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Total Colectomy part 26

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Posted 10/20/2009 8:23 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone! Sorry I have been so busy! My family is going through some major stuff right now. With that, this studpid illness taking up so much of my time, and my 3 kids, I have been having a hard time keeping up with the posts and with posting. Please know that all of you are always in my thoughts and prayers!!!

Tracy - I sent you an email. I will try to email you again very soon!!

F1ghter

Posted 10/21/2009 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I made it through the dreaded bowel prep.. my 4th one in the last 7 months! This one was pretty hard - and kept me up the entire night! It just didn't seem to kick in like the Golytely. I HATED drinking that gallon of stuff, but once done - I was done! I had to drink 2 bottles of magnesium citrate + 6 dulcolax. It really didn't kick in until I was ready to go to sleep, even though I started it 2 hours before they told me to. Glad that part is done... now I have to wait till 1:00 for the test.

Hope everyone else is doing okay today!
Posted 10/21/2009 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Jenise, I hope the test goes well. Good Luck.
Jen
Posted 10/21/2009 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Jenise,

yes I have had two surgeries (colon resctions) which should resolve my SEVERE constipation but failed.
Although I only had 20cm of the colon left (which would give most people loose or at least frequent stools) after the second surgery (sub-toal colectomy) I was unable to have bowel movements by my own, even enemas did not work at all. Water just remained inside since my rectum is also diseased.
I also took oral laxatives but they did not work either even after the subtotal colectomy.

I was finally diagnosed with CIP by an Italian expert (one of the few motility experts in Europe). He recommended an ileostomy since the colon have been most affected by the condition so far although the stomach (which causes severely delayed gastric emptying=gastroparesis) and the small bowel are also diseased. My bladder does not function properly either. Cannot empty my bladder by my own and have spasms and cramping inside the bladder. Its capacity has markedly decreased, I couldn't stand more than 100ml in the bladder so I got a permanent catheter that drains the urine.

The ileostomy with total colectomy (removal of the left 20cm) was the third surgery which has finally been giving my relief from my severe constant bowel spasms and severe constipation.
My ileostomy is permanent due to the rectal problem.
Even the 20cm that were left from the colon after the surgeries were again grossly dilated.
And all this happened within a year. I was operated three times within a year so you can guess how fast I/my bowel function have been deteriorating even with the first surgeries.
Posted 10/21/2009 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately the condition is mostly a progressive disease so I'll see what comes next.
Due to the gastroparesis and the limited oral intake I have had a nasal feeding tube for four months but I haven't gained enough. I am markedly underweight (40kg, 170cm) and have to gain weight.
That's why I am currently on parenteral (intravenous) feedings.

For those of you who have gastroparesis? Did you have a gastric emptying test for this and what did it show?
Which symptoms do you have from your gp?
Posted 10/21/2009 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately the condition is mostly a progressive disease so I'll see what comes next.
Due to the gastroparesis and the limited oral intake I have had a nasal feeding tube for four months but I haven't gained enough. I am markedly underweight (40kg, 170cm) and have to gain weight.
That's why I am currently on parenteral (intravenous) feedings.

For those of you who have gastroparesis? Did you have a gastric emptying test for this and what did it show?
Which symptoms do you have from your gp?
Posted 10/21/2009 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Pelztier

I have gastroparesis and had the gastric emptying test about 4 years ago. I was getting full very quickly and nauseaus especially if I ate in the morning. My test showed that my stomach was emptying at about half the rate it was supposed to. So they tried erythromycin first which worked for about 4 months or so. They then tried regulan which made me sleepy. The latest thing they tried was domperidone which I could not get here in the US. I had to order it from Canada. It was expensive and though it did work it caused me to have my period all the time. So that was completely unacceptable! So now I just deal with it by not eating very much at one time. I am able to eat enough calories to maintain about 111lbs. and I am 5' 6". This is also lower due to the colonic inertia which makes me blow up like toad when I eat.

So I am having a total colectomy on 10/26/09. I really don't know how the gastroparesis will play into this after the operation but I guess I will find out.

It sounds like you have been through a lot. I hope things get better for you.
Jen
Posted 10/21/2009 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
Oh my pelztier, you have been through so much! What can they do next to help you..?

So, I'm back from the barium enema. I had a very nice tech who assisted the doctor throughout. I also liked the doctor who did the test, they made me as comfortable as possible! I brought my sitz marker report, as well as the last 2 defecograms, he was very happy to have them! The test was to take 45 minutes.. but I was filled with the barium for 1-1/2 hours!! It was pretty uncomfortable when they started to add air. I have the CD, but I'll pick up the report tomorrow.. and go from there.

He didn't see any strictures or narrowing... but said my colon was very long, and very twisted - especially the sigmoid colon, but my transverse is long and flopped downward. He said it's a colon that makes having BM's difficult. So... I have NO IDEA what all this will mean in the scope of the whole thing. I don't know if this will change his initially plans... then again, he is questioning the sigmodocel.. and "thinks" it is an illusion from the mesh... this test did not reveal I have one. I hate being in limbo, not knowing what is going on, and worried that the holidays are fast approaching.
Posted 10/21/2009 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
I should mention, it took them so long they said because of how twisted my colon was.. and because it was so long. Anyone else had this issue too? I 'm trying to remember every thing he said, but he felt I failed my sitz marker test completely, and that my colon isn't functioning correctly - but my colon-rectal surgeon felt it was because things were blocked, and he feels that once a section is removed the rest will move okay.
Posted 10/21/2009 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Here are a few of the images! Who else can I share these with besides all of you! LOL

rectum & sigmoid (pic 1 & 2)
VIEW IMAGE

VIEW IMAGE

Last Photo: Colon after barium was emptied (looks like a lot is left!!) It doesn't look to me like my transverse colon is where it is suppose to be!

VIEW IMAGE
Posted 10/21/2009 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Jenise, those pictures are soooo cool. Is the colon supposed to be loopy like that? It doesn't look like that in human anatomy pictures. Be honest...was it that bad? Painful? What did it feel like? How much barium did they put in? How did you get it out? Was it embarssing? Why did you have to keep the barium in for 1 1/2 hours? Where did you go to expel it? I wish I had already has this dreaded test.

Sorry so many questions, Tracy

This site has alot of info about colonic mobility. He talks about children, but I got alot of info from it. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/936894-overview
Posted 10/21/2009 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Tracy, MY your full of questions tonight!! LOL

No.. I don't think it is suppose to look at all like that! He mentioned my Transverse Colon was "fallen" and that the whole thing was longer then normal, he said "it's a pretty long colon" and the sigmoid area is very twisted... I have 41 pictures, those are just 3!

Okay - bowel prep was awful - I was pooing half the night, but it worked. They took a picture before barium was put in, and it was empty - but I had a lot of gas built up in the whole sigmoid area. It wasn't painful - and it was really at the end that it became very uncomfortable - with cramps. He used air as well as Barium, so only use barium. They filled a bag with 1 gallon of barium!! I don't know if they got all that in or not.... at the end they let it drain, then I was able to go to the bathroom. It didn't seem like much passed, and I am STILL going. Tonight I am still uncomfortable. My gut is making all sorts of weird noises, and I keep going and passing a little barium. It was NOT as embarrassing as the defecography! I did have a wonderful female tech, and the doctor was older and I felt comfortable with them. It took a long time because they had trouble getting the barium around the twists! I had to keep rolling to the left and the right to move the barium... and the tilted the table up and down. It's more comfortable then the defecogram. The defecogram was done and over with so fast and I was on my way.. but like I said, my tummy still is crampy, and I'm pretty bloated!

I'm going to check out that site now!
Posted 10/22/2009 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
Tracy, that link didn't work!
Posted 10/22/2009 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi gals, Jenise, glad your baruim enema went well. That was the worst test I had ever done. But those pics are pretty cool.

Going to be real short tonite. I need to call my dad to check on my mom. She is still in the hospital and tested positive for mrsa. Which is medication resistant staph aureous. Not good at all. She keeps asking about my little brother who is no longer living and thinks that I still live at home. Her mind is going quickly. She is only 56 so this is just awful. I always pictured my parents growing old together. And I can see that that will not happen. Very down this whole week and my husband keeps asking if I am ok. I am trying to keep positive, but its so hard watching a parent go through this.

Will stay in touch with you all. I talk to ya all more than I do my friends who are in town. Weird hu? But I feel so close to you all!!

