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What Causes Weakness Prior To Bowel Movement?

Posted on Tue, 3 Feb 2015

Question: Pryor to a bowl movement I feel week. After a normal bowl movement I feel fine. I am 84 yrs of age and this problem has just started....why......

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Defecation syncope

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Weakness prior to bowel movement is related to hypo-tension caused by decreased venous return to the heart due to increased abdominal pressure to evacuate (defecation syncope). Since the process is reversed after evacuation you start feeling better.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (2 hours later)

The weekness begins before going to restroom to complete bowel movement.
Why does my body experience this weekness when I am under no abdominal pressure?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
seems to be vascular or neurogenic

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
This kind of transient weakness before going to washroom seems to be vascular or neurogenic. Commonest being dysautonomia or primary changes in the autonomic nervous system with ageing may be responsible-likely leading to pooling of blood in splanchnic vascular system. It will be worthwhile to check your BP on supine and standing position and serum electrolytes.
Are you having any other co-morbitities, if so give details including drug history.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E