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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Shannon S.

Everyone was wonderful and professional! I appreciate the friendly staff and the Dr.was great.

April Joy S.

Kind staff. Nice atmosphere.

Nicolino T.

Very Good Experience! Going in I was worried about the whole thing, but staff was pleasant and they got me in and out of there faster than I expected. I would recommend this staff and location.

Sandra L.

Friendly, professional and informative.

Sue P.

Dr Weber has bee my doc for years. He always has a solution. Office staff was very pleasant!

Shirlee

Everyone is always professional things go on time, couldn’t get a better Dr, or health Service office

Suzannemcc P.

I see Neolle M who is a remarkable health care practitioner and has made a difference in my life. Thee entire staff is very helpful.

David B.

They did a great job made me feel comfortable from the start smooth procedure and it was over

denise B.

Took me in on time. Staff very attentive. They made me feel comfortable in my vulnerable state. If I ever need another procedure done I would like it to be here.

Christine L.

The procedure was done very timely. Staff explained everything completely before and after. They did a excellent pre and post assessment.

Marlo S W.

As a 1st time patient of CDH Staff and Dr. Bakken, I want to share high accolades regarding my experience: check-in, procedure, recovery & check-out. All staff is to be commended. I chose Dr. Anezi Bakken based on 5-star reviews and this team did not disappoint. The nurturing environment makes patients feel welcomed, comfortable, appreciated and safe.

LORI B.

I had a great experience from the staff at the front desk to the person walking me out the door. All the stall had a great attitude and liked where they worked. I like to go to places when the employee morale is high, then I know I am going to get excellent care.

Ronald S.

Entire staff from receptionist to nurses was outstanding. Dr Abadi was very informative and assuring. While I find the preparation for the test horrible the actual medical procedure went smoothly due to the personnel and facility.

Amer

TOP IN CLASS

William K.

Very professional

William S.

These folks are on top of their game. Outstanding professionalism with everyone I interacted with. Roger my RN was amazing. Got my IV started painlessly and was a pleasure to talk with. Highly recommend

Christine W.

The people were all friendly and professional. The service was timely.

Carmetia M.

From check in to being assisted safely to my driver the staff was so kind and professional. They have gotten a 5 stars but I need 1 question answered. I think my awesome Doctor did inform me but coming from under anesthesia I don't think I recall- this is my only reason I'm withholding 1 pron of the 5 star in my mind lol 😊 no doubt they are fivevstar. Dr. John Webber and team was soooo wonderful and positive. Thanks to the entire staff from check in to check out at the Surgical Center of Michigan.

Charlotte Y.

Very caring doctor and friendly staff

Sandra P.

when i arrived i was greeted and sinned in a few minuets the office was clean i did not have long to wate long i was taken to a room and the rest went pretty fast my appointment was 7:40 and i was out at 8:29 grate

Richard D.

Pleasant and efficient

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

Lori L.

Dr Noelle was very thorough and helpful

Diane M.

Dr. Weber and his staff are efficient, professional, thorough while maintaining a very friendly atmosphere. Thank you to every one of you for your endless efforts.

Jill V.

Dr. Weber and his staff makes you feel comfortable. The process was easy from the checkin desk to recovery. I would highly recommend Dr. Weber.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6250 reviews

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Ronald C.

Entire visit was outstanding. The staff at desk, nurses that prepped me along with staff in procedure room could not have been better. Thank you all very much.

Edyee S.

Dr Quallich is a great doctor, the staff at the Macomb branch were fantastic

carla C.

I had previously wrote a review on your website but more than happy to do it again. I had a great experience which made this procedure much easier. The private room for prep/recovery was so much better than being in a room with curtains separating numerous other patients. The entire staff were very friendly and helpful and had a heated sheet waiting for me which felt great! Dr.Wille was extremely supportive and very pleasant man.I will recommend any family/friend in need of a colonoscopy to go to the clinic on Romeo Plank in Macomb and ask for him

Willie H.

Service was quick and the staff was courteous

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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