Love ya, Marisa
Posted 10/22/2009 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/936894-overview

Here is a link to a normal barium enema....

http://www.medicine.cu.edu.eg/english/students/study/x_ray_surgery/xray/intestine/141.htm

Let me know if these links do not work..
Posted 10/22/2009 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Marisa, my son had MRSA 2 years ago and it was just awful. It got into the tendon sheath and then the bone. It was a very long process to get rid of it. It messed up his liver which is a rare side effect from vancomycin, which he is allergic to now. I think extreme sickness can cause disorientation and I hope the doctors can get the infection under control. I am so sorry you are going through this. I will say a prayer for you and your family tonight.

Jenise, I googled images of barium enemas and it was interesting. When do you see your doctor again? I wonder what he has to say about this. Could they see the mesh on the images? Just curious. I have been wondering if maybe the mesh could cause us problems with pooping? Because my pooping problems are getting worse and worse as time goes by. Are you like this?
Posted 10/22/2009 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, I posted two days ago and apparently it did not go through. I hate that! I have been extremely busy and our internet tower was struck by lightning and I havn't posted in a while. It took me forever to catch up on all the news. I can't believe what all has been happening on here. I am worried about alot of you!

Lizzie, Hang in there! I agree with everyone else, you are just weak and down because of all of the pain meds and anestesia. I was the same way. I was pale for weeks. It will get better! We all love you and are praying for you!

Marrisa, My heart goes out to you. You are really facing a hard time and I don't have the words to offer that will help because I have never been in your shoes. I will put your family on our prayer list at church and keep all of you in my prayers as well. Are you having any luck going poop? I think you and Judy are like me. I pretty much quit after six weeks. I got to where I had to drink a glass of prune juice everyday just to go. The last week has been much better, Finally!

Pelztier, Wow! I can't believe what all you have gone through. I googled all the the things (CIP, MS, and that other syndrome) just to make sure I didn't have it! Before my surgery, which was in July, for two and a half years, I could not eat any starches, carbs. My stomach would swell horribly after just three bites and it would stay that way forever. They tested my stomach and said that they could not find any problem so they think that they large intestine being bad for so long maybe caused some problems with the stomach digesting starches. Since surgery it is not any better. I am interested in knowing did this same thing happen to you or did everything you eat go through your stomach slowly?

Jen, I hope you just read what I posted to Pelztier because after I read your response to her I was intrigued. I can't wait to find out if your stomach quits swelling when you eat after you have the surgery. Do all foods cause the swelling on you? Before my surgery three mths ago, I was nauseated for years, but that has gotten better. No nausea now! I will be thinking about you this week!

Judy, I am so sorry you are having such a difficult time at school. I hope you get everything worked out. It is ridiculous for you to have to be going through this after all that you have been through. Know that we all care about you and are thinking of you.

Janie, are you still having trouble going? WHen is your defectogram scheduled for? I would dread going through that again!

Schmuel, How are you? I am assuming you have had your surgery by now. Thinking of you!!

Hodaya, I hope you are doing okay at work and feeling well enough to enjoy your evenings. Did they get your schedule worked out for you?

Jenise, when exactly is your surgery? I thought it was next week?

Rosemary, I really enjoyed your posts, glad to get to know you.

Tracey, hope everything is okay with you!

ANyone I missed, hope you are doing well!!

Christy
TC July 8,2009
emergency surgery for suspected leakage July 13, 2009
Now-still having trouble going, limitied to what I can eat, no starches, but other than that I am feeling so good it is unreal. I clean houses, one everyday and am able to come home and get all of my own stuff done. I even got caught up on ironing! Imagine that!!! I feel better than I have in years and this surgery was so hard but sooooo worth it!!!!! Don't wait----Just do it!!!!

Love all of ya!
Posted 10/22/2009 3:56 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Everyone!

I decided to take some time tonight to catch up on all the posts! It truly amazes me - all the difficult stuff everyone deals with!!!

Lizzie, I'm sorry that you are having problems with depression right now! But with everything you have been through and this recent surgery.......who wouldn't be?! I know the smoking thing is bad. I smoke too! My husband hates it and worries! But right now, with my pooping issues, what may happen health wise because of smoking is the least of my worries!! Sometimes smoking is the only thing that keeps me sane and gets me through each day! I know nonsmokers may think this stupid! Just hang in their Lizzie hopefully that blue feeling goes away!!!

