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I'm Unable To Get Rid Of Hardened Stools Since Today.

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Posted on Sun, 21 Oct 2018
Question: I'm unable to get rid of hardened stools since today. It's extremely painful. It's the day before yesterday that I last passed stools.
I've been on Amoxycillin 500 and Rumatin SP for the past 5 days - twice a day, as I recently had my wisdom tooth removed. I stopped taking those medicines just now.
Somehow I did not take any fibre-containing food for the past 5 days.
I've been drinking lots of water today, but still no use.
Now I'm worried about getting rid of the hardened stools.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You need stool sootheners&changed diet,exercises.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thank you for the query. I understand your concern.
It's good that you have stopped the antibiotic which had damaged your normal intestinal flora to upset your bowels... but in case the tooth has not healed ,please get the antibiotic changed from your dentist.
Absence of fibers had added to the effect... you should start with fibers along with lot of water(preferably hot) to relieve the constipation.
Abdominal exercise would help.
Now about the hardened stools.
You should try with glycerine suppository... over the counter..... to be inserted annually at least 20 minutes before passing stools.(if no response glycerine syringe or p/w enema (received from your health care person)can be used to release the hardened stools.
Addition of stool softener laxatives like cremaffine over the counter would help in resetting the bowel habit...if the constipation continues.Taking probiotic containing Lactobassili would get normality of your gut health.
I hope that answers your query. Any follow up query is welcome .

Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vasudha (3 hours later)
Glycerine suppository is not available at any pharmacy here. They have only Bisacodyl suppository.
What should I do now? Should I use Bisacodyl?

Do I need to use it multiple times? If so, how frequently?

Also, please let me know any possible side-effects from using it. I'd like to be aware of them before using it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please find alternative below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for the follow-up query. I understand your concern.
Glycerine suppository is ideal in your problem... as it facilitates hard stool to pass out by making the passage slippery & lubricated.
As I had already told you can see if Glycerine syringe for self-use is available...if not take it from some nursing home.
A soap water enema serves the same purpose.
Bisacodyl suppository is a compound of seen (a strong purgative stimulating strong peristaltic action )with lactulose. It may have side actions like allergy, loose motions, gastritis &vomitting. It can cause inflammation of rectal mucosa too.
Depending on one's bowel habits it may be needed to be used a couple of times.
In my opinion, a soothing aid to slip out strong stools(as suggested above) followed by stool softeners like cremaffine or liquid paraffin &replacement of Lactobacilli &fiber diet with lots of water would help in setting in normal stool pattern without harming digestive system &rectal mucosa.
I hope that helps you. Any more information you want.. please do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Vasudha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1970

Answered : 10399 Questions

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I'm Unable To Get Rid Of Hardened Stools Since Today.

Brief Answer: You need stool sootheners&changed diet,exercises. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thank you for the query. I understand your concern. It's good that you have stopped the antibiotic which had damaged your normal intestinal flora to upset your bowels... but in case the tooth has not healed ,please get the antibiotic changed from your dentist. Absence of fibers had added to the effect... you should start with fibers along with lot of water(preferably hot) to relieve the constipation. Abdominal exercise would help. Now about the hardened stools. You should try with glycerine suppository... over the counter..... to be inserted annually at least 20 minutes before passing stools.(if no response glycerine syringe or p/w enema (received from your health care person)can be used to release the hardened stools. Addition of stool softener laxatives like cremaffine over the counter would help in resetting the bowel habit...if the constipation continues.Taking probiotic containing Lactobassili would get normality of your gut health. I hope that answers your query. Any follow up query is welcome . Thanks.