Seeking Guidance on an Awkward Health Issue
I find myself in a rather uncomfortable situation and am too shy to bring it up with my family doctor. At 29 years old, and as a mother to three children, all of whom were delivered via C-section, I’m currently facing a unique challenge that I need to address. My youngest child is seven, and I haven't undergone any surgical procedures lately. Standing at 5’1" and weighing 255 lbs, I often experience severe constipation, a condition exacerbated by my long-term use of prescription narcotics. This medicine has significantly affected my bowel movements, which are infrequent and often quite painful. Recently, I was jolted awake by a sudden bout of liquid diarrhea. I was able to control it temporarily, but I found it difficult to determine where the discharge was coming from. In the process of cleaning myself, I realized that both my vaginal and rectal areas required attention, which was confusing and concerning. I've been using Miralax to manage my constipation, yet it seems I still cannot feel the stool exiting the rectal area. I'm starting to wonder if my past experiences with large, painful bowel movements have dulled my sensitivity in that region. Interestingly, one persistent issue I've dealt with throughout my life is the discomfort of gas in my vaginal area. This improved when I began taking lactose intolerance medications, as I had previously needed to adjust my diet to dairy-free options, which significantly alleviated the gas buildup that would occasionally disrupt my sleep. My bloating fluctuates, typically clearing up for one week every month or two when I have my period, although my cycle has been irregular for the last couple of years. Currently, my living situation is challenging, and I'm hesitant to visit a hospital unless it's an emergency. I have a couple of questions: could the watery nature of the diarrhea, combined with urination, explain why I felt the need to clean my vaginal region as thoroughly as my rectal area? Is it possible that the thin consistency of the diarrhea is preventing me from feeling it as I normally would? Moreover, are there any over-the-counter options like Gas-X or Imodium that could help solidify my stool? Lastly, would it be advisable for me to try using a tampon during my next bowel movement to see how that affects my ability to go?
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 6:01:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're dealing with several uncomfortable health issues, including severe constipation and the recent experience of liquid diarrhea. It is important to address these concerns with care and thoughtfulness.
Main Points:
- The watery diarrhea you experienced could be related to your constipation and the use of medications.
- The sensation of needing to clean both the vaginal and rectal areas may be due to the nature of the diarrhea and its flow.
- There are both dietary and medication strategies you can explore to help manage your constipation and gas discomfort.
Explanation:
Constipation can often lead to hard, painful bowel movements, and over time, you might lose sensitivity in that area, making it harder to feel the passage of stool. Meanwhile, the diarrhea you experienced may have been watery due to increased pressure from constipation or a reaction to your medication.
Regarding your vaginal area, during a bout of diarrhea, it’s not unusual for it to seem like it requires cleaning as bowel movements can sometimes affect surrounding areas due to proximity, especially if they are more liquid.
Next Steps:
-
Dietary Changes: Increase your fiber intake gradually by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber per day, and make sure to drink plenty of water to help soften stool.
-
Continue Miralax: Stick to your Miralax as directed; it can help with softening the stool. If it’s not providing relief, consider discussing the dosage or adding a fiber supplement like psyllium husk after discussing it through a telehealth appointment if you're hesitant to do an in-person visit.
-
Over-the-Counter Medications: For occasional diarrhea, Imodium (loperamide) can help slow bowel movements and solidify stool. Gas-X can help relieve gas and bloating. If you decide to use these, follow the dosing instructions carefully.
-
Monitor and Record Symptoms: Keep a journal of your bowel habits, dietary changes, and any occurrences of gas or bloating. This can help you identify patterns or triggers for your symptoms.
-
Experiment with Positioning: Instead of using a tampon, which may not be beneficial, consider adjustments in positioning during bowel movements. Sometimes leaning forward can aid the passing of stool better.
-
Seek Professional Guidance: While I understand your hesitation in visiting a hospital, you might want to consider reaching out to a gastrointestinal specialist or your doctor through virtual means. They can provide tailored recommendations and may suggest other tests if necessary.
