Woman nearly died after not pooping for 45 days

Most of us take our daily bathroom trips for granted. But for one 28-year-old woman from Mumbai, going 45 days without a bowel movement became a life-threatening ordeal. Her story, which left doctors astonished and social media users stunned, is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring prolonged constipation.

When Constipation Becomes a Crisis

In 2013, a housewife from Chembur, Mumbai, referred to as Anusha (name changed for privacy), began experiencing extreme abdominal discomfort. Over time, her symptoms worsened, including severe bloating, vomiting, and unbearable pain. Despite her suffering, she avoided seeking medical attention until the situation became critical.

By the time Anusha sought help at Nova Specialty Surgery Centre, her abdomen was alarmingly distended, and her health had deteriorated significantly. She was malnourished and unable to eat properly due to the growing pressure on her internal organs. What initially seemed like a case of simple constipation soon revealed itself as something far more serious.

The Medical Mystery: How Did This Happen?

Constipation lasting 45 days is nearly unheard of. According to Dr. Amit Thadhani, a consulting general and laparoscopic surgeon at Nova Specialty Surgery Centre, such extreme cases are typically seen in individuals who are obese or bedridden. However, Anusha was lean and active, making her condition highly unusual.

Diagnostic tests revealed a shocking discovery: a mass of hardened fecal matter the size of a football was lodged in her sigmoid colon. This blockage had caused her intestines to swell dangerously, threatening to rupture both her large and small intestines. Without immediate surgical intervention, her condition would have been fatal.

The Delicate Emergency Surgery

Anusha’s life was hanging by a thread. To save her, surgeons performed a two-hour emergency procedure called a sigmoid colostomy. The goal was to carefully extract the hardened mass without causing further damage to her fragile intestinal walls.

Dr. Thadhani explained that the operation required extreme precision. Breaking apart the compacted mass with instruments could have perforated her intestines, leading to life-threatening infections or internal bleeding. Instead, the team meticulously removed the obstruction while preserving the integrity of her digestive system.

The surgery was a success, and Anusha’s intestines were saved from rupture. However, her ordeal was far from over.

What Causes Such Severe Constipation?

Anusha’s case raised many questions. How could someone go 45 days without a bowel movement? Why didn’t she seek help sooner? While the exact causes of her condition remain unclear, several factors might have contributed to this extreme constipation:

1. Dietary Issues: A lack of fiber and hydration can significantly slow digestion, potentially leading to severe constipation.
2. Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, or psychological conditions could have played a role in her reluctance to seek treatment.
3. Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neurological disorders, or hormonal imbalances might have contributed.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary habits or ignoring the urge to defecate can worsen constipation over time.

In Anusha’s case, psychological evaluation was recommended after her surgery to explore potential mental health factors that might have contributed to her delay in seeking care.

The Aftermath: A Long Road to Recovery

Following the surgery, Anusha began her recovery journey. She was discharged from the hospital and placed on a carefully monitored diet to restore her digestive health. Medical professionals provided her with guidance on maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and addressing any underlying psychological factors.

Her case became a global talking point after being highlighted in a video by Zack D. Films, amassing millions of views on YouTube. Social media users were quick to share their reactions, ranging from shock to sympathy.

• “How does someone go 45 days without pooping and not consider seeing a doctor?” one commenter asked.
• Another wrote, “I feel so sorry for her. That must have been pure agony.”

Despite the humorous undertones some found in the story, Anusha’s experience underscores the importance of paying attention to one’s health and addressing medical issues promptly.

Lessons Learned from Anusha’s Ordeal

Anusha’s story is an extreme example, but it serves as a reminder of the risks associated with prolonged constipation. While most cases won’t escalate to life-threatening levels, ignoring the signs can lead to complications such as:

1. Fecal Impaction: Hardened stool can obstruct the intestines, causing pain, nausea, and bloating.
2. Intestinal Perforation: Prolonged pressure can weaken intestinal walls, leading to rupture and severe infection.
3. Toxic Megacolon: A rare but serious condition where the colon becomes dangerously enlarged.
4. Malnutrition: Reduced food intake due to discomfort can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

If you experience prolonged constipation, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Simple lifestyle changes like increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, and staying physically active can often prevent constipation. However, severe cases require immediate medical attention.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale About Ignoring Health

Anusha’s near-death experience is a stark reminder of the dangers of ignoring prolonged constipation. While her case is extraordinary, it highlights the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking help when something feels wrong.

Her story also underscores the need for awareness about digestive health and mental health, as psychological factors may often contribute to physical conditions. As we reflect on this astonishing tale, let’s remember the lesson: when it comes to our health, prevention and prompt action are key. After all, no one should wait 45 days to address a life-threatening issue.