What Should I Do?

[The_Mom930]

I have had lower left abdominal pain with no noticeable fever for approximately six weeks now.  It aches almost constantly, with pain increasing with pressure or movement.  I've considered the possibility of being constipated (even though, except for the regular bout of two days' constipation right before my menstrual cycle, I have been a once a day regular kind of person), and have used laxatives once every couple of weeks (don't want to upset my sytem or create a dependence on them) in an attempt to relieve the pain and pressure.  Though they appear to work (if you know what I mean), it doesn't change the pain at all.  I also have experimented with changes in diet (including water intake) and exercise, because I know from military experience that dehydration and lack of activity are major causes of irregularity.  This also has brought no relief.  I have been on a low-fat lots of veggies kind of diet and drinking at least 64 and up to 128 ounces of water every day.  

There is no blood in the stool, and frequently after bowel movements there is still pressure, like I'm not empty.  Also it will feel like I have to go and nothing passes.  Some days I will go two or three times, but not as large amounts and there's never a "finished" feeling.  I have no health insurance, and am trying to eliminate all possibilities that I can take care of at home first before consulting a doctor.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I took a laxative last night and am at a point that I'm ready to do a week or two of clear liquids in hopes of giving a chance for any possible inflammation, etc., to calm down.  I honestly don't know what else to do anymore.

[Fuzzz]

Believe me, a mere bulk laxative doesn't help me either!  

[The_Mom930]

I started passing what looks like blood clots (looked very similar to what happens during my period) yesterday.  I'll have to find out where the best bets are for a doctor visit.  It's been six weeks, and for the past two nothing passes if I use a fiber bulk type of product... I can only pass anything if I use a stimulant laxative that makes everything watery.  A day or two of eating creates terrible headaches, nausea and pain because everything gets backed up...

Thanks for the advice, though....  I'll see what teaching hospitals there are, and if there's a sliding scale or something.

[Fuzzz]

Since this is a change for you, I would definitely see a doctor, despite the cost.  

I've had lifelong constipation.  Turns out my colon is abnormally twisted.  The laxative I use is MiraLax.  It is very effective and now available over the counter.  You can use it every day; I do.  

There could be something going on in your colon or rectum.  Gallbladder disease can cause problems with constipation as well.  I just have a feeling this needs to be checked out.  

[liv4divn]

Hi,
If I were you, I would find a teaching hospital within your area and make an appt with the gastroenterology department.  I think that is your best be of getting to the root of your problem.