Take care of yourself, and remember that reaching out for help, whether in person or virtually, is an important part of managing your health. You deserve to feel comfortable and healthy.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights on Persistent GI Issues: A Journey Through Diagnosis
At 26 years old, standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 115 pounds, my gastrointestinal troubles trace back to my very first days of life. Right from birth, I struggled with passing meconium, which required assistance. Throughout my childhood, I battled chronic constipation, prompting my mother to frequently administer enemas. By the time I reached grade school, my physician recommended a daily dose of Miralax, which I relied on extensively. Many long hours were spent in the bathroom, grappling with severe gas pain that left me in agony. Eventually, the severity of my constipation lessened, allowing me to cope better with the bloating and discomfort that persisted through my middle and high school years. I underwent an appendectomy at age ten, and shortly thereafter, I began experiencing migraines. Come spring of 2021, I was in my second year working at a plant nursery, where the combination of outdoor heat and my daily routine dramatically shifted my health. Nausea surfaced in the mornings, escalating to frequent vomiting within weeks. My appetite vanished, and despite no noticeable changes in bowel movements, I experienced excruciating abdominal pain one day, culminating in a bowel movement that was the worst I’ve ever encountered—painful, unusual, and accompanied by alarming colors and strange textures. Domestic tensions with insurance delayed my visit to a general practitioner for three months. When I finally managed to see a doctor, I detailed my ongoing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, lightheadedness, and complete lack of appetite. Following a series of inquiries into possible eating disorders, she referred me to a gastroenterologist and ordered several tests, which included a barium swallow study, ultrasound, and blood tests. Most results came back within normal ranges, although my urinalysis revealed calcium oxalate crystals, and the ultrasound indicated clear kidneys but a cyst on my gallbladder. The swallow study showed evidence of GERD extending into my esophagus, leading to a prescription of omeprazole. My referral to the GI specialist involved additional blood tests for celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), among other medications. They also connected me with a gynecologist to evaluate potential cysts. An endoscopy and colonoscopy were conducted, with checks for microscopic colitis returning negative results, but internal hemorrhoids and gastritis were identified. A CT scan in 2022 revealed fatty infiltration of the liver. After losing track of the MRI follow-up due to staffing changes, I returned seeking assistance from another physician in the group, who left me feeling confused and suggested I may have esophageal sensitivity. Additionally, he proposed an antidepressant, which was not feasible given my psychiatric medications. As my weight dwindled—down 35 pounds in just three months—I turned back to my GP and, after some referrals, received a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). I put my gastrointestinal concerns aside while prioritizing my neurological complications and engaging in physical therapy. About a year ago, I revisited a gastroenterologist as my constipation worsened further, though I had fortunately regained some appetite over the prior two years, enabling me to eat half to a full meal daily, which halted my weight loss. However, I started noticing a significant increase in orange and brown mucus in my stool, sometimes to the extent of having only mucus in my bowel movements. This new specialist prescribed a bowel washout, daily Linzess, and a FODMAP diet. After strictly adhering to these instructions while enduring an uncomfortable experience, my efforts yielded zero positive results. Despite keeping a detailed journal, I returned to my norm, but reintroducing foods led to unpredictable consequences—runny stools for several weeks. Now following my subsequent symptoms, it appeared I began experiencing what seemed to be paradoxical diarrhea. At my follow-up appointment, the doctor concurred and adjusted my Linzess dosage. When I met with the specialist again, he inquired about whether I had conducted another bowel washout post-FODMAP diet, to which I replied I was unaware I needed to do so. He encouraged me to perform another washout and experiment with dosing before our next meeting, warning that if improvements weren't observed, we may need to proceed with a colonoscopy. Currently, my stools are rarely "normal"—approximately one out of every hundred follows the mid-range of the Bristol stool chart, appearing without mucus and sinking instead of floating. The variations in color range widely from pale beige to dark maroon and tend to fluctuate. Daily, I grapple with stomach pain and bloating. With extensive research over the past four to five years, my current gastroenterologist now characterizes my issues as IBS-C. I tested negative for both IBD and celiac disease, but I am keen to discuss the possibility of Hirschsprung’s disease, as I recently learned about my early gastrointestinal struggles through my mother. Although I recognize the chances are slim, I feel compelled to mention it in case a colonoscopy is performed, presenting an opportunity to check for it. I’m questioning if the way my symptoms have developed aligns with typical IBS-C presentations or if my concerns are exaggerated. Nothing thus far has provided relief.
