Severe Abdominal Pain and No Urine or Stool After Hospital Discharge: Is Emergency Treatment Covered Under ECHS?

Hello,

We understand how worrying this situation must be for you. Your grandmother needs immediate medical attention. Please take her to the nearest hospital emergency department now or call an ambulance. Do not wait for a reply or a routine appointment.

Not passing both stool and urine after discharge, along with unbearable abdominal pain for the last 10 hours, can indicate a serious medical problem. This needs urgent examination, especially in an elderly patient.

What could be causing these symptoms?

There can be several possible reasons. A doctor needs to examine her to identify the exact cause.

• Intestinal obstruction (blockage in the intestine): A blockage can prevent stool and gas from passing. It may cause severe abdominal pain, swelling, vomiting and constipation. Sometimes, it requires urgent treatment.
• Urinary retention (inability to pass urine): Urine may collect in the bladder if she cannot empty it properly. This can cause severe lower abdominal pain and swelling. It may require a bladder examination and catheterisation.
• Severe constipation or faecal impaction: Hard stool can get stuck in the intestine or rectum, making it difficult to pass stool. In some cases, it can cause significant pain and complications.
• Post-treatment complications: Some medicines, anaesthesia, reduced movement or the illness for which she was admitted can affect bowel and bladder function after discharge.
• Other abdominal problems: Infection, inflammation or another condition involving the abdomen may also cause severe pain.

What treatment be required?

The treatment will depend on the cause and her examination results. At the hospital, doctors recommend

• Physical examination: Checking her abdomen, bladder and overall condition.
• Blood and urine tests: To check kidney function, infection, dehydration and other abnormalities.
• Ultrasound or CT scan: To look for urinary retention, intestinal blockage or other abdominal problems.
• Urinary catheter: If urine is collecting in the bladder and she is unable to pass it, a doctor may insert a tube to drain the urine.
• Treatment for bowel blockage or constipation: Depending on the findings, doctors may provide medicines, fluids or other treatment. If there is a serious obstruction, a specialist may need to intervene urgently.
• IV fluids and pain relief: These may be given depending on her condition and the doctor's assessment.

What precautions should you take right now?

• Do not give her laxatives, enemas or strong painkillers without medical advice.
• Do not press or massage her abdomen.
• Do not force her to eat or drink, especially if she is vomiting or a blockage is suspected. Follow the emergency doctor's instructions.
• Carry her discharge summary, prescriptions, investigation reports and current medicines.
• Tell the emergency doctor the exact time she last passed stool and urine and when the abdominal pain started.

What should you do under ECHS?

Because she has severe abdominal pain and has not passed urine or stool, please prioritise emergency medical care rather than delaying treatment for referral formalities.

Take her to the nearest emergency department immediately. Inform the hospital that she is an ECHS beneficiary and show her valid ECHS card and previous treatment records.

The hospital's ECHS desk can guide you about the applicable emergency procedures, referral requirements and coverage under ECHS rules.

Severe abdominal pain with no urine and stool output can be a medical emergency, particularly at an advanced age. Immediate hospital assessment is essential.

Wishing your grandmother a safe and speedy recovery.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth