Seeking Advice for Persistent Constipation
Assalamu Alaikum, I’m a 22-year-old sister struggling with chronic constipation since April this year. The first time it happened, I noticed blood in my stool and visited my doctor who advised me to increase my fiber and water intake, but it didn’t help. Each time I got constipated, there was bleeding. After a rectal exam, the doctor mentioned I might have a small internal hemorrhoid and prescribed Magrocol/Miralax. I have tried everything I could think of to fix this-eating 2 kiwis a day, adjusting my diet, exercising, using a footstool when on the toilet, breathing techniques, prune juice, psyllium husk, magnesium supplements, B-complex vitamins, slippery elm, coffee, various herbal teas, apple cider vinegar, and even cayenne pepper in food. Despite some relief from magnesium citrate and Magrocol, I worry about relying on them long-term at such a young age. My stools are soft now but passing them is very difficult and painful, like glass is cutting me, which causes a lot of anxiety. I think I may have one or two anal fissures. I’ve tried Anusol, sitz baths, castor oil, coconut oil, iodine, Sudocrem, and Vaseline with no success. After stool tests, my GP was advised to treat it as IBS-C. I’m currently on a waiting list to see a colorectal specialist but feel really hopeless. The fear and pain make me cry every time I try to use the toilet. I often think back to when I didn’t have this problem and realize how much I took those times for granted. On top of this, I have dental issues-my teeth are weak and fractured because of clenching, so I can’t regularly consume sugary or acidic remedies that might help others. As a Muslim, it’s especially hard for me to perform sujood during prayers when I’m constipated because of the discomfort. If anyone has advice or suggestions, I would be truly grateful. May Allah ease this difficulty for me and for everyone facing similar problems. Jazakum Allahu khairan.