Severe Constipation and Abdominal Pain!

[lewisp91]

Hey guys,

I'm really desperate and don't know where to turn...

Recently went 8 days without taking a dump, felt so bloated and sick so I bought some laxatives and the next day attempted to go again. Took nearly 2 hours to get it all out, despite the fact that it was completely runny. During that 2 hours I kept getting burst of intense abdominal pain, like I was being stabbed and lead to multiple panic attacks and vomiting.

Sorry for the graphic description but it's no exaggeration.

So after that incident, I cleaned up my diet and drank plenty of water but 3 days later I still had not been again. I decided to take some more laxatives and the next day I experienced the same thing but the pain wasn't as intense (plus no panic attacks or vomiting).

It's now been a further 2 days, I refuse to take any more laxatives and I am writing this after sitting on the toilet for over an hour.

I'm in Chiang Mai, I don't know the procedure to get a GP appointment, if I have to wait several days or if that's even the way to deal with this.

ANY advice is welcome, please

[NickJ]

No fever. no blood in stool no stabbing pain under the left shoulder.....Thai product sold here fybogel.......

Edited September 13, 2015 by NickJ

[h90]

After you empty yourself complete it can be 2-3 days till it get running again.

Fishermans Friends Cherry is a mild laxative (1-2 packs).

Else I would as you said, drink a lot (4 liter) and further clean up the diet, only vegetables and dark bread or similar for a while.

It can be that for any reason the guts got lazy and just don't do their job....no idea how to help that further.

[impulse]

ANY advice is welcome, please

Get to a hospital before you become yet another foreigner who died in his hotel room/ apartment of unknown causes. I can't speak for CM, but in BKK, you just walk in.

You may have to wait to see someone, but it sounds like that's a better option than risking exploding tonight while you wait for an appointment. 5 years in and I still haven't met a GP in BKK. They refer me to the appropriate specialist when I walk in (or call for an appointment). If that guy/lady doesn't think they're the appropriate doctor, I'm whisked off to another floor to see a different specialist.

Unlike back in the USA, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get checked out at the hospital, so I don't think there's any benefit for looking for a private practice GP in cases of dire need. Unless they keep you for special tests, you'll be in and out for less than the cost of a nice dinner and a movie (with popcorn and a $12 box of licorice) back home.

Edited September 13, 2015 by impulse

[beano2274]

For the runs a good thing is to drink loads of Coke and eat loads of salted crisps or peanuts.

If you want to go to the doctors some places are open on Sundays

[vogie]

I had similar, went to local government hospital, turned out to be an infected intestine, cost me 1000 baht for tests and consultation.

[NancyL]

Yes, the procedure here in Chiang Mai is as described. You walk into a general hospital, describe your symptoms and you're referred to the appropriate department. Best to go early in the morning, like 8 am. The private hospitals have the best English-speaking staff. You'll be seen quickly at Bangkok Hospital and CM Ram, but the charges could be higher and they may try to convince you that you have a life-threatening condition that requires immediate surgery. Frankly, they've never done that to me, but they have that reputation. My experience at these two hospitals, is that the patient is usually seen very quickly and for something fairly minor what's the difference, really, between paying say 500 baht at a gov't hospital and waiting all day vs. 1000 baht at CM Ram or Bangkok Hospital and being back in the comfort of your home by 10 am.

McCormick Hospital and Rajavej Hospital are also good private hospitals that usually charge less than CM Ram and Bangkok Hospital. Many of their nurses and other staff members don't speak English well, but their doctors do. They could be a good compromise between a gov't hospital and the two more expensive private hospitals.

Sripat Hospital is the private hospital connected with Suan Dok (University Hospital), but it can be very daunting for a newbie to navigate without a Thai speaker who knows the hospital to help. Excellent choice for something very serious like cancer or heart problems, because your doctors are university professors, but probably not necessary for this problem.

P.S.: I'm not a doctor or nurse, but quick internet research of your symptoms caused alarm. I'd suggest you report early tomorrow to one of the hospitals I've mentioned. Be sure to bring your passport and something you can use to pay the bill -- ATM card, credit card, cash, etc.

Edited September 13, 2015 by NancyL

[lewisp91]

Thank you all so much for your replies.

I will be heading to a hospital early tomorrow, first thing.

Thank you Nancy for the hospital recommendations, so helpful!

[chubby]

you may have to be digitaly(with a finger) disimpacted, no medicine will work for that.

a nice nurse should be able to do it.

or if a dedicated friend, if they know how........

though you could have diverticulosis or something. either way the ER docs say abdominal pain is an emergency, esp in the elderly ......

Edited September 13, 2015 by chubby

[Traxster]

A tablespoon of OLIVE OIL every morning.....

never mind your laxatives......

OLIVE OIL.....every morning.

[Suradit69]

Regular doses of Mucilin would probably help keep you more regular, but agree that in your case a visit to the hospital is a necessary first step.

