Question 1

what is a fecal impaction?

Accepted Answer

Severe constipation: When the stool dries to a concrete consistency in the left colon and one is unable to normally pass it without purgatives or enemas..
In some circumstances surgery is necessary

Question 2

what are the symptoms of fecal impaction?

Accepted Answer

feeling: Of fullness in your rectum that you can't get out, recent absence of a normal bm, sometimes leakage of liquid from anus or only watery stools as that is all that gets around the impaction. Need to be evaluated to determine the reason for your impaction.

Question 3

do i go to gp for fecal impaction?

Accepted Answer

Yes: However if they are unwilling to see you for this either a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon would be reasonable alternatives or as a last resort the er.

Question 4

what is fecal impaction of the colon?

Accepted Answer

Stuck: It is a descriptive term used when someone is constipated to the point that they cannot evacuate their fecal mass. This would possibly lead to serial enemas, or digital extraction ( having someone dig it out by hand) .

Question 5

fecal impaction after appendectomy, what to do?

Accepted Answer

Work It Out ...: Fecal impactions after surgery or any abdominal disease is a common problem.  The problem escalates with age.  Gentle tap water enemas with generous anal lubrication will usually work.  Cathartics, drugs to cause a movement, are usually unhelpful with an impaction but there is no harm in adding them to the mix. Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) or preparations like that are fine.

Question 6

is it possible to still defecate with a fecal impaction?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is a common misconception that fecal impaction causes a complete blockage. Most often liquid stool makes its way around the hard lump in the rectum, and people commonly mistake this for diarrhea, and often take Imodium (loperamide) thus worsening the constipation that caused the problem in the first place! a quick digital exam will make the diagnosis and allow the correct solution.

Question 7

would you also have constipation if you have fecal impaction?

Accepted Answer

Yes: By definition, constipation is difficulty or inability to have a bowel movement.  A fecal impaction preventing movement of fecal matter through the colon would definitely qualify.  However, you can still be constipated without a fecal impaction.  A fecal impaction requires urgent medical care, as you risk perforating the bowel with the increased pressure and space occupation.

Question 8

are there some genetic reasons i get fecal impaction off and on?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: There can be genetic predisposition to constipation, as in "it runs in the family." however, the most common cause for recurrent fecal impaction is chronic, under-treated constipation.  Your general practitioner can help with bowel regimens to keep you regular and prevent fecal impaction.  If this fails, referral to a motility specialist in gastroenterology is indicated.

Question 9

can i get fecal impaction if i'm constipation??? but i have no pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes: the longer you go without a bowel movement or complete evacuation then higher risk that stool will remain in the rectum long enough to get more dessicated (dried out from water being removed while in rectum), harder (more difficult to pass without straining &amp;/or pain) and larger (large enough to get stuck or impacted). At some point pain usually occurs &amp; the stool becomes more difficult to pass

Question 10

he thinks it could be a fecal impaction but how would he get rid of it?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If severe will require manual disimpaction. If less severe enemas may provide relief.

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Fecal impaction pregnancy

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What is a fecal impaction?

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What are the symptoms of fecal impaction?

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Do i go to gp for fecal impaction?

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What is fecal impaction of the colon?

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Fecal impaction after appendectomy, what to do?

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Is it possible to still defecate with a fecal impaction?

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Would you also have constipation if you have fecal impaction?

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Are there some genetic reasons i get fecal impaction off and on?

A member asked:

Can i get fecal impaction if i'm constipation??? but i have no pain?

A member asked:

He thinks it could be a fecal impaction but how would he get rid of it?

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