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Posted 3/23/2017 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
I had part of my colon removed in Jan 2015 to fix problems with complete fecal incontinence, resulting in a permanent colostomy. However, I continue to have severe constipation. It has gotten so bad that I am taking a handful of different meds to try to manage it and those are failing.

In order to have a BM, I end up taking my daily doses of amitiza, bisacodyl, and miralax. I irrigate. I use suppositories sometimes. I always have to drink an entire bottle of mag citrate, and then about 12 hours later, I have output.

I have a neurogenic bowel which results in having "normal" or at least more frequent BMs about 1/4 of the time, and the other 3/4 of the time is constipation. All completely unpredictable of course!

So, I recently brought up an idea to my doc about the possibility of removing MORE of my colon, but NOT ALL of it, in the hopes of decreasing constipation. Not sure if she would really consider this as an option.

If some of the colon would be left in, I wouldn't end up w/ an ileostomy, which would have liquid output, more frequent output, and other possible issues that I don't deal with now. But, on the other hand, I might get some relief from the constipation, as it seems to be a problem in the colon only.

I know it wouldn't be a guaranteed fix, but just a thought for now. Anyone ever heard of such a thing?


Sunny13
Posted 3/23/2017 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sunny13,

I recently had an ileostomy because of colonic inertia, along with pelvic floor problems which made a resection futile. The surgeon explained that she was concerned that I would still have problems if I had a colostomy.

I can already tell that it's going to be a lot better than going 10 days or 2 weeks without a BM, not to mention far less pain. Frankly, I had no idea what it might feel like to NOT be constipated or having to strain so much. I'm still healing so going through adjustments with output and consistency... again, not a huge deal in comparison. I also started to get concerned with what was happening to all those toxins because of not eliminating, so was obsessed with sweating by exercise or sauna... but that's my own paranoia.

I hope you're able to find relief, I would be interested to know what is recommended.

Good luck, Vicki
Posted 3/26/2017 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have read that partial removal of the colon will not work for constipation because the inertia is throughout the colon.

I would think you should shoot for an ileostomy. Yes, it might fill more than a colostomy, but constipation becomes a thing of the past.

Taking hand fulls of meds for constipation is just not good on the body. It depletes the absorbtion of essential vitamins and minerals.
Posted 4/13/2017 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there! I've been on healingwell for years now. I had a total abdominal colectomy 6 years ago for colonic inertia, and they connected my small intestine to my rectum. It took a couple of years for my body to regulate itself, but I now have normal bowel movements once or twice a day. I had to have a LOT of tests done before they would consider this surgery, and I went through a lot of medications. It got so bad, I was taking handfuls of dulcolax, cups of miralax, and other prescriptions to try to help. Zelnorm was a godsend for me, but it was black boxed due to fatal side effects. I had no other options, so I went to two teaching hospitals to get their opinions. I went to UNC and Duke, and after getting the same opinion at both places (after lots of testing) I opted for the total colectomy. I was warned that there was a chance I could end up with a bag, but at that point, ANYTHING was better than the way I was living. I had some minor pelvic floor issues, so even now when I go, most of it comes out but I still need to use a warm water enema while on the toilet to get the rest of the bowel movement completely evacuated. All things considered, it's the most difficult thing I've ever been through, but also the best decision I've ever made. If you have any questions I'm happy to help!!
Posted 4/14/2017 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
I remember your posts and inquiries as you were deciding on your first surgery and eventual colostomy.

I remember wondering why it was that your surgeon was recommending a colostomy and not an initial ileosotomy given your pronounced colon slowness/inertia.

An ileostomy might be a bit more maintenance than a colostomy, but in your instance I think would be preferable to your current bowel program of extensive magnesium citrate and laxatives.

I have an ileosotmy and it is no big deal. My stoma is well-behaved and emptying and care of the pouch is not overwhelming.

Best wishes in your decision. At the end of the day, it is your body and your life and deciding on the ostomy that will best serve you.
- Karen -
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