Jen, glad you had a good vacation! I hope and pray that all goes well with your surgery!!

Jenise, I'm glad you were able to come to a decision! Like Jen, when that day comes, I hope it makes things better!!

Judy, so sorry that you are having problems at work. I used to teach prior to getting sick! This is the last thing you need with all the health issues you have had!! I pray all goes well that the problem is resolved quickly!

Hodaya, I'm so sorry to hear that you are having problems since your surgery! A rectocele.....don't you just want to scream. I mean why can't things just go well!!!!!

Janie, I totally get the can't get poop out the rectum thing!!! I can not believe what the doctor said to you about an Eating Disorder!! How dare he, its called survival!

The only way that I'm able to go out of my house is to not eat! I can't take the chance that I will have to go to the washroom while I'm away because I will need to assist! See if I eat, my stool will get to my rectum daily. Sometimes it can be several times a day, but I can't pushed it out! It sits there and causes extreme pain and pressure. The feeling of urgency is there, really there, but I need to insert my finger and pull the poop out! Even if it is soft or loose. And diarhhea is the worst! It is a very slow and painful process! Definetly NOT something you want to be doing outside of you home! So is if I need to go anywhere I don't eat! Even if I eat a small amount there is the risk that it will trigger the need to go to the washroom.

I know this is something I need to address!! I stepped on a scale the other day and I've lost 15 pounds since last year. I'm 5'7" tall and am down to 120 lbs. My mom is concerned! A friend that hasn't seen me in a while said,"What's happened to you? Your disappearing!" It has really been bad the last few months! I've been trying to do more and so I've been eating less! But you know what? It is so hard to eat! It feels so good just feel good!!! That not eating is worth it! If only I never had to eat again life would be great!!

But I know that I can't keep doing this forever!! I'm going to have to start considering surgery. The only thing is I will need a bag, since the problem is not the colon. Although I do have some cramping and bloating, and sometimes it does seem to get stuck in the top right corner of my abdomen (I don't know what you call that part of the colon??) It will actually bulge in that area and if you feel it it is like there is a grapefruit sitting in there. Here's a funny story! I had a dream on night that there were the tips of some leave sticking out of my belly button, when I pulled on them it was a pineapple. In my dream I turned to my mom and said "Now I feel better!!" My mom laughed when I told her that! Wouldn't it be nice if it were that easy/! 

Tracy, I know you totally understand the rectum not opening problem. And I totally relate to the this is "NOT LIFE THREATENING" thing ....but that it has taken over your life! That you were talking about at the begining of this thread. My kids too are robbed of their mother! Boy if I had a dollar for everytime they asked "Are you in the washroom again?" or "Are you still in there?" I could pay of my Mayo Clinic bill!! Actually that is part of the my family is going through some major stuff. We may need to move again - downsize! With my Mayo expenses still hanging over our head and me not working!!!! That would be the third time in the last four years because of me and this illness!! My kids do not know! I fell so guilty! To tell you the truth guys that is why I really haven't been posting! Sure I'm busy with the kids and this illness but in all honestly I've been too depressed!!! Everytime I went on to read and or post I started to cry!! I couldn't even read or type! And then Lizzie..... I went for a smoke!!! I wasn't planning on getting into that here today but some how this post just went there anyway! I'm trying so hard to be brave and strong and to try and not loose it over this! I'm totally sobbing and crying!! Guys sometimes I just don't think I can do this anymore!!!! So sorry for falling a part here!!!! Man, I need a smoke!!! I have to go, sorry I'm crying and I can't eve think anymore!!

Love you guys!!

Post Edited (F1ghter) : 10/21/2009 9:59:29 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/22/2009 9:53 AM (GMT 0)
Christy prettu much all foods cause me to swell. The food just sits there. I really try to avoid pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, anything heavy like that. Can't remember when I had those foods. I mainly just eat very small amounts. I also will stop eating midway through a meal to try to give the food time to move. It is a terrible feeling but they say no cure for gastroparesis. It will be interesting to see if taking my colon has any effect at all.

