Surgical evacuation necessary due to prolonged bowel disturbance caused by persistent constipation
Trashing societal taboos, a young woman who underwent bowel removal due to long-term bouts of severe constipation urges us all to gab more about basic bodily functions.
Meet Kathryn Nicklas, 26, who battled chronically debilitating constipation for years - a condition initially attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and often treated with laxatives.
Embarrassment over her symptoms during her teenage years made it difficult for her to advocate for her condition to be taken seriously.
Leading pelvic health expert, Prof Julie Cornish, stresses that dozens of patients require surgeries related to pelvic health issues, but timely solutions are within reach when signs are identified early.
Chronic constipation can trigger a cascade of pelvic health problems, like pelvic floor dysfunction, rectocele, urinary symptoms, and hemorrhoids. These difficulties primarily stem from straining and pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.
Preserving pelvic health requires recognizing subtle signs early. Pelvic floor dysfunction can appear as incomplete bowel emptying and frequent straining, which, if addressed promptly with pelvic floor therapy, can prevent severity and further complications.
Rectocele, a rectum bulge into the vagina, often results from prolonged straining during bowel movements. Detecting rectocele in its early stages allows for timely management through physical therapy and lifestyle changes to address symptoms effectively.
Chronic constipation can also impact bladder control, causing frequent urination, urgency, difficulty emptying the bladder, and incontinence. Timely relief from constipation can alleviate bladder pressure, potentially resolving these symptoms and preventing further complications.
Hemorrhoids, painful swollen veins in the rectum, can result from prolonged straining. Swift relief from chronic constipation can diminish straining, thus reducing hemorrhoid risk significantly.
In conclusion, early detection of pelvic health issues linked to chronic constipation promotes more effective treatments, ensuring overall pelvic health and minimizing risks of severe complications.
Kathryn Nicklas, the 26-year-old advocate for open discussions about health, actively promotes discussions on science, health-and-wellness, and nutrition, as she underwent bowel removal due to chronic constipation, leading to complications such as hemorrhoids and urinary symptoms. With timely treatments like pelvic floor therapies and adoption of appropriate nutrition, one can preserve pelvic health and avoid severe complications associated with chronic constipation.
