Bowl Obstruction, rectal bleeding, stomach pain, five days no bowl movement

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have had some serious trouble with having a bowl movement, I have had rectal bleeding and serious stomach pains. I went to a doctor had a colonoscopy last time that I had this problem. He gave me mineral oil, and americaine for to use for a form of laxative and for the hemoroids I have. After 5 days of using the two, and also taking fiber supplements, and milk thistle which he had also advised, I finally had an extremely extremely painful bowl movement. Then this is when he did the colonoscopy which was also pretty painful since they could not get me to sleep even though I have to admit the nurse did try and attempted all that she said she could. The doctor asked me if I could stand the pain for another 10 minutes or else we would have to try again at another date. I gave him permission to continue. Afterwards the doctor said that there were no concerns as he looked at my colon, other than the fact that there was still a medium sized piece of stool still inside my colon. I thought that this was odd since i had followed the cleansing routine and stuck to a liquid diet for two days prior to the colonoscopy. Now the reason I am writing this today is because even though I still stick to a fiber diet with stool softeners to help, I have now not have had an actual bowl movement in 5 days. I have had some very painful attempts which produced maybe a dime sized piece of stool each attempt, along with some blood and a little liquid. This morning I was awaken by some bad pains in my stomach. I attempted another bowl movement. I felt as if I was being forced to push like I would if I were having a baby which I know is not a good thing to do.. I tried my best to stay relaxed and not push but the pain was too much I pushed and actaully pushed what looked to be like a tube or something (hard to explain) but it wasnt like the hemmoroids I had already had. This was extremely uncomfortable. I soaked in a bath with warm soapy water with epson salt in it hoping that would help. Now after a long day of on and off again pains and leakage without even knowing it. I am wondering if I should just go to the emergency room. Problem with that is my insurance doesnt start till tomorrow at 8 am when I can contact my Union Hall. I was wondering if anyone had any advice.

Dear Jeremy:

I understand how concerned you must be about this condition. Certainly since you suffer from severe constipation, one of the probable complications from this condition might be fecal impaction.

This large mass of dry hard stool can develop in the rectum due to chronic constipation. This mass may be so hard that it cannot come out of the body. It is also observed that watery stool from higher in the bowel may move around the mass and leak out.

Stool softeners such as docusate may be recommended to help pass soft, formed stools. Bulk fiber laxatives such as Metamucil may be used to add fluid and bulk to the stool. Since you were already taking laxatives before, the most probable treatment option might have to be by removing it manually.

I would suggest you to consult your health care provider for an evaluation as soon as possible. In the meantime drink more fluids and try using enemas and Glycerin or Bysacodil suppositories.