Seeking Relief from Mild Fecal Impaction: Should I Go to the ER?
At 20 years old, I find myself dealing with a frustrating issue: fecal impaction. It's not something I've faced before, or at least I can’t recall, but I’ve had chronic stomach difficulties throughout my childhood, including constipation from ages four to twelve. Recently, I've been experiencing more digestive challenges after a few years of feeling normal. Currently, I’m under the care of a gastroenterologist, and we’re working on diagnosing the underlying problems. For about five days now, I haven't been able to relieve myself. While I’ve had considerable gas, that’s been the only symptom. Today has been particularly difficult; I’ve spent the last 11 hours in the bathroom grappling with severe discomfort and impaction. Each attempt to relieve the situation is excruciating, to the point where my body is resisting the effort—it’s so painful that I find myself in tears. I imagine this is what birth must feel like. I suspect this intense fear and pain are remnants of my past struggles, as for many years I’ve feared using the bathroom due to the agony it causes. Despite trying various remedies like Miralax mixed with coffee, a bullet suppository, and even a manual approach with gloves, nothing is yielding results. I’m genuinely tempted to head to the emergency room and ask them to put me under so they can help me without the pain. My mother suggests they would likely opt for a liquid suppository treatment like they did during my childhood, which was quite traumatic. I’m torn—it feels like the ER might be my last resort, but I'm concerned they won’t take me seriously since my situation doesn’t seem dire. How foolish would it be to bring up wanting sedation? I desperately want to avoid this pain; it’s becoming increasingly difficult, and I’m fighting back tears from the frustration. Can they truly provide sedation for this type of issue even when it isn’t severe? I worry that my parents might react negatively to my quest for relief and think I’m being dramatic. I’m utterly drained and don’t know where to turn. When there’s no painful push against my body, I can’t even sense the severity of the issue, yet, I am experiencing leakage, leaving me unsure. Would it be unreasonable to pose this question to the doctors in the ER? I apologize if this message is jumbled; I’m also dealing with a migraine, making it hard to focus. For context, my daily medications include phentermine, iron supplements, and vitamin D. I stand at 5’4” and currently weigh 204 pounds as part of my ongoing weight loss journey.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 6:50:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand you’re experiencing a difficult time with fecal impaction, causing significant discomfort and fear. Your feelings are completely valid, and seeking relief is crucial. Here's an overview of what you might consider and what steps to take next.
Main Points:
- Severe Unmanaged Discomfort: Your symptoms have progressed to the point of significant pain and emotional distress.
- Current Management Ineffective: Home remedies haven't provided relief, prompting consideration of emergency care.
- Emergency Room Consideration: It's reasonable to seek help if your situation feels unbearable.
Explanation:
Fecal impaction can happen when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass, often leading to painful straining and discomfort. Given your history of chronic constipation and your current situation, the pain you're experiencing is understandable. Being unable to relieve yourself for several days can lead to heightened anxiety, compounding the issue.
While your symptoms might not appear life-threatening, the pain and inability to relieve yourself indicate a need for professional assistance. It’s completely appropriate to inform the medical staff at the ER about your pain levels, the ineffective treatments you've tried, and your concerns regarding sedation for comfort during intervention.
Next Steps:
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Visit the Emergency Room: Given the severity of your pain and the duration of your impaction, going to the ER is a valid option. Explain your symptoms clearly when you arrive.
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Be Honest About Pain and Fear: When you talk with the healthcare team, be open about how much pain you're in and your fear of not being taken seriously. Mention any past experiences that might have heightened your anxiety around these situations.
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Discuss Sedation: Don’t hesitate to ask if sedation can be an option for the treatment. Healthcare providers understand the need for comfort during procedures, especially in cases of severe pain.
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Prepare for Clinical Assessment: Once there, they may perform a physical exam and potentially imaging studies to assess the impaction. Treatment might include stool softeners, enemas, or if necessary, digital disimpaction under sedation.
Remember, healthcare professionals are there to help you, and voicing your needs for comfort is not unreasonable. It's okay to prioritize your well-being; you deserve relief from this difficult experience. If you have other concerns or need further guidance, please feel free to share.
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