I have feeling I will be a bit like fighter in the way of not eating much. I don't have the outlet problem, but I still think that when I go out I won't eat. Especially with my job I will probably try to make all visits then come home and eat. We will see.

Fighter I really do hate you are having all the problems physically and emotionally. Hopefully things will get better or you will be at peace with your decision if you decide to have surgery.

I am praying for you all. I don't have time to type much now. I have pre-op today and need to get all my questions on paper. I'm really getting nervous.

Jen
Posted 10/22/2009 11:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hey, I haven't posted in a long time.  I read the forum often and I learn so much from all of you.  You all are so strong and have been through so much.  People who have the peasure of a daily normal poop can't imagine what we go through or are going through.

I had a total colectomy May 27 of this year.  My large colon was removed as well as a small portion of my small bowl.  Yesterday I had a normal poop, first one.  I was so excited and really couldn't share the fantastic news with anyone at work.  Up to this point I have been having 5-15 loose stools a day.  My bottom has been soooo sore.

I look back and can't believe I lived through all of the humiliating test , the weekly bowl prep and the frustration of not being able to go anywhere, let alone all of the abdominal pain.

I formed a blood clot in my left atrium after surgery and have been on coumadin.  Tomorrow I have a repeat TEE to see if the clot in my heart has disolved.  After a 24 day in the hospital I dread going back for this test.  I need to be sedated and I am scared to death.  Please pray for me.

My strength comes from your stories, my family and good friends.  They all know too much about my bowls!  Thanks for letting me share my good poop news.

Conmarjo

Posted 10/22/2009 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all....just checking in.

Jen- I wish you well with your pre-op appt today. I know you have al your questions ready abd just as away, Its their job to inform you and for you to tell them your fears and concerns. Let us know how it goes. 5'6'' and 111 lns is so tiny to be going into surgery. I know you do not do well with solids, but you ahould be trying something like ensure to get some extra weight on you before. I know I have told you this before, but nutritionally I do not think you are strong for surgery. I lost so much weight with my firsttwo and got so weak and it was so much harder to heal. Donot think about not being able to eat after. I have minoe gastroparesis and it has gotten better with the surgeries. You maybe surprised.

Jenise- Cool pictures and no they do not look normal. I am so interested in what the final decision will be with you and what is going to happen. I just want to you scheduled for surgery so you can start feeling better.

Marisa- I feel so bad for you and for wht you are going through. When I watch my pts slip into states like your mom you feel so helpless becuase their is nothing you can do, but wait and see how her body responds. I am praying for you and your family and for peace in whatever may come of this illness. Bein a cancer nurse I become so attached to my pts and eaxh one that passes leave a little hole in my heart. I have a tatoo of angel wings on my neck and I ot this after losing my first pt and for each after they are always close t o me...my little angels. I know MRSA in such an immunocompromised stste can take a toll on you mom and right now all I can do is pray for you and her strength and for your family.

Christy-So good to hear from you and glad you seem to be doing so well. Thanks for your well wishes. I do not know whatis wrong with me, but I am sinking low again and I do not know if its fear for the future or the fact I am on pain meds and have already had to take MOM or the suergery or just the last two years. we have really bad swine flu going around in  MI and i feel like crao whcih doesnt make it any easier. I d o not want to talk to anyone. I shut my blinds and just sleep or lay on the couch. My hisband told me i look pale and have lost weight, but i do not think I have, I just cannot snap out of it and I wish I could.

F1ghter- I fell sso badly for you and I feel how much pain your in....you have to have this surgery and if you have to have a bag I will be there to help you thought it. I had a hrd time, yo uknow, and I cannot lie to you, but it could give you your life back and not everyone has complications like I did. To be honest to, besides the leaking and fact of having a bag I did feel better.....I was pooping and I felt ok and for the most part you can eat and feel good. Your weight is concerning too....you girld you cannot live on not eating and before you knwo it something bad is going to happen and your not going to be string enough for surgery. You have to think electrolyte imbalances, and many more issues that arise from being nutritionqally compromised. I wa ssick before all o my surgeries and I know this is why I have had so many complications. I unsderstand the smokimg thing....right now it gets me throught the day. I love you all and care so mmuch for you and just want you to moveon with these surgeries and feel better. I want and pray for that for all of you.

