What is this and what can I do about it?

[AmIbeingTHATparent]

I have had pain in the left side of my stomach, very low down just above my leg for two or three weeks now. It spreads to my side sometimes. I'm wondering if it's constipation. A few days before it started I had a poo the size of a house! (Okay, slight exaggeration but it was unbelievably massive). I've never been 'regular' but since then I've noticed a bit of difficulty going. I've never really paid much attention before so it's hard to tell if this is new!

I've certainly never had constipation before. Does it normally cause pain there? I always drink loads of herbal tea all day and have porridge or bran for breakfast.

If you think it is that, do you have any recommendations on what I could take for it?

I had a test done for blood in stool a few months ago (for unrelated reasons) and all clear.

I don't really want to see a doctor only for him to say "you just need a big poo"

Thank you!

That sounds like your sigmoid colon - the last bit before the rectum, so yes, constipation would give you discomfort there. There are many ways to tackle this, but a few suggestions would be take Fibogel, which is ispaghula husk, comes in a sachet and usually orange flavoured. Mix in a glass of water and drink, it’s not that bad! Or you could drink prune juice, or eat tinned prunes. Magnesium supplements also help, as they have a slight laxative effect.
I’m sure you’ll get other suggestions too.

Always best to see a doctor. Even if the answer is one you don't want to hear! Just get yourself an appointment. Hope it feels better soon.

Up your fluid intake