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 6245 reviews

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Jason B.

Great experience from check in, to procedure

Kathleen O.

Awesome experience having my EGD with Dr. Donat! Best nap of my life! This place runs so smoothly and everyone is nice, professional, and caring!!!! Great job group!

Marla B.

So nice very Perfesonal and clean staff pleasant 😀

Kathy R.

The Dr. and staff at the macomb facility were very caring and helped make the procedure a less anxious one. There really wasn’t a wait time so I was in and out in no time!

Ellene B.

Caring, kind and professional! Excellent care!

Julie

DrAbadir and staff are all very professional and have patience. The office visit was quick and the staff explained what was going to happen next so you were not guessing.

Paul B.

Very easy and informative! Dr Nandi is caring and compassionate. I love the telemedicine option and him being able to help me with my digestive issues

Cat C.

I had a visit with Noel, she made me feel very comfortable, and was able to address all my issues. I felt she was very knowledgeable about how to help me. She was able to come up with a plan, and explained it to ensure I understood completely. Noel was very friendly and professional. Excellent experience!

Danny S.

I am a new patient of Dr Nandi and I’m having a procedure next week. The office staff has been excellent to work with.

Andy P.

Could not have been more efficient or more pleasant.

Cynthia C.

The following is why I travel from the Ohio border up to Center For Digestive Health/ Macomb: Dr. Donat and his staff are the best at what they do. They truly care about their patients and go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and secure. They really listen and make sure that each staff member involved in your care knows any concerns or special care that you require. I will continue to travel to them for as long as I need them! Thank you everybody for making me feel cared about and that I matter.

Sylvia E.

Everyone was so kind and wonderful. Highly recommend Dr. Weber and his staff!

Alicia N.

All of the staff at this clinic were extremely friendly, upbeat and helpful. The whole time for my appointment only took 30 minutes from check in to check out. The doctor takes her time, is thorough and gets to the bottom of all of your symptoms and issues. I highly recommend this clinic!

Tim H.

Doctor and staff were very efficient. Appointment was quick. I was in and out in about 25min. I would recommend Doctor.

JK C.

Every step of the process was characterized by efficient, personable professionals who made sure I was informed and comfortable with what was going on. Great work! Also, a happy, grateful shout-out to Lakeisha in Scheduling. I appreciate her upbeat spirit, professionalism, and patience in the several times I spoke with her regarding the appointment.

Susan H.

My experience went extremely well. The staff was kind and professional from check in to check out. Dr. Bakken is exceptional! Shannon I believe was my anesthesiologist and addressed any questions as well as the check-in nurses. Exceeded my expectations. Thank you to all the staff

Lavaughn C.

Less than a 5 minute wait to be called to a room. The assistant who did my vitals was very friendly. Dr came right in, we talked , prescribed new med. all my questions were answered as this was a recheck. Very happy with the care

David S.

Very impressed by the quality and professionalism of the staff!

Terri F.

Dr Nandi is an amazing doctor. He and his staff make the colonoscopy not so bad after all 🙂

Loraine D.

Instructions were very clear everyone very comforting and knowledgeable very professional team work would use them again

Jan S.

Everyone was very nice and always explained what was being done.

Dean R.

I recently had a procedure completed at CDH, and was extremely pleased with how it went, this was my second procedure at this facility and both were administered flawlessly. My doctor, nurses, technicians, staff... were all very courteous and professional. I highly recommend CDH if you are need of this type of care

nancy V.

This was my first visit and everthing was explained completely and I was taken right pn time.

Kelly H.

During a stressful time, Dr. Quallich and CDH staff ALWAYS does an outstanding and exemplary thorough job every time! Thank you!

Jenny W.

Great experience here, all the staff was super friendly and professional. From check in until they walked me to my car... Nothing but good things to say. I really appreciated the 80's rock while I waited!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6250 reviews

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Kathleen Z.

It was a phone call from Donat and a video conferencing. Dr. Donat is excellent and went above all expectations.

N S.

Jessica is so nice and helpful. Jessica's plan to help my husband is working. Nolan was very nice and polite. They truly care about you.

Maricela O.

Excelente atención en todos los aspectos, desde las instrucciones para mi procedimiento, la atención de todo el personal, la atención del doctor…… todo EXCELENTE

Francesca C.

The staff was friendly and the nurses were very nice. The only thing that could have been a little better is if they had coffee in the waiting room for the people waiting on their family or friend to get done.

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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