Problems with passing stool out - is this related to PNE?

[tummydepressed]

Hi all. Recently I have been experiencing this problem increasingly frequently - now it is with every bowel movement.

(Warning this is a bit graphic......!)

My Bowel Movements always take some time. Towards the end I have to push in an attempt to evacuate - something I never seem to achieve.

At the end the whole process becomes extremely messy, because there always seem to be loads of mushy stool left around my anus and just inside it. To get clean I sometimes have to jump in the shower and even resort to using a finger just to check all is OK, (sorry).

Does anybody else get this with PNE? Or is this different?

I am unsure as to whether this problem relates to a problem in the formation of stool (its too mushy) - or if my muscles aren't working and not pushing correctly.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.....

J

[nyt]

Nor sure if you are male or female. If female then you should see your ob/gyn and have them evaluate your anal sphincter. If male or female you could see a GI dr. to have them evaluate the problem. It could be related to PE but you should have it checked out to make sure it isn't something else.

[calluna]

The process you are referring to is called digitation, by the way!

This is common when there is a rectocele, as there is no other way for the woman to empty the bowel. However with PN problems it can also be difficult passing motions sometimes.

[Emily B]

In the past few months, I've begun to have problems with some bowel movements. If the end of my bowel movement has what I call "marble poops", sometimes they won't come out. These are the little round, sometimes hard poops.

I keep latex free gloves in the bathroom. I insert a finger and get the "marbles" out. Totally disgusting. Never confessed it to anyone. My husband is nice enough not to ask why I need gloves in the bathroom. Don't ask...don't tell.

I'll be seeing a doctor about pelvic adhesions. I'm thinking the adhesions might have anything to do with this problem.

Emily B.

[Lernica]

Dear Tummy,

I often have the same "clean up" problem as you. I keep unscented hand lotion within reach of the toilet and find it very useful for "clean up" purposes. The lotion is also more gentle on the delicate tissue down there. I travel with a small bottle of lotion in my bag for the same reason.

Emily B, if you're passing hard marbles, your stools are not soft enough. Your stools should be the consistency of apple sauce to avoid straining. If I get to the "marbles" stage I know it's time to increase my daily dose of Lactulose.

[tummydepressed]

Hi everyone - many thanks for your replies.

I am actually male, which I guess makes it a bit more strain....

I should have also pointed out that most BM's take me 20-30 minutes. It is almost as if nothing in that region works properly........ I have always been like it to some extent, but it is getting worse....

[Amanda]

The big secret here is to keep the stools in the right consistency.....soft enough to pass easily without too much straining.
Some foods may things easier than others but generally plenty of fibre and good veggies help to keep things flowing easier.
I use moist toilet tissue to make wiping more comfortable.

[Violet M]

I am unsure as to whether this problem relates to a problem in the formation of stool (its too mushy) - or if my muscles aren't working and not pushing correctly.

Hi J,

There are some people who have evacuation/motility problems that aren't due to constipation and if your stools are consistently mushy you have to start thinking something other than just constipation if you are unable to evacuate. Have you ever self-administered enemas and if so was that helpful at all? Some people have to resort to that.

Have you had a pudendal nerve motor latency or EMG testing to see if the nerves in the anal area are conducting signals at a normal speed? With the other weird sensations you've described in your previous posts it sounds like there is more involved than just anal/rectal/constipation problems.

[tummydepressed]

Thanks Violet... Can I ask what you think the other possibilities could be?

It has become frustrating. It doesn't really matter what sort of BM I have - whether it be very loose, or hard and difficult - there is always this messy residue left at the end.

I don't have to use digitisation to empty myself whilst on the toilet - but to get myself clean afterwards in the shower.

Thanks...

[Ray P.]

Try laxatives and stool softeners.