Judy-Thinking of you and all that you hve going on beween the kidney and school. Praying for you and love youl. Stay string girl, you are the glue to this family and we love you.

Janie- How is everything going??? I know you and your juices, but have you figured out anything else. When is your testing again? I want the results ans tou to be in your way to CC. You need a second opinion, worried and thinking if you.

Tracy- How are you feeling honey? I know the answer to that and i wish you would to something sooner so you could start feelig better. I want this so bad for all of you. I think of all of you every day and night and talk to you more than anyone. Let me know how you are.

Conmarjo- SO good to hear from you and I wish you the best with your test. Let us know how everything goes. Praying for you!!!!

So many of you sit here in pain and not going and facing decisions and I feel horrible feeling the eay I do. I have had three surgeries and have seen the best doctors and fornow am pooping ok so what is my deal? I should be jumpimg for joy and I cannot. I feel so selfish and  apologize if  ihave upset any of you. I just  have so much far....fear I cannot control. I just wabt this ti keeo working and the unknown if it all, the dreaded memories if the oast haunt me like no other. I di not even feel like the same person anymore....I need to be for my husband. He loves me, I love him, and we both miss me. why can I not get there???? Sorrry to complain. Again, so selfish.

Lizzie

 

Posted 10/22/2009 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
Fighter, I am right beside you girl. I cried my eyes out after seeing that jerk of a doc. We just have to keep fighting and crying is good....it scours the soul. Since you live in Canada, can you have a colostomy performed there? See, a colostomy can really be a good thing. They hook the bag up to your large intestine and then you can irrigate every 24 to 48 hours....then, you don't have to wear a bag. You just have to cap the stoma off because your colon gets emptied with the irrigation. I really wish I could get a colostomy....But I can't because my colon doesn't work..so, I will have to get an ileostomy and with an ileostomy you have to wear a bag 24/7 because it constantly runs.

Also Fighter, I also have to disimpact any consistency of poop. My rectum just will not release it on its own. It is a nasty and miserable way to live, isn't it?

Oh, I smoke too! What a nasty habit, but I just haven't had the willpower to give it up. UGH

Lizzie, it will get better. I remember with my surgeries, me and my husband always had a huge fight over something and I was so very depressed. As you heal, you will feel less and less depressed. You have had to take MOM? I heard that alot of us with such severe constipation issues never get off of laxatives 100%. As lomg as your rectum works then don't worry about taking a laxative. I would take a bottle everyday if I could only push the poop out.

I am having a hard time right now. For some reason I managed to get myself pretty plugged up and yesterday I felt very ill. The poop is real thick and dark...I think I am impacted. I just don't understand how this happens when I have been taking miralax. I wish I was seeing my doctor sooner...December 28 seems so far away right now.
Posted 10/22/2009 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Lizzie,

It sounds like you've been through sooooo much than even if things finally got fixed it's hard for you to let go of the past. I live with constant fear of adhesion reobstruction and I've been fine for 2+ years. I am seriously considering going on a mild antidepressant called Celexa. It's not supposed to have any GI side effects. Do you suppose something like this would help you? Maybe just temporary until these post-surgical blues go or would you rather not medicate? It's always a tough call to make.

Are you able to get outside a bit, watch TV, get some diversion, that always helps. Believe in miracles as you are one. and so am I. So easy for me to say; living it and believing it are 2 different things. :-) You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rosemary
Posted 10/22/2009 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Tracy, so good to here from you!! Yes, the disimpacting is awful, awful, awful!!! I absolutely HATE IT!!! Thank you for the information about the colostomy! I never knew that was an option! I really need to get a good GI doctor here. I only have my GP. He is a great, great man but does not know what to do with me. He is not familiar with Anismus. The last GI doctor I saw here, after I had been to the Mayo and the biofeedback did not work, said to me "So, What do you want me to do for you???!!!! I was so frustrated I left the office and never went back! That was in March! She seemed to have no clue about this anismus thing!!!??? When I told my GP, he was just as disappointed, frustrated, and angry as I was! He and I have been looking into this serotonin connection, but have no idea how to proceed. He has tried doing some stuff with that by experimenting with the dosages of amytriptaline and another antidepressant. He hesitant about me having surgery. He said lets try a few things first. I'd hate for you to have to have surgery if there is possibly a way to fix this thing without it. But, maybe there is no other way. I'm going to make an appointment with him and talk to him once again about other options. He hasn't seen me in a while and I think he will be surprised to see how thin I have gotten! I'm so sorry that a colostomy is not an option for you and that if you have surgery, you would have to have a bag!! I'm sorry you are having a hard time right now! I know how difficult it is to have all that thick poop in there needing to come out, but won't!! I can't believe laxitives do not at least loosen the stool, although having said that, like I've said I find diarrhea harder to get out. I don't know if that's the case with you! It has got to be the colonic inertia thing causing your added problems. So glad that I don't have that!! But having said that, because my colon does move the stool to the rectum everday, if I've eaten, I have to disimpact everyday which is extremely time consuming and painful. I guess there is no answer here!? Whatever the case maybe, what we are going through is HELL!!

