Chronic Constipation - Colonic Inertia - Has any one had the surgery to remove the colon?

Hi. I am new to these boards, but from reading other posts, I am sure someone can help. I have had constipation my whole life (now 37). A year ago I went on WW and that is when my MAJOR problems started. The high fiber diet was not good. I went over a month without a BM. Even the trusty old enema didn't work. Meds for colonoscopy finally cleared me out. Since last Feb I have had tons of tests. One GI dr said there was nothing wrong with me, probably IBS. My 2nd GI doc referred me to a general surgeon who did laproscopic surgery to find the source of my chronic pain. This pain landed me in the hospital 2 times. It is generally in my lower left abdomen and sometimes in my lower back, near my rectum. During that surgery he discovered that my colon was severely elongated and there was a loop (like a pretzel) near my sigmoid colon. He also said I was packed with clay like stool. Since then, I have had a barium enema, which was a disaster. The test took over 2 1/2 hrs because my colon was so long and there was another loop in it near the small bowel. My surgeon said my colon is 50% longer than it should be with these 2 loops in it. He ordered a sitz marker test, which I go for x-ray tomorrow, but said he is thinking that surgery, full colon removal and hook up small bowel to rectum) might help. He said 85% of the time people feel so much better.

My whole like I have had different medical problems. One dr said I had fibromyalgia (not sure about that). But I am thinking that not having regular BM's could be putting toxins into my system causing me to feel crappy (no pun intended!) I have tried every laxative imaginable. They seem to work initially, then stop. My pain isn't as bad as it was, but I am thinking I may be getting use to feeling horrible. The pain was intermittent and now is there all of the time. I am completely exhausted.

Can someone who has the same problem respond. I would like to know if you had surgery and how it went (good, bad or indifferent).

Thanks.
KC

Go to the ostomies board and go to total colectomy part 31 and you can talk to several women with colonic inertia that have had total colectomies. You can also go to search and read all the way back to total colectomy part 1 all the way to the current one, part 31. I have colonic inertia too and a pelvic floor dysfunction. Please join us there. Tracy

I am suffering with chronic constipation also. I never knew that having a very long colon was causing me all these problems until I read your post. I had a colonoscopy several years ago, and the doctor did tell me that I had a very long colon for someone my size, but he left it at that. I have to usually take something to help me go. He told me that I probably dealt with IBS issues also. I deal with bloating, stomach pain, don't go to the bathroom for days, and sometimes don't feel like I ever finish going. I'm so glad I read this, but sure don't want to go through surgery. I've had several surgeries but nothing to do with the colon. Brain surgery, back surgery, female surgery, crainoplasty surgery..think there may be another couple in there too. lol So glad I have someone that I can talk to now about my problem. Will be checking back to see how you guys are doing.

Be Blessed,

Mercyme/Cindy

kcshvr

Just fyi

"But I am thinking that not having regular BM's could be putting toxins into my system causing me to feel crappy (no pun intended!)"

This is called autointoxification and it doesn't happen.


"Is it dangerous for stool to remain in the colon for a long time period? Can this cause other diseases?
This belief dates from ancient times. Now, colon cleansing (colonics) is promoted by some to maintain "colon health." However, there is no foundation in science for this theory."

http://iffgd.org/site/learning-center/clinical-corner/high-colonic

Not that consitpation s a comfortable thing at all. But, you don't have to worry about toxins from it. Other problems yes.

This is free

Constipation, Colonic Inertia, and Colonic Marker Studies

Constipation is a common symptom. Treatment for constipation often includes lifestyle modifications such as increasing fluid intake, consuming more fiber, and exercising regularly. At times, the symptom of constipation can represent serious medical illnesses such as hypothyroidism or diabetes. Structural abnormalities of the colon, like colonic strictures or other diseases of the colon or rectum, may also cause constipation. It is therefore advisable to report constipation to your physician if it is persistent or difficult to manage. Tests and treatment are described.

http://www.iffgd.org/store/viewproduct/159

Hello- I am 27 and was diagnosed with colonic inertia when I was 19. At 21 I was put on adderall xr. This is an extended release stimulate that is generally used for attention deficit disorder. Since taking it I have a bm every day that I take it. It starts with slight cramping about 45 minutes after taking it and then a perfect relief of a bm. This also helps with the gloating and gas pains though it wares off around 5 pm and I do still get a little bloating after dinner. It has saved my life buy I am wanting to get pregnant soon and not sure what I will do then. I also take miralax everyday. It does absolutely nothing but it makes my doctor happy so I do it. I also usually skip taking addrall about twice a week.