Michael W asks:
Today I had more trouble that I probably ever have going to the bathroom. I had to strain really hard, and it just wouldn't come out. It seemed like it was stuck or something and would almost come out, but stop near completion. I've had problems with rectal bleeding over the past few years off and on, and a doctor at the hospital told me upon examination (many months ago) that it was due to straining too hard. I've never done it before, but as I almost had the poop out, I used my middle finger to try and break off some of it in a desperate attempt to stop my pain.
I didn't go deep at all, but I know I shouldn't be doing that. I was on the toilet for a good hour, and I did manage to finally get the first part out, but the second part was stuck. I continued my method, and again desperate, I found blood on my finger and stopped. My anus is sore now, so I just gave up. I put almost all of my energy into pushing the poop out, and I became light headed/dizzy. I felt like I was going to pass out. My question is, well, even though I went from Thursday to Tuesday without going, was it wrong for me to force it? I could feel it inside of me, so I figured it would be okay to go. Apparently it wasn't. Should I start waiting until the poop easily comes out or what? Should it have been soft enough and/or broken down enough to come out by then?
Also, I'm sorry for asking so much, but are there any serious health risks if there was blood stopped up in my anus around or behind the poop? I don't know if that's the case, but I'd like to know anyways.
Thanks a bunch. I really appreciate the help.
Dear Michael W,
Since you did not have any luck getting the poop out with your finger, I suggest that you get a glycerin suppository. That will soften the poop, and cause a bowel movement within 15 minutes to an hour.
You should also increase your water intake and add more fiber to your diet in an attempt to regulate your bowel habits.
Leaving the poop in there is not going to soften it up. The longer you keep it in, the drier and harder it will become. Then someone with more experience than you have is going to have to stick their finger up your butt to get it out.
Pushing too hard causes something called the vagal maneuver to occur. If you take a deep breath and bear down with your diaphragm and abdominal muscles, it causes your heart rate to slow down. If done too hard or for too long you can experience a loss of oxygen to the brain. This is what caused your light-headedness. You could actually die from this if done for a prolonged period of time.
Blood being stopped up behind your poop is unlikely unless you are bleeding internally. Hemorrhoids and fissures don't usually bleed enough to cause any real health problems.
Thanks for asking Motherload!
Motherload is a Certified Nurse Assistant as well as an IBS sufferer, which means she knows a lot about poop. Got a question for her? Ask it here.
