My bowel problems were diagnosed by a Physiatrist who had some x-rays taken looking for cervical ribs associated with my cervical vertebra. I have them. They are congenital and only some people have them. They can cause an inflammation when they get traumatized and cause interruption of the nerve signals to the stomach and bowels.

He sent me to a Physical Therapist who did some manipulation and myofacial release techniques. My bowel started moving properly within a hour. It took 6 months to get stability.

It gets inflamed from time to time requiring treatment. I had such a relapse last week. When it happens, I also get some numbness/tingling in my left arm and hand.

I also have some recurring issues with T-1 to T-4 that may impact these problems.

I understand his frustration with the feeling of a need to empty his bowels. I have even come up with a ditty about it based on an old ditty about pay toilets. "Here I sit broken hearted, dropped my pants, only farted."

When I am symptomatic, I can have these 'dry runs' 8 or 10 times a day.

The old ditty was 'paid my dime' instead of 'dropped my pants.'
Luckily, we no longer have pay toilets.

The bloated bowels with the difficulty emptying can be uncomfortable. My heart goes out to him. I used a spasmodic acting (stimulant) laxative for almost a year. The peristaltic muscles needed exercise to strengthen.

My best to him.