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Pending subtotal colectomy

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Posted 6/18/2014 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I am new to this site. I have had constipation for about 40 years. Early on, fiber helped my problem. However, that quit working altogether, so I moved onto Amitiza and Linzess, which didn't help. OTC laxatives helped me for years, but now the only one that helps at all is Ex-Lax. I have been to two specialists, had colonic motility studies, etc, and I was finally, recently, approved for a subtotal colectomy. I am now getting cold feed, after having read so many posts about people having problem after surgery. I don't want to go from the fire into the frying pan! My only symptoms now are constipation and some bloating, which are usually relived with several Ex-Lax pills. Of course, my body may eventually become immune to the Ex-Lax, like it has some other otc drugs. Do you post-op patients think it's worth all the post-op symptoms to have my colon removed, just to relieve chronic constipation? Thanks so much for any advice and words of wisdom you can give me!

Post Edited (Valhalla) : 6/18/2014 9:37:27 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/19/2014 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
for me it was worth it and i ended up with a surgical error and two more surgeries and 9 months off work (VERY atypical course of events). but now, 5 years on, i'm glad i went through it all.

for years i was able to get by with meds (cisapride which i used has since been removed from the market) but eventually everything stopped working and i was miserable.

no doubt about it, it was scary (even without the 2 additional surgeries and extended recovery time) but it turned out good in the end. i eat what i want (except pasta-always seem to end up with a partial blockage from that for some reason) and i'm much happier.
Posted 6/19/2014 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Ride-a-Bike, thanks so much for your reply. It's good to hear that you are doing well and happy with your long-term results. One problem I have is timing; my husband works overseas as a contractor, and can only come home this summer for a short while. He will have to fly back exactly two weeks after my surgery date, so if I have trouble after two weeks, I will be alone again. My son is in school in New York, and cannot be here either. After reading a lot of posts, I doubt that two weeks will be long enough for me to need no more "care" at home. Do you mind giving me your thoughts on that? Thank you.
Posted 6/19/2014 11:00 PM (GMT 0)

Valhalla said...
After reading a lot of posts, I doubt that two weeks will be long enough for me to need no more "care" at home. Do you mind giving me your thoughts on that? Thank you.

It's hard to say. If everything goes perfectly well and you're out of the hospital after the first week, by the end of the second you should be pretty much capable on your own. Lifting heavy things will be an issue for a while, as will driving. You'll still need someone to help run errands depending on how long you're unable to drive and help with major household chores/tasks (mowing the lawn, etc). Barring any major complications or issues you won't really need someone there to help care for you physically 24/7 (emotionally might be a different story, but that's a personal decision) even during your first week home from the hospital.
Posted 6/20/2014 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Okay, that makes sense. If nothing goes wrong I should be okay after two weeks, but if something does go wrong and I'm alone, not good. I may end up postponing this surgery until my husband comes back to The States for good in 2015, and hope that the Ex-lax will help until then, lol The things we some times have to go through! I truly appreciate your time and willingness to answer my questions this week; you have been very helpful.
Posted 6/20/2014 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Valhalla. I had a total colectomy with ileo-anal anastomosis 6 yrs ago due to ulcerative colitis that was no longer responsive to any medication or other treatment. It was a two stage surgery and I lived with an ostomy for a few months before they let me use my new plumbing. I obviously don't have the same insight as someone who has lived with an ostomy for years, but I still remember some pros and cons. On the pro side: it worked - it relieved the agonizing pain I was in for years, and that counts for a whole lot! I was at high risk for developing colon cancer and that risk was eliminated. Needed to go but no bathroom? No problem, got a bag. On the con side: I had a lot of problems with skin irritation around the stormy from leaks. I probably would have gotten better at fitting if I had for a longer period. I also had problems with excess gas and trouble with finding time and a place to release it. Once my bag overinflated while I was asleep and burst when I rolled over. But they do make ventable bags. Another issue is cost. Bags, lotions, adhesive removers, powders, the adhesive rings, tools. Bags with more features cost more. And these are costs you are stuck with for life. If your insurance covers it, not a problem. And for me, arthritis made changing and emptying bags very difficult. Just some things you may not have known about to ponder.
Posted 6/22/2014 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
do to my complications and ileus after each surgery i was still in the hospital at the two week point so i really can't say, i did not have a "normal" recovery. sorry i'm not much help in this regard.
Posted 6/22/2014 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
Ride-a-bike I think you brought up a good point actually. Developing an ileus post op is actually not at all uncommon. I had one after my colectomy and the estimated 5-7 days turned into 9.
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