Do/did any of you have depression/anxiety because of the inability to get rid of waste/toxins from your body? And did any of you have fatigue because of it? I don't mean just from the frustration of having the condition, but from the toxins themselves.
If so, did having a colectomy help with this?
I have suffered with severe depression and anxiety all my life, along with fatigue, and have always been constipated. But now my constipation is, I believe, colonic inertia. Just wondering if anyone else has suffered in this way? I feel SO alone and misunderstood.
Post Edited (KAP) : 7/6/2006 12:32:38 PM (GMT-6)
I had depression because I was ill for over 2 years with the opposite problem, chronic diarrhea. I had the j-pouch surgery but it did not cure the depression. I ultimately had to go on antidepressants to cure the depression (which worked amazingly well). Are you taking anything for your depression? You might need long term AD help.
I think all bowel issues are misunderstood and also difficult to talk about unless it's with someone else who has trouble or your doctor.
Sue
dx proctitis in 1987
dx UC in 1991, was stable until 1998
1998 started prednisone, asacol, pentasa, nortriptylene, ativan, 6MP, rowasa enemas and suppositories, hydrocortisone enemas, tried the SCD diet, being a vegetarian, omega 3s, flax, pranic healing, yoga, acupuncture, probiotics
2000 lost all my B-12 stores and became anemic
2001 opted for j-pouch surgery- now living life med-free
Sue,
Thanks so much for your reply. I have been taking a med for depression for years and it does help me. But my problem with constipation definitely adds to it. I'm glad the medication helps you, too. 
Hi Everyone, you may not remember me but i joined in december. I had a total colectomy in January. They told me nothing of what to expect afterwards just diahhera.I stayed in hospital 3 weeks had problems with anethesia and was on vent for a week.My scars are healing, had the open surgery.But after all the complications I would do it over again. No more constipation. My depression is not as bad anymore. Just dont know what comes next. It was a miracle for me.
Hi Helen,
I'm so glad that after all the complications, you're doing so wonderfully, even your depression!! That's encouraging for me to hear, because I get kinda nervous thinking about possibly having the same surgery, yet have heard lots of good things from this forum. Have you checked out the "Total Colectomy" posts? Right now they're on part 11!! They go back over a year, and I've been reading them like a journal. VERY insightful, and I think you'd learn a lot from ladies who have been through the surgery, too.
Anyway, I'm SO glad you're doing better now. I can't imagine not having constipation anymore!
YEA for you!
Take care,
Kim