Constipation

From a medical standpoint, constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Most people have constipation on occasion, but some people live with chronic constipation, which occurs when they experience infrequent bowel movements or trouble passing stools for periods of several weeks or more.

There are numerous possible causes of constipation, and in some cases, a person cannot determine the cause. Usually, it is a result of waste moving particularly slowly though the digestive tract, causing it to harden.

In many cases, constipation is the result of avoidable habits, such as lack of exercise, insufficient water intake, and not consuming enough fiber. In rare situations, more serious causes like nerve damage, Parkinson’s disease, colon cancer, or a bowel obstruction are responsible for constipation.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy

Does constipation mean I have a serious medical condition?

Constipation can usually be resolved through lifestyle changes, such as getting plenty of exercise, drinking enough water, adding more fiber to your diet, and avoiding holding in bowel movements. If these strategies do not relieve constipation, or you find that your constipation lasts more than three months, you may have an underlying medical condition. A doctor can help you to determine the cause of chronic constipation and an appropriate course of treatment.

How will a doctor treat constipation?

If there is no underlying medical issue causing constipation, a doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications. If constipation still does not improve, you may take prescription medications. Surgery may be necessary in extreme cases, and if there is an underlying medical problem, treating this condition may relieve constipation.

Is constipation dangerous?

Occasional constipation is normal and typically does not lead to serious problems. Most cases of constipation can be relieved through lifestyle changes, but in rare cases, you may experience complications from constipation, such as hemorrhoids, tears in the anus, or stool impaction in the intestines. If constipation is ongoing and does not improve through dietary and lifestyle changes, a doctor can provide guidance to reduce your risk of these complications.

Common Symptoms

“Sometimes I feel like I am straining to try to have a bowel movement.”
“I feel like I am not able to have a complete bowel movement, and I sometimes have to press on my stomach to be able to go to the bathroom.”
“I only have a bowel movement once or twice per week, and when I do, the stool is hard.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6226 reviews

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Rich I.

The staff was very professional, and the entire procedure was efficient and easy.

Giacomo C.

Dr. Rocco and the staff are always thorough and professional.

Hans H.

I was very happy with my appointment yesterday. Took time to listen to all my concerns and answered so I understood. I highly recommend Center for Digestive Health . I have had a few colonoscopies done here and I wouldn’t go anywhere else to have them done. In and out in very little time!

Julie S.

Friendly and compassionate care

Terry G.

The NP Nicolette took time to explain everything thing I needed to know! Very knowledgeable. The receptionist was very nice. I would recommend this office. Thank you!

Ariana G.

I was very pleased with my first visit in the Clinton Twp office, Dr. Wille and his staff were so kind, knowledgeable and friendly during my visit.

Carol H.

Very organized and excellent workers!

Donna H.

It was a 5 . Very caring, professional, and my Doctor is wonderful.

Patrick W.

Very professional and thorough!

Cindy

I have know Dr Bologna, Gastroenterology Troy for many years & found him to be the most compassionate, caring Dr. He puts you at ease, as soon as he walks thru the door. He is a remarkable physician in Gastroenterology and I recommend him highly. The office staff is extremely nice, helpful and very caring.

Maureen R.

Excellent experience, everyone pleasant to deal with and prompt with procedures.

Michael M.

Dr. Bologna is very thorough, down to earth, and pleasant. I trust his judgment...isn't that what it's all about? Highly recommended.

Glenn A.

Excellent care. Very professional and personable. Highly recommend this practice

T A.

Dr Tocco and his staff are wonderful. My husband and I are both patients. We highly recommend Center for Digestive Health

Denise H.

Center for Digestive Health is a perfect place to go if you have any type of digestive issue. They make you feel very comfortable talking about any issue you may be experiencing and they ask all the appropriate questions all the while putting you at ease. When I called I was worried about something and they worked to get me right in. I saw the PA Noelle and she is just wonderful. Everyone at the desk and beyond are very welcoming and helpful. Dr. Weber has been my doctor there for years and I trust him explicitly. His assistant Debbie always helps me out and listens to me and is always very kind. The office is warm, clean and inviting. There are a few locations and so that makes it very nice. All in all I’m very impressed with this group of Doctors, Nurses and Assistants.

REGINA B.

Dr. Bologna and the staff at CDH were wonderful. I felt safe in having my screening there. It is a clean, well-run office, where all of my concerns were addressed in a way I could understand. Every person on staff from check in to anesthesia to checkout were friendly and professional. Thank you 💖

Steve N.

My colonoscopy was quick and painless. The staff at the center was friendly and very professional.

Mark P.

All of the Staff and the Doctor working at the office were very nice. The doctor understood my concern about My Bi Polar meds because of the reaction I had during my recent heart bypass surgery and the time it took to get back to normal again. The doctor came up with several solutions to my fear of having to get the Anastasia while taking my Bi polar meds and suggested a few other solutions to the the Anastasia. The doctor was great in understanding of my fear of going under Anastasia.

David O.

Minimal wait time both in lobby and exam room. Dr. Wille and staff are great!

Jonathan B.

The staff is very friendly and very caring and accommodating. They answer questions In great detail. Dr. Donat was friendly and upbeat and took the time to speak with me and my Family about my procedure. I felt I was in great hands with him and his amazing staff. Thank you to Dr Donat and his staff putting me to ease.

Rosalee O.

Dr. Nandi and his team are the best. They make you feel so comfortable. Really....I won't at my pictures, LOL!!!!

leslie C.

All of Troy Gastroenterolgy is great. Dr Abadir is my Dr and he is very good. I had issues and he worked with me and my primary to improve my condition. He listens to every word i say intently and then he comes up with questions for me and then he starts his plan to help me. And he did! Great doctor. Leslie Croo

Patricia A.

The staff is very attentive to my needs. Nicolette is very patient and listens to my concerns and provides helpful advice.

Jamie C.

Dr. Willie and the staff were great and friendly

Sara H.

I felt heard, which was verified in the chart notes posted in my medical app .

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6231 reviews

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Ray

Very professional, very friendly, a very good atmosphere

Laurie F.

From the moment I walked into the building for my procedure, the staff was friendly and welcoming. I had no wait time and everything was run professionally and as scheduled. Dr. Wille and his staff made me feel at ease, and are a professional group of people. I would highly recommend this office to others.

Michael M.

Dr. Bologna is very thorough, down to earth, and pleasant. I trust his judgment...isn't that what it's all about? Highly recommended.

Ariana G.

I was very pleased with my first visit in the Clinton Twp office, Dr. Wille and his staff were so kind, knowledgeable and friendly during my visit.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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