Lizzie, thank you so much for addressing my post!! I so greatly appreciate the support!!! I'm feeling emotionally a little better today. Maybe falling apart last night and telling you guys about our financial dilemma was what I needed to do! Don't know why I was so scared to tell you guys, so afraid to fall apart and appear (well like you said) selfish! Everyone here is going through so much that I felt stupid for complaining, etc. But we are not selfish we are all going through a lot and need to vent! Thank God we have each other to do that, and when we do and feel bad about it, we have each other to say "Don't feel like you're being selfish!" So here it is Lizzie....YOU ARE NOT BEING SELFISH!!!! God, after all that you have been thorugh, who would not be depressed!!!! There are people out there depressed or down and they have not had to deal with anything close to what you have had to deal with! So please do not add anymore stress to yourself by feeling guilty for being depressed! The only other thing is, that maybe there is something chemically going on in your body that is causing the depression. You have been through a lot and you normally are a very strong person. I'd go to your doctor and talk to him about it. I know a friend who was suffering depression and it was a vitamin B deficiency. Who knows what your surgery and other medications have done to your body! I don't know, just a thought. In the meantime, hang in there! You are in my thoughts and prayers. A big HUG to you!!!! 

Marissa I am so sorry to here about your mom. I'm feeling better today and the reason is, not only because of you guys, but because I just talked to my mom this morning! She is such a great support! I don't know what I'd do without her!! I'm crying right now thinking about all that you are going through! I pray for your mom and for you!!

Jen I hope all goes well today! I pray that your surgery is a success! I know your scared! God I would be too. Actually I am and that is why I have been avoiding even thinking about surgery up until now. I just don't want to have to do it!!! I think you are so brave to have finally made a decision! God, I pray it all goes well!! And WHY CAN"T IT??? I had a tumor removed back in 1997. I went in, they removed it, I recovered, and all was fine! Why can't the surgeries, that the people here on this site have had to have, go that smoothly???? Although from what I've read, people with colonic inertia are glad that they have had the surgery even if there maybe some complications after!! I pray that your surgery goes well and there are NO complications!! Let's all think positively!!

Conmarjo Yay! You pooped!!! Happy dance! Happy dance!! It's funny that something, that so many people take for granted, could be so joyful!! I remember that day that I surprisingly pooped after not being able to for so long. It was like being a kid at Christmas!! I wish I knew why that happened that day! I wish I could do that again! But, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!! I hope that your test goes well and that clot as dissolved! I'll pray for you!!

Again thanks everyone!! I am so grateful that I have all of you!! I'm emotionally feeling better! Sure I may not have solved my pooping issue, but just feeling better emotionally right now is half the battle! My husband and I have an appointment with the bank today. We are seeing if there is anything that can be done so that we can avoid moving again!

Take care everyone!

Janice

Posted 10/22/2009 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
LIZZIE,

I just had a thought after reading Fighter's post. Have the following blood tests: B12 level, Methylmalnoic acid level and intrinsic factor antibody test. If B12 is low, Methylmalonic acid is high, and you have intrinsic factor antibodies it means that you need monthly B12 vitamin shots. I have had to get them since my 2006 surgery. Fighter it right; I'm so glad she made that comment. This would be a much better way to find out why you are so depressed (other than having been through HELL and it may be normal to be depressed.) Ignore my Celexa idea and get these blood tests. May also be other physical reasons. Sincerely, Rosemary Good LUck!
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