"There is at least one good thing in each and every day we just have to find it and if we look hard enough we will.Somedays we just have to look a little harder than others,but its alway's there.Valerie
Welcome! I assume that by your description you have colonic inertia?
I opted for j-pouch surgery 5 years ago due to Ulcerative Colitis. Unlike you, my condition was chronic diarrhea. I have been thrilled with the results and am so grateful that this was an option to being chronically ill. Do you live in Ohio? The Cleveland Clinic is a terrific place to go for this surgery but there are a lot of other fantastic CR surgeons around the country that perform this procedure. For more information I suggest you visit www.j-pouch.org There are thousands of j-pouchers registered to that site that can provide you with more information if you are interested in the procedure.
Because you don't have UC, I imagine it's possible that your small intestine can be connected to your rectum. For those of us with UC we lose our rectum as well as the colon. It is also possible to have this surgery without having a temporary ileostomy but no surgeon can guarantee that, it's determined on the operating table. This surgery has given me my life back, I hope it can do the same for you!
Sue
dx proctitis in 1987
Hi there,
Just a quick note -- I've been a member on the colectomy series of posts for a while -- had a subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia in January of '05 and it has completely changed my life for the better. I am in Chicago, and my surgeon did his residency at the Cleveland Clinic. I am biased, but truly believe he is one in a million. He and his surgical partner work together and they are a great team. I'm sure you have great medical care in WI, but if you are interested, I can give you his name and info for a referral. You can e-mail me at averyh05@hotmail.com if that's easier.
Best,
Avery
To Mom 23:
As I am reading your posting, it is a mirror image of what I have gone through. I am 50, had severe constipation for 25 years. Two years ago, I finally found a surgeon who didn't think this was, "all in my head" and tell me to eat more fiber! I had colonic inertia. I too, could tell them before they even did the xrays that the markers would still be there. Who knows their body better than us?
I had a total colectomy, where they removed the entire colon. I had a few problems and had a 17 day stay at the hospital, but all in all, it was OK.
My only struggle now is the reverse--two years later I still have liquid stools about 10-15 times a day. So, I cannot eat breakfast or lunch and work--as I have to run to the bathroom. Interestingly enough, I have gained 30 pounds since surgery and can't get it off.
Go figure, constipated for a lifetime and no weight issues--have a total colectomy and gain weight!
My two concerns are the liquid stools after two years and the weight gain.
Anyone else have similar issues?
Arleen913
Arleen,
Are you taking a fiber like metamucil or citrucel? Fiber will add bulk and reduce the liquid output. I also find that eating foods rich in fiber create more bulk and less liquid. Fresh fruits are wonderful for adding bulk.
Sue
dx proctitis in 1987
Hi Mom23,
I'm happy to give you the name and info for the surgeon here in Chicago -- I'd prefer not to post it on this board. If you'd like to e-mail me, please feel free. I was in the hospital for a week (last year) -- and now I feel like a new person. Everyone's experience is a little bit different, just like our bodies are all a little different. It takes a while for your body to heal in various ways, and I don't have constipation issues any longer. It took some time to feel like I was in control of my body after surgery -- I think a lot of people would agree with me on that. You have good days and bad days, and go through some dietary restrictions and eventually add in different foods, etc. It is totally worth it. I wish you luck in your journey and decision-making. Feel free to contact me for specific questions.
Avery
Thanks for the suggestions. I try to eat as much fiber as I can. Honestly, I have tried metamucil a couple of times, but haven't stuck with it. There is just something about it--probably because I had tried it so many times through the years and it didn't help me. I think I need to look into fiber pills or something similar.
I am just amazed there are so many people out there with similar problems. I feel like I was in a bubble for years........and now I see so many people that are going through the same thing.
Towards the end, the only way I was able to get relief was through colonics. I had to have them once a week. Something I really wouldn't wish on anyone, but I would be dead if I didn't have them.
I am happy I had the surgery, it has really freed me. I just need to work on slowing down the liquid stools--as I think I am losing alot of nutrients as well.
Thanks for the note!
Arleen
I had a total colectomy. They completely removed my colon and connected the small intestine to the rectum. No bag. Honestly, that was one of my fears, although a good friend has one and is just fine.
I had some complications. Ended up developing two abcesses, they couldn't tell until they did a cat scan. They inserted two drains to try and get the infection, but it didn't work. I ended up being reopened and they had to clean it all out. I guess it was good that they did, my surgeon said it was worse than he anticipated. Went home with an iv for meds for a few weeks. All in all, you forget those things and are totally thankful to be here today.
Like I said--you sound so much like me it's scarey. I had to have so many tests done--some were so humiliating that I can't believe they even have people go through them. Sphincter muscle tests, etc. The transit test was the final decision though--so if things don't move through they pretty much know there is no other way. I also tried Zelnorm. You name it, I tried it. Get a good surgeon to explain everything to you first.
If you have any other questions--please don't hestiate to ask. I will be happy to share anything to make you feel comfortable.
Post Edited (Angel Baby) : 3/24/2006 8:48:25 AM (GMT-7)
Post Edited (Angel Baby) : 3/24/2006 8:46:04 AM (GMT-7)