Struggling with Severe Constipation and Painful Hemorrhoid
I'm a 21-year-old male who stands around 6 feet tall and weighs between 270 and 290 pounds. Currently, I'm on medication that includes Trazodone, Fluoxetine (commonly known as Prozac), and Bupropion (often referred to as Wellbutrin). Unfortunately, my poor eating habits have come back to haunt me, leading to a troublesome bout of constipation characterized by extremely hard stools, alongside a hemorrhoid that has become quite inflamed and uncomfortable. Attempting to relieve myself feels akin to being subjected to intense pain, like being pierced in the rear with a tiny chainsaw. I gave a maximum strength hemorrhoid cream with 5% lidocaine a try, hoping for some relief, but it hardly provided any numbing effect at all. In an effort to ease the situation, I also resorted to using an enema, with the expectation that it would help soften the stool. Unfortunately, this only resulted in the discomfort of liquefying everything except the stubborn hard stool, leading to acute pain as the remaining contents of my bowel attempted to exit. I did manage to pass the liquid stool, but the hard mass remains stubbornly lodged. Now, I'm faced with several potential courses of action: 1. Grit my teeth and attempt to endure the agony (this option seems daunting, and I'm genuinely worried about the risk of causing injury). 2. Explore methods to significantly soften the stool or completely numb the troublesome hemorrhoid (ideally the former, as relying solely on numbness still poses a risk of injury; I might consider reattempting the enema with a longer soaking time, although I'm uncertain of its effectiveness). 3. Take the plunge and visit a healthcare professional to seek out stronger interventions than what is available over the counter (this option is less appealing due to financial constraints). 4. The least favorable option is to simply wait it out and hope for a spontaneous resolution. I strongly believe that standard laxatives won't address the issue at hand, as the challenge lies primarily in the excruciating pain associated with the bowel movement rather than an inability to produce one.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 3:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling distress over your severe constipation and inflamed hemorrhoid, especially given the painful symptoms you're experiencing. Let’s focus on practical steps to relieve your discomfort and soften your stool.
Key Points:
- Immediate Relief for Constipation and Hemorrhoids is Essential
- Safe at-home strategies can help while you monitor your symptoms
- Addressing diet and hydration can provide longer-term solutions
Explanation:
Constipation can often cause hard stools that are painful to pass, leading to hemorrhoids due to straining. Hemorrhoids can become inflamed and swollen, making bowel movements even more painful. Your medications may also contribute to constipation, which is a common side effect of antidepressants like Trazodone, Fluoxetine, and Bupropion.
Next Steps:
-
Hydration and Diet:
- Increase Fluid Intake: Aim to drink at least 8-10 cups (64-80 ounces) of water daily. Proper hydration can soften your stool.
- Fiber-Rich Foods: Incorporate more fruits (such as pears, apples, and citrus), vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens), and whole grains (oats, brown rice) into your meals. Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber per day.
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Gentle Laxatives:
- Stool Softeners: Over-the-counter options like docusate sodium (Colace) can help soften your stool without causing painful straining.
- Mild Laxatives: Consider using osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (Miralax) to help draw fluid into your intestines. It’s effective without causing cramping.
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Hemorrhoid Care:
- Sitz Baths: Soaking your lower body in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold pack to the area for brief periods can help reduce swelling.
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Enema Usage:
- If you choose to use an enema again, follow the instructions carefully. Allowing the solution to sit for a brief period (not more than 15 minutes) may provide some relief before attempting to pass a bowel movement.
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Symptom Tracking:
- Keep track of your bowel movements, including pain levels, consistency of stools, and any other symptoms. This can be helpful if you eventually decide to seek professional help.
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Evaluate Medication Side Effects:
- Consider discussing with a healthcare professional the potential side effects of your current medications on bowel health, as they may suggest adjustments.
Conclusion:
Your comfort and health are paramount, so starting with these lifestyle changes and self-care strategies should help you navigate this challenging situation. If your symptoms don’t improve in a week or worsen (increased pain, bleeding, or severe discomfort), seeking professional guidance will be important. Remember to take each step as it comes, and prioritize your well-being.
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