by Diane K. Newman, DNP, FAAN, BCB-PMD
Fecal impaction is stool that has built up over days and hardened in your rectum.
Fecal impaction is not very common, but may occur in frail, ill older persons or in children with neurologic diseases. Usually you are unable to pass this large amount of stool. You may pass small amounts of watery stool and experience severe stomach pain, discomfort, and bloating. You may lose your appetite. Some very ill older persons may also have a change in how they act and have a fever.
What to do for fecal impaction
If a large fecal impaction is present, it may need to be broken up manually, using your fingers. You should have a family member or someone close assist you in doing this. It is not a pleasant job, but if you do not relieve the fecal impaction you could get very ill.
Lie on your left side with knees bent. Wearing gloves, put some lubrication (K-Y Jelly) on your index finger. Insert the index finger into the rectum, using a circular motion. Try to break up the hard stool and remove it.
After removal of fecal impaction, take a milk and molasses enema to remove any left over stool. This is a very soothing enema. To make a milk and molasses enema, heat 1-cup whole milk and 1 cup molasses till tepid. Put the contents in a standard enema bag with rectal-tube tip. Let the enema flow into your rectum and try to hold it for 15 minutes. Sit on the toilet or a bedpan and expel contents of the enema. Allow 20 minutes for full evacuation. If you use Phosphate "Fleets©" enemas, do not use more then one enema at a time. The colon may absorb some of the phosphate, which may be harmful to the body.
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Posted February 2003
Updated July 2009
