I am a senior citizien, age 72, female. I have a history of colon problems, having had diverticulosis for a number of years. 5 yrs. ago I moved to SW Louisiana to marry and the lifestyle, especially the diet, is so different than what I was used to. I have several major things in my life that are causing me a great deal of stress and I also have to take Ocycodone 4 times a day -[ but I don't usually take all 4] ~ (after back surgery abt. 5 yrs. ago) for degenerative disc disease. Two discs ( 5 and 7 I believe) had to be fused together and there are two Titanium bars holding my discs together. I know the oxycodone causes constipation. There are several factors causing the constipation, but suffice to say, I have had problems with this since I came to Louisiana. I had the surgery the year I came here, after Hurricane Rita, after a serious fall. I have ignored my symptoms for a long time, mainly out of fear, as there is a history of colon cancer in my family, my Dad and Grandfather having died from it. I hate the tests needed to diagnose my problem and I have been childish in my attitude about going to the doctor. My current major problem is that I've been sick for over a week, being constipated and having horrible hemorrhoids. Now I have developed a new problem which I didn't have before and that is being unable to urinate. I had that happen a couple/three days ago and I was able to urinate but that went away, however today I cannot urinate at all. I know I'll probably have to go to the ER, it being Sunday and I'm unable to call my primary care doctor.

I take Triamterene 37.5 mg/HCTZ 25 mg. caps, once a day (for water retention). I need to know if it would be safe for me to take 2 of these caps. I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow and get help for this problem because at this point I am frightened, but the immediate need to "go" is causing me some great concern. I know I've written a lot, but I wanted to give you some background info on myself. I'm asking you ~ what, in your opinion, should I do today? Thank you for your courtesy in helping me.