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How Can The Problem Of Constipation And Incomplete Bowel Be Solved?
Question: Hi Doctor,
I have had problems with my lower bowel for close on two years now. My main symptoms are constipation, I still go every day but more often than not still have the feeling of an incomplete bowel. Also the size of my stools are a lot smaller than previously and I always find myself straining when i need to have a stool. I had a colonoscopy 18 months ago and this came back all clear. I also have burning in my feet on quite a regular basis. Some nights i find it difficult to sleep (probably one in every three weeks or so) as I have pain in my lower left abdomen below my belly button. It is quite honestly driving me mad and just wondering whether I can return to my old self. I am 39 years of age and have never had any health issues before.
I have had problems with my lower bowel for close on two years now. My main symptoms are constipation, I still go every day but more often than not still have the feeling of an incomplete bowel. Also the size of my stools are a lot smaller than previously and I always find myself straining when i need to have a stool. I had a colonoscopy 18 months ago and this came back all clear. I also have burning in my feet on quite a regular basis. Some nights i find it difficult to sleep (probably one in every three weeks or so) as I have pain in my lower left abdomen below my belly button. It is quite honestly driving me mad and just wondering whether I can return to my old self. I am 39 years of age and have never had any health issues before.
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query.
It is good to know the results of colonoscopy have come out clear which rules out any obstruction of the left descending colon which could have been responsible for bowel obstruction.
Constipation could be a cause for your abdominal pain and this is due to diet low in fiber, endocrine abnormalities like hypothyroidism and diabetes ( which can also cause parasthesia or burning sensations in feet), irritable bowel syndrome.
You might also need to undergo Colon transit study to determine the time it takes for food to travel through your intestines and other tests like Ano rectal and colonic motility studies might be required which can be discussed when you get examined by a Gastroenterologist.
Diabetes is known to cause autonomic and peripheral neuropathy and can cause constipation as well as burning sensation of the feet. Hence apart from colonoscopy, it is also important to get the other causes ruled out as well. Get your blood sugar levels and HBA1C investigated to confirm the status of your blood sugar control.
Meanwhile, drink plenty of fluids and eat a fiber XXXXXXX diet like XXXXXXX leafy vegetables, wholemeal brown bread, bananas, fruits, cereals and beans.
Hope this answers your query, In case of doubts I am available for follow ups.
Wish you a good health.
Thanks for posting your query.
It is good to know the results of colonoscopy have come out clear which rules out any obstruction of the left descending colon which could have been responsible for bowel obstruction.
Constipation could be a cause for your abdominal pain and this is due to diet low in fiber, endocrine abnormalities like hypothyroidism and diabetes ( which can also cause parasthesia or burning sensations in feet), irritable bowel syndrome.
You might also need to undergo Colon transit study to determine the time it takes for food to travel through your intestines and other tests like Ano rectal and colonic motility studies might be required which can be discussed when you get examined by a Gastroenterologist.
Diabetes is known to cause autonomic and peripheral neuropathy and can cause constipation as well as burning sensation of the feet. Hence apart from colonoscopy, it is also important to get the other causes ruled out as well. Get your blood sugar levels and HBA1C investigated to confirm the status of your blood sugar control.
Meanwhile, drink plenty of fluids and eat a fiber XXXXXXX diet like XXXXXXX leafy vegetables, wholemeal brown bread, bananas, fruits, cereals and beans.
Hope this answers your query, In case of doubts I am available for follow ups.
Wish you a good health.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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