Normally, a Gastro Doc will do a Colonscopy first then the Sitz Marker's Test, and then the Defacagraphy test before determining what they are going to do for you.
Prescribed laxatives or softeners did not work for me either, but be very careful at first before you have the surgery. Ask your surgeon loads of questions such as how long is the recovery period? When can I start eating normally again? When can I go back to work? Will I feel better after all this? Will I feel 100 percent better than I do now. I had a subtotal coloctomy last fall lasted 9 1/2 hrs long, then ER surgery the second day for open surgery for hemotoma around the kidney, TPN inserted for malnutrition on 10/31 until 12/20 when I had my reversal ileostomy. My surgery was supposed to be 3 to 4 hours long via laposcopic or open surgery and no ileostomy bag, but there were complications. Now my bowel movements are 6 to 8 times a day some regular and some diarrhea. I can't eat or drink everything as before the surgery, I became lactose intolerant from the reversal ileostomy. It is 11 mos since my subtotal colostomy and I still feel tired, wore out, confused, can't control frequent bowel movements unless I starve myself especially if I have to go somewhere. I believe this procedure is not for everyone. Everyone is different! Be certain that you are a prime canditate before jumping into something you are not 100% sure of. Good Luck! Angel
I had a procto-colectomy with a j-pouch due to UC not CI but contrary to Angel's post, this surgery has given me my life back. I have no diet restrictions and am very physically active. The best advice I can give you is to find a good colo-rectal surgeon and go for a consultation. My surgery was more complicated than a straight colectomy (my rectum was removed too, for CI you get to keep your rectum). The prep was the same as for a colonoscopy, no food for 12 hours and a bottle of mag citrate. Prep for CI might be more involved, I don't know. Surgery was 1.5 hours (I had one of the top surgeon's in the country) and I was in the hospital for 7 days. I was only on morphine for 12 hours, vicodin after that. I went back to work 3 weeks after surgery.
I do not have diarrhea, I have formed stools and poop normally, just more frequently.
Sue
dx proctitis in 1987
Hi S
I am 7 weeks post op for laparascopic colectomy with ileo rectal anastomosis. I decided to go to the Cleveland Clinic even though I live in NY due to their reputation. I wanted a surgeon who did this all the time and not someone who did hernias one day and gall bladder the next plus the laparascopic procedure is a bit less invasive...
My surgical prep was miralax and ducalax pills...I only ate full liquids for 3 days preop so the prep was not so bad. Preop I had an injection of heparin and anti embolic compression boots to prevent blood clots. I also was given cipro and flagyl intraop and post op for a few days. My surgery took approximately 4 1/2 hours due to adhesions from previous multiple gyn surgeries and the fact that the intestine was extremely redundant. I had a pain pump which I used when getting in and out of bed and whenever necessary. I walked the next morning and took a shower, although sitting in a chair and with help on the 2nd day. They slowly advanced my diet. I pooed on the 5th day and was discharged on the 6th. I was given vicodan for pain and we returned to NY on the 10th day.
I have had no major complications except I go to bathroom about 15-20/ day and am now taking imodium to try to get this under control...butt is a bit sore..I am retired so bathroom issue not a big problem...The surgeon told me that it may take anywhere from 6 months to a year for everything to calm down...I eat everything without problem...and to tell you the truth I'd rather be like this then to endure the pain I was in before..
I hope this helps with your questions