[xylophone]

I also suffer from constipation, this in the country where supposedly most holidaymakers seem to get the runs!!

I have tried the above (Mucillin) and others like it which include psyllium husk and apart from giving me gripping stomach pains, they don't seem to do a lot. I did get onto Sennakot tablets for a few days but I'm not keen on stuff that doesn't encourage your system to work naturally.

Then I discovered a product called Fibely (believe it or not, "Donutt brand) and it is sold in Boots and Watsons and has worked extremely well for me. It contains something called FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) as well as some Psyllium, wheatgrass powder, alfalfa extract, apple cider vinegar, black sesame extract and dandelion root extract.

From what I can find out on the Internet it is the FOS which does the trick because it is an insoluble form of sugar fibre from plants which travels to the intestines and acts like a prebiotic, helping out the gut bacteria as well as forming enough bulk to get everything working again, and this without the gripping pains.

Try it for a few days and get the system back working normally (drinking plenty of water as you go) then you may only need to take a sachet a couple of times a week in order to get that good FOS into your system to help it function properly.

It is certainly the best thing that I have tried and I have bought the stock of it.

[Sheryl]

Yes, go to a hospital. 8 days is extreme and together with the abdominal pain and lack of formed stool with the laxatives could indicate a serious pronlem.

Be sure to see a GI specilaist. It is not necessary to go to a hp here to see a specialist, can directly access.

There is a pinned thread in the Chiang Mai forum with names of GI specialists other TV members have recommended.

[Muzarella]

Many private doctor offices will check that for 300 to 500 THB with medication, and will tell you if you need any specialist. I will recommend to do a colonoscopy that may cost about 10000thb to 15000thb in hospitals, but will definitely will give you assurance that is not a serious problem. Anyway, a colonoscopy and endoscopy have to be done periodically, at least every 3 years.

[JHolmesJr]

For the op and other guy reporting prolonged constipation....what is your diet like?

Eating a lot of meat with little or no fibre can cause problems. Im a huge believer in foods as medicine....i would recommend fresh pineapple as it cleans the colon pretty well. Also to increase intake of raw foods like fresh greens, salads. Another thing to look into is maintaining a high level of good bacteria in your gut....probiotics, kefir can help.

The idea of coke and chips was really stupid.

Let us know what the tests reveal.

[lewisp91]

Thanks for the other replies:

Here's an UPDATE.

I went to Bangkok Hospital this morning, and was seen immediately.

To be honest the service was really good, but I had a little trouble understanding the doctor because her Thai accent was really strong. She checked my vital signs first, then I ended up getting an injection to stop the abdominal pain (which I did explain only happens when I try to go). She then passed me over to get an x-ray and it came back with no serious issues, however there is some "matter" stuck high up in my colon (assuming that's from the 8 day period). I got some drugs to clear that out and she also gave me some other laxatives which she said will work better than the ones I have.

Her advice was to eat more fruit and veg for fibre, along with consuming more water.

The bill was 3,300 baht. <-- Is that good or bad?

I'm not feeling very confident about the medication or the injection I received but time will tell.

P.S. I have decent travel insurance, is it likely that they will reimburse me for the cost or do they have to pay the hospital directly?

Edited September 14, 2015 by lewisp91

[Sheryl]

Usually with travel insurance you pay the hospital and get reimbursed. But check the wording of your policy.

I remain concerned that there may be more to this thsn normal constipation and that you would do better to be seen by a GI specialist.

[JHolmesJr]

Fair diagnosis....as long as youre not shitting blood its all good.

The blockage in colon is very plausible....i had it a few years back....agony....only subsided after i took some peppermint tea.

Im concerned that the doc may have given you very strong laxatives.....heres a suggestion.

Google colonic hydrotherapy and see if u can find a reliable one in your city. That stuff WORKS wonders if done by an expert. Ive had blockages removed that may have been there for decades.

Theres a great one in samui called magic hands....google magic hands centre koh samui.

But the doc gave u sound advice....drink lots of water over the course of a day....otherwise stools harden and get stuck inside....also chew food thoroughly while eating....its an art people have forgotten cos they are so distracted by their phones, tv etc while eating.

[chiang mai]

Here's the details of GI specialists, I can atest to Dr Kannika and Dr Jaruwat as being very very good.

GASTROINTESTINAL

Jaruwat Yossombat

Chiang Mai RAM Hospital

053 920300

Prof. Dr. Kannika Phornphutkul

Rajavej, Hospital

053 801999

(is also a specialist in liver cancer)

Ass Prof Sandhu Trichak

Sriphat Hospital

053 5394 6900/1

Dr Piset Pisetpongsa

Sriphat Hospital

053 5394 6900/1

[Soutpeel]

Thanks for the other replies:

Here's an UPDATE.

I went to Bangkok Hospital this morning, and was seen immediately.

