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Decided To Eat After Anorexia. Having Abdominal Pain. Constipation Shown In X Ray. What Are The Findings From The X Ray Report?

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Posted on Thu, 31 Oct 2013
Question: hello. I have decided to start eating after 2 years of anorexia. for a very long time my bowel movements were very little and almost 1 week or more in between. since I decided to eat , I have more and more abdominal pains. Finally I went to the hospital in excruciating pains and an XRAY was taken that shows the constipation. I was wondering if I could send you two pics of this xray and have you diagnose it for me. thanks. I decided to upload the abdominal xray for your opinion. micro enemas worked but still i am in pain. tried a tea water enema which helped a little but pressure and pain is building up again. I am afraid that the enema might not be able to help. What do you think the xrays are showing and is another enema going to help? thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.

Your chest X XXXXXXX appears normal. Which means lungs, heart, diaphragms and bones in the chest are normal.

The abdomen X XXXXXXX shows:
No free air under domes of diaphragm (normal finding).
No obvious dilated small or large bowel loops noted (normal finding.
No obvious abnormal air fluid levels noted.
Paraperitoneal fat planes are maintained (normal finding).
There appears to be some amount of fecal impaction in the distal portion of large bowel. This can be due to constipation.

Things you must do if feeling constipated regularly.

1. Eat lots of fiber XXXXXXX diet. Good fiber sources include: XXXXXXX and other whole grains found in cereals, breads, and brown rice
Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus
Fresh fruits, or dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and prunes
Beans
While you're having an issue with constipation, limit foods that are high in fat and low in fiber, like cheese and other dairy products, processed foods, and meat. They can make constipation worse.

2. And on the subject of diet, water is important for preventing constipation, too. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

3. Also exercise regularly. Moving your body will keep your bowels moving too.

Reserve laxatives for constipation that doesn't improve after you've added fiber and water to your diet. You can safely try laxatives for short term use after consulting your doctor.


Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.

Regards,
Dr. Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (29 hours later)
Hi. I would like for you to elaborate a little bit on the fecal impaction question.
if we were to draw lines on the xray and make 6 equal squares, which one would contain the image of the impaction? how bad is it, from the picture?
I was prescribed molaxole sachets which has the active ingredients:
Macrogol 3350 13.125 g
Sodium chloride350.7 mg
Potassium chloride46.6 mg
Sodium hydrogen carbonate178.5 mg
Haven't had a chance of seeing if that will work yet but I would like to ask if this is the correct remedy for this impaction.
Also I was prescribed Buscopan for the intestinal colic pain that I am experiencing.
There is a spot on my left middle abdominal side that seems rock hard, the point of pain. What can I do to get it moving and expelled? tried the warm chamomile tea enemas and while it may have helped a bit, its still not helping.
What would be an emergency home procedure to be done to get the impaction moved?
eagerly awaiting your response, dr Chail. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing in to us.

If you were to draw two lines and make six squares, the ones on the left side of abdomen and the one over urinary bladder region will show fecal impaction features.

Molaxole medicine is a laxative and is used to treat constipation that has been present for a long time as well as faecal impaction. The main ingredient macrogol, works by absorbing water into the stool and increases the volume and water content of stools. This helps relieve constipation as the stools pass through the bowel more easily.
This medicine is available as a powder in a XXXXXXX that is dissolved in water before taking by mouth.

If you are taking this medicine to treat constipation, do not take it for more than two weeks. If you are treating faecal impaction, do not take it for more than three days.

The primary treatment of impaction is to hydrate and soften the stool so that it can be removed or passed. Enemas (oil retention, tap water, or hypertonic phosphate) lubricate the bowel and soften the stool. Caution must be exercised; fecal impaction can irritate the bowel wall, and enemas in excess may perforate the bowel. The patient may need to be digitally disimpacted if the stool is within reach. This is best done after administering an enema to lubricate the bowel.

Nonstimulating bowel softeners such as docusate can be used to help soften stool higher in the colon. Mineral or olive oil can be given to loosen the stool. Caution should be used when giving docusate sodium with mineral oil because there could be an increased systemic absorption of the mineral oil leading to systemic lipid granulomas. Glycerin suppositories can also be used. Any laxatives that might stimulate the bowel or cause cramping should be avoided so that the bowel is not damaged further.

In emergency, it is always safe to consult you doctor. Complications like bowel perforation can get life threatening.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.

Regards,
Dr. Vivek
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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Decided To Eat After Anorexia. Having Abdominal Pain. Constipation Shown In X Ray. What Are The Findings From The X Ray Report?

Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.

Your chest X XXXXXXX appears normal. Which means lungs, heart, diaphragms and bones in the chest are normal.

The abdomen X XXXXXXX shows:
No free air under domes of diaphragm (normal finding).
No obvious dilated small or large bowel loops noted (normal finding.
No obvious abnormal air fluid levels noted.
Paraperitoneal fat planes are maintained (normal finding).
There appears to be some amount of fecal impaction in the distal portion of large bowel. This can be due to constipation.

Things you must do if feeling constipated regularly.

1. Eat lots of fiber XXXXXXX diet. Good fiber sources include: XXXXXXX and other whole grains found in cereals, breads, and brown rice
Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus
Fresh fruits, or dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and prunes
Beans
While you're having an issue with constipation, limit foods that are high in fat and low in fiber, like cheese and other dairy products, processed foods, and meat. They can make constipation worse.

2. And on the subject of diet, water is important for preventing constipation, too. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

3. Also exercise regularly. Moving your body will keep your bowels moving too.

Reserve laxatives for constipation that doesn't improve after you've added fiber and water to your diet. You can safely try laxatives for short term use after consulting your doctor.


Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.

Regards,
Dr. Vivek