Patient
Hi, thanks for taking my call. I've been dealing with something that's quite uncomfortable and I'm a bit concerned. What information do you need from me to help figure out what might be going on?
Triage Assistant
Where does it hurt?
Patient
It's not so much pain as it is discomfort. It mainly involves my lower abdomen and rectal area.
Triage Assistant
How often do you have a bowel movement? When was your last bowel movement?
Patient
I try to have one daily, but it's become a bit of a struggle lately. My last bowel movement was yesterday, but it wasn't easy.
Triage Assistant
Do you have to strain to have a bowel movement?
Patient
Yes, I do find myself straining quite a bit. It feels like I can't completely empty my bowels without doing that.
Triage Assistant
Does your rectum hurt when the stool comes out?
Patient
No, my rectum doesn't really hurt when the stool comes out, but I often feel like it's not fully coming out on its own.
Triage Assistant
Are your stools hard?
Patient
Yes, they are usually quite hard and difficult to pass.
Triage Assistant
Have you noticed any blood on the toilet tissue or on the surface of the bowel movements?
Patient
No, I haven't noticed any blood. It's mainly just the difficulty and discomfort with passing the stool.
Triage Assistant
Is this a new problem for you, or have you experienced constipation issues in the past?
Patient
I've had occasional constipation in the past, but it's become a lot more frequent and severe recently.
Triage Assistant
Have there been any recent changes in your diet or hydration? How much fluid do you drink on a daily basis?
Patient
I haven't made any significant changes to my diet recently. I try to stay hydrated, but I probably drink around six to eight glasses of water a day.
Triage Assistant
Have you started taking any new medications recently, or are you taking any narcotic pain medicines?
Patient
No, I haven't started any new medications recently and I don't take any narcotic pain medicines.
Triage Assistant
Have you been using any stool softeners, laxatives, or enemas? If yes, what have you used and how often?
See More Appropriate Protocol
Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)
Go to Office Now
See in Office Today
See in Office Within 3 Days
See in Office Within 2 Weeks
Home Care
Triage result should be See in Office Within 3 Days.
First aid advice was given.
All assesssment questions asked.