Seeking Guidance on Gastrointestinal Issues
For the past couple of years, I've been grappling with persistent gastrointestinal problems at the age of 35. I've faced: • Frequent diarrhea alongside shifts in stool hue and texture, • Intense discomfort beneath my right rib cage, just below the sternum, to the point of inducing sweating and almost fainting, along with general pain in the liver region. Although the pain has been sporadic, it has notably lessened since I adopted a healthier diet and lost weight. My initial medical evaluations comprised: • Several gallbladder function tests and a gastric emptying assessment—results were normal, • A colonoscopy and endoscopy—found no major issues apart from eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE), • Stool analyses also returned standard results. I was given Dupixent to manage EOE. After five months without significant progress, I transitioned to a stringent clean-eating and exercise program, which led to major relief of symptoms and notable weight loss. --- ### Current Trends & History: • Flare-ups appear to be instigated by overindulging in large or fatty foods, • Episodes typically last from one week to a month, • Adopting healthier eating habits consistently alleviates symptoms, • Over these two years, I've shed fifty pounds through a combination of deliberate dieting and reduced intake during flare-ups, • My weight remains consistent outside of flare periods, and I lead an active lifestyle; however, flare-ups hinder my level of activity, • There are instances of suspected platelet reductions during flare-ups, though this is yet to be confirmed through laboratory tests. --- ### Family Medical Background: • Seven women on my mother’s side have undergone gallbladder removal, • One aunt from my father’s side has also had her gallbladder surgically removed. --- ### Current Medical Perspectives: • A gastroenterologist considered the possibility of non-ulcerative dyspepsia and suggested a low-dose antidepressant, yet referred me to a surgeon, indicating some diagnostic ambiguity, • I halted the antidepressant due to adverse effects. Dietary adjustments provided improvement until I encountered another flare following a rich meal, • The surgeon expressed a 75% likelihood that my gallbladder is to blame, despite normal HIDA scan results, acknowledging that not every case adheres to conventional standards, • Two general practitioners concurred that surgery might be a sensible next step, stating, "If symptoms remain post-surgery, we will have definitively ruled out the gallbladder as a cause." --- ### Recent Discovery: • A gallbladder polyp was identified within the last year, which wasn't present earlier. --- ### Summary of Symptoms (During Episodes): • Diarrhea or narrow, oily stools that are discolored, • Intense nausea, • Discomfort around the liver or upper back, • A strong urge to vomit occurring 2–4 hours after consuming rich or heavy meals, • Severe flatulence, with odors ranging from mild to very pungent, • General sensitivity in the gastrointestinal tract, • Possible drops in platelet count during flare-ups. --- ### Important Patterns Observed: • Posture influences my symptoms significantly: • I feel better when standing or sitting upright, • Symptoms worsen with movement, slouching, or lying sideways, • Using a heating pad on my abdomen provides some relief from the discomfort. --- Other noteworthy sensations include pressure in the gallbladder region and an intense feeling of tightening or contracting in my G.I. tract, akin to experiencing extended bouts of diarrhea without relief. ### Main Inquiry: Considering my symptoms, family medical history, the emergence of a gallbladder polyp, and the challenges in accessing specialists due to my rural location—should I proceed with gallbladder removal, or is it prudent to eliminate other possibilities first?
