Chronic Constipation: A Call for Open Conversation

A woman whose intestines had to be removed due to chronic and severe constipation is advocating for people to be more open about basic body functions. Kathryn Nicklas, 26, was initially told her constipation was caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and was repeatedly prescribed laxatives.

The Struggle with Constipation

Before her operation, Ms. Nicklas said she "took laxatives like they were Smarties", but still had problems going to the toilet. She lived in floating clothes forever because they were more comfortable, and even bought maternity jeans to feel at ease. If she was able to go to the toilet, it would only be due to irrigation or an enema. She spent an hour on the toilet after coming home from work and had no life because she was always uncomfortable.

The Impact of Constipation

Despite various tests and changes in her diet, a cause was never found, but years of constipation had a lasting impact on Ms. Nicklas’s pelvic organs, causing pain, vaginal bleeding, and flatulence. Her large intestine was removed in 2022. As an adult, Ms. Nicklas said she campaigned for her symptoms to be taken seriously, but as a teenager, she found the embarrassment of her symptoms made it harder.

Breaking the Silence

Ms. Nicklas said that looking back, she realizes that her embarrassment about physical functions was unnecessary. She believes that if she had been more open about her symptoms, her constipation might have been better managed. The need to break the silence around basic body functions is crucial, as it can lead to delayed treatment and increased severity of symptoms.

Pelvic Health Problems

Prof. Julie Cornish, a leading doctor for pelvic health, said that many patients need surgery due to pelvic health problems, but simpler solutions are possible if symptoms are discovered earlier. Pelvic health problems affect both men and women and can be influenced by various factors, including chronic constipation. If left untreated, these problems can lead to more severe issues, such as pelvic organ prolapse.

Education and Awareness

Prof. Cornish emphasized the importance of education and awareness in addressing pelvic health problems. She set up a health festival in Cardiff, which provides free tickets for young people and educational sessions on menstrual health, pelvic health, and basic body functions. Shakira Hassan, a women’s health physiotherapist, also stressed the need for education, saying that stigma and lack of awareness can worsen the problems.

The Importance of Education

Education is key to addressing pelvic health problems, and it is essential to make this information accessible to everyone. Prof. Cornish noted that there are inequalities in accessing this information, which can lead to delayed treatment and increased severity of symptoms. By promoting education and awareness, we can work towards a healthier and more open conversation about basic body functions.

Conclusion

Chronic constipation and pelvic health problems can have a significant impact on a person’s life. By being more open and honest about these issues, we can work towards finding simpler solutions and preventing more severe problems from developing. Education and awareness are crucial in addressing these problems, and it is essential to make this information accessible to everyone.