Hello doctor, I am 32 years old, overweight (105 kg, height 5'7"). For the past week or so, I feel like I am not able to pass stool entirely. I always feel pressure like I want to pass stool, but when I sit on the pot, I cannot. It is not like I cannot pass stool. Usually, I feel there could be more. Additionally, when I burp I feel a little uncomfortable in the stomach and there was a very very slight pain on the left side of the stomach. Not everytime that I burped, but sometimes. There is a lot of gas and I keep burping. I took Zantac and Unienzyme, as well as a liquid laxative Cremaffin. Also took Digene for 3 to 4 days. Things are better and now when I burp I do not feel pain, most of the times, maybe once or twice a day. Also, the constant pressure that I have felt has decreased. I have looked after each stool and I never noticed any blood or anything like that in the shit. I have also not lost any weight off late and if anything, perhaps have gained a kilo in the last 2 to 3 weeks. However, even though things have slowly improved, I am not fully normal. Additionally, I am one big hypochondriac and this digestive issue is now starting to drive me nuts. Please advice.
Hi. Worrying about your GI tract will create stress which increases your cortisol levels and create further problems with your sugars, sleep, bowel movements in the future, so try not to worry. I advise you do not take any over the counter laxatives, especially if your bowels are returning to normal. You can also create further problems by taking all those things. I want you to increase your water intake to 6 to 8 glasses a day and do some type of exercising at least 3 to 4 times a week. This is the best way to make your bowels regular. This is why after surgery, doctors make sure patients are passing gas and getting up and walking. Lack of physical activity, diet, lack of water intake. If not improved with lifestyle changes, H.pylori, TSH, CMP, CBC can be done. Constipation. Increase physical activity 3 to 4 times a week, increase water intake 6 to 8 glasses a day. Increase fiber intake, salads, green leafy vegetables, fruits. Avoid mint, caffeine, over the counter laxatives and stool softeners.