To be honest the service was really good, but I had a little trouble understanding the doctor because her Thai accent was really strong. She checked my vital signs first, then I ended up getting an injection to stop the abdominal pain (which I did explain only happens when I try to go). She then passed me over to get an x-ray and it came back with no serious issues, however there is some "matter" stuck high up in my colon (assuming that's from the 8 day period). I got some drugs to clear that out and she also gave me some other laxatives which she said will work better than the ones I have.

Her advice was to eat more fruit and veg for fibre, along with consuming more water.

The bill was 3,300 baht. <-- Is that good or bad?

I'm not feeling very confident about the medication or the injection I received but time will tell.

P.S. I have decent travel insurance, is it likely that they will reimburse me for the cost or do they have to pay the hospital directly?

Is it good or bad Thb 3300 ?

Don't know were you come from but would you get treated by a Dr, X-ray and meds for 100 USD ? One suspects not , assuming your not from the UK of course but yes its cheap

[Cpkt8]

Relying on laxatives to clear your bowel is not a long term solution. It's bad for your system as the dosage will get higher and higher to work.

Gotta try natural way like more water, fibre (fruits and vegetables). Prune juice daily helps. Some exercise every day helps too (aids in the bowel movement).

Happy poo poo..

[chubby]

.........well they probably should have admitted you the hospital, and not let you go, till you have a BM

 

Thanks for the other replies:

Here's an UPDATE.

I went to Bangkok Hospital this morning, and was seen immediately.

To be honest the service was really good, but I had a little trouble understanding the doctor because her Thai accent was really strong. She checked my vital signs first, then I ended up getting an injection to stop the abdominal pain (which I did explain only happens when I try to go). She then passed me over to get an x-ray and it came back with no serious issues, however there is some "matter" stuck high up in my colon (assuming that's from the 8 day period). I got some drugs to clear that out and she also gave me some other laxatives which she said will work better than the ones I have.

Her advice was to eat more fruit and veg for fibre, along with consuming more water.

The bill was 3,300 baht. <-- Is that good or bad?

I'm not feeling very confident about the medication or the injection I received but time will tell.

P.S. I have decent travel insurance, is it likely that they will reimburse me for the cost or do they have to pay the hospital directly?

 

[Tolley]

You should try a series of enemas.

That will clear all the debris out.

[JHolmesJr]

You should try a series of enemas.

That will clear all the debris out.

Agreed....good place to do this in chiang mai is spa resorts.....and remember to take probiotics after.

[Tolley]

You should try a series of enemas.

That will clear all the debris out.

Agreed....good place to do this in chiang mai is spa resorts.....and remember to take probiotics after.

Yes the spas will certainly do them or alternatively and perhaps better even is a series of colonics they seem to get further into the body than the enemas.

[JHolmesJr]

Spa Resorts in Chiang Mai offers coffee, garlic and hydrogen peroxide colemas...these operate on a system relying on gravity...so the flow of liquid is weak and does not travel the entore length of the colon.....hardly one thrid gets cleaned out.

Colonic hydrotherapy involves controlling the flow using pressure valves and can reach all the way in....a truly amazing experience that is worth the short discomfort period.

[xylophone]

You should try a series of enemas.

That will clear all the debris out.

Agreed....good place to do this in chiang mai is spa resorts.....and remember to take probiotics after.

Yes the spas will certainly do them or alternatively and perhaps better even is a series of colonics they seem to get further into the body than the enemas.

You've really got to give this stuff a try, mix with water and drink. Sweet, pleasant taste and natural.........

"Then I discovered a product called Fibely (believe it or not, "Donutt brand) and it is sold in Boots and Watsons and has worked extremely well for me. It contains something called FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) as well as some Psyllium, wheatgrass powder, alfalfa extract, apple cider vinegar, black sesame extract and dandelion root extract".

[chiang mai]

Spa Resorts in Chiang Mai offers coffee, garlic and hydrogen peroxide colemas...these operate on a system relying on gravity...so the flow of liquid is weak and does not travel the entore length of the colon.....hardly one thrid gets cleaned out.

Colonic hydrotherapy involves controlling the flow using pressure valves and can reach all the way in....a truly amazing experience that is worth the short discomfort period.

You should save your money. I've had a colonoscopy and have seen a video of the inside of my large bowel after I've taken two laxatives, it's spotless and the cost is far far cheaper.

[DirtyDan]

Prune juice always gets things moving for me...

Also, are you eating a lot of guavas? Too many of those will bung you up tight.

[lgking]

My advice:

The need for more 'fiber' in the diet.

There is no fiber in meat.

There is no fiber in poultry.

There is no fiber in dairy.

There is no fiber in fish.

There is no fiber in eggs.

There is no fiber in flour products.

There is no fiber in olive oil.

Increase your intake of 'fresh' fruits and vegetables, and drink at least 3 litres of water per day to attain large 'fill-the-bowl' bowel movement...everyday.

For what it's worth...

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/dietary-fiber-the-natural-solution-for-constipation

Edited September 16, 2015 by lgking