enema as well as other tests to exclude abdominal causes for your problem.
While you are being evaluated, you should also be trying to get better regulationof your bowel pattern.  I favor a natural approach.  Patients are encouraged to increase the amount of fiber in their diet and to begin supplementation with products such as Metamucil.
This information is provided for educationalpurposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: abdominal pain, vomiting
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