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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 8/7/2006 10:42 AM (GMT -7)

i have had IBS for 20+ years, and this year I have been struggling with constipation. When Zelnorm was prescribed 2 years ago, I thought I was in heaven.  I was regular without cramping for the first time in my life.  Now I am in total colonic inertia and dr is saying surgery.  I have a colonoscopy in sept and then surgery.  He hasn't talked with me about it yet, just told me I needed it.  I am just curious about how much this is going to change my life, my work, my sex life, my energy.  If anyone has experience with this, I would appreciate the feedback.  I am also a recovering alcoholic, sober 5 years, so I am curious about the pain meds involved with surgery.

Posted 8/7/2006 10:52 AM (GMT -7)
Hi soberlunatic,
Welcome to HealingWell! :-)
This seems like pretty drastic measures for "just IBS." ("just IBS" is what we usually hear from docs) I don't think there is anyone on the IBS board that has had this surgery. You might want to visit the Ostomies forum. Look at the upper right hand corner for "Forum Quick Jump" and scroll to Ostomies. I'm sure there is someone there that can give some insight as to the after affects.
Good luck!!!!
Posted 8/9/2006 3:40 PM (GMT -7)

Zelnorm is notorious for losing it's effectivness. However, if you take a regular "vacation" from it then it will kick back in. I will go a week or two without taking it then start back up again, plus I found for me less is more...I only need 3mg in the AM for it to be effective any more than that it won't work.

I agree with the other posters, it's seems like a very drastic step to have that kind of surgery for this problem. Good luck.

Posted 9/6/2006 5:26 AM (GMT -7)
I am going crazy could someone plz give me info.I had  total colectomy in January.They opened me up instead of the simple way dont know the word.But anyway i have a question. At first i could control bowels now im having accidents and dont feel it happening til too late.Is this normal? Will it get better plz help. Also very bad lower back and pain in right side. Someone plz talk to me.
Posted 9/6/2006 7:22 AM (GMT -7)
You need to go to the ostimies forum, Helen. It's just for people who have had your kind of surgery. I don't think we have any IBSers who have had intestinal surgery, except for a few cases of diverticulisis. Hopefully they'll be able to help you and tell you what's normal. :-)
Posted 9/6/2006 7:31 AM (GMT -7)
Sorry wrong place thank you
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