Digestive Challenges
(Male, 160 lbs, 30 years old, no medications or dietary supplements) I’m reaching out for some guidance regarding my husband, who has been experiencing significant digestive and colon discomfort. Background: Throughout his childhood, he led an incredibly active lifestyle, engaging in sports like lacrosse, along with climbing and hiking. However, at the age of 18, he spent two years in El Salvador, and that’s when his gastrointestinal troubles began. During that time, he faced substantial stress and, I suspect, contracted parasites or developed unusual digestive issues from consuming local food (which was akin to a typical diet there). Upon returning home, he followed a treatment regimen to eliminate the parasites, but I believe that the harm had already been inflicted on his system. Fast forward to the present day—he often wakes up feeling queasy, and his bowel movements are either very soft and small or overly watery and urgent, though the volume he passes on a daily basis is relatively low. His diet is quite healthy; I prepare wholesome, nutrient-dense dinners, and he receives meals at work. Recently, he has started to eat a breakfast of eggs and homemade bread daily. I am increasingly worried about the persistent morning nausea. What suggestions do you all have? Should we consider a colonoscopy? Is it advisable to revisit a gastroenterologist? Or would a holistic method be more beneficial (I suspect stress might play a role too)? Thank you for your insight!
Why Was My Stomach Not Discussed in My Abdominal CT Scan Report?
I’m a 29-year-old woman who was referred for an abdominal CT scan due to ongoing discomfort in my upper left abdomen. My doctor specifically highlighted concerns about potential growths on my pancreas and stomach (or perhaps gastric areas) in the request. After undergoing the scan, I felt a mix of anxiety and curiosity about what the results would reveal regarding my stomach. I wasn’t particularly worried about the pancreas since my recent ultrasound showed normal results, and the CT scan also confirmed that. However, I was perplexed to find that there was a mention of my intestines in the report, yet my stomach was omitted entirely. Can anyone clarify whether the stomach is typically included in a standard reading for an abdominal CT scan? My stomach is the primary issue that prompted this investigation in the first place. I’m curious if the absence of mention suggests that everything is normal or if it simply wasn't assessed at all. I have an appointment with my doctor coming up, but the uncertainty is weighing heavily on me. Now I’m even considering whether I should look into an endoscopy instead. Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated!
Ongoing Rectal Bleeding and Digestive Issues for 8+ Months
Age: 35, Female Since the summer of 2024, I've been experiencing fluctuations in my bowel movements, oscillating between constipation, diarrhea, and loose stools. Along with these changes, I've noticed a significant increase in flatulence, although I'm uncertain of the exact timing of this development, which might date back over six months. My medical background includes a recurring issue with hemorrhoids that began after the birth of my second child in 2015. These hemorrhoid flare-ups occur a few times annually, typically ranging from painful to symptom-free, often manifesting as blood spotting upon wiping, drops in the toilet, or streaks on the stool. Fortunately, they typically resolve themselves within about a week or with the help of Prep H. However, since just before Christmas 2024, I've been experiencing daily rectal bleeding. The consistency of my stools varies between hard and loose, with bouts of loose stools often resembling waves, resembling contractions that lead to rushed bathroom visits. It’s common for me to require several trips to the restroom when passing hard stools, which can emerge sequentially, transitioning into watery, painful output. Even during instances of diarrhea, I frequently feel the urgency to eliminate more stool, as if I’m unable to fully relieve myself. Throughout the day, I also find myself needing to wipe often due to leakage of fecal matter and/or blood, which can create a greasy sensation. Notably, I experience intense cramps after consuming food, often leading to diarrhea shortly after eating, especially in the mornings. Living in rural Alberta, Canada, I recently consulted a new family physician about these symptoms. I requested a referral to a gastroenterologist but was declined at this moment. The rationale provided was my stable weight, my age of 35, and the lack of knowledge regarding my family medical history; I was therefore advised to continue using Prep H for three months before reassessing. While I'm aware that hemorrhoids can cause significant bleeding, I’m not overly alarmed. Nonetheless, I'm puzzled as to why these symptoms persist without resolution. I have images documenting varying degrees of bloody stools as well as some from the initial changes in my bowel habits (including one of my hand holding a hard, bloody stool). If anyone could provide insights or advice based on this information, I would be immensely grateful. I’m unsure of a specific question, but I am contemplating whether my condition warrants requesting an earlier follow-up with my doctor or if I should seek a second opinion from a physician in a different town. Thank you for your consideration.