HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Do you need tests in order to qualify for a colectomy? (ex: colonoscopy, sitz marker test, etc)

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/10/2018 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!

I have extremely serious colonic inertia (constipation). I cannot go to the bathroom at all. After trying everything, enemas are the only thing that help give some relief. I am in the bathroom for 3 hours a day. This has ruined my quality of life and so I am still seeking the answer.

I finally discovered that one can have a colectomy in order to help this issue.
In order to have a colectomy, do the surgeons/doctor require that you have certain tests done beforehand like a colonoscopy or a sitz marker test? Is it required in order to qualify for the colectomy surgery? Or can I still qualify for the surgery by explaining to the doctor my situation/history?

Thank you so much.
Posted 3/13/2018 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Your problem is the exact opposite of mine. What did your GI doctor tell you as to what is causing this problem? Have you had colonoscopies? Are you under treatment for your problem? I had ulcerative proctitis. My problem was going too much! I also had bleeding and pain. For twelve years, my UC stayed in the rectum and never traveled further into the colon. My GI doctor refused to send me to a colorectal surgeon. He just wanted me to try more and more drugs. I found a colorectal surgeon online, went to him and requested surgery. I had my GI doctor send him all my records. I suffered for twelve years, so it was quite a pile. Long story short, I had the surgery in 2010. I have a permanent ileo and no regrets.
Posted 3/13/2018 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
If you bring up quality of life most surgeons are willing to do the surgery, they will probably go over all your past treatments first, usually it’s a last resort thing. My issue was also the opposite of yours but my quality of life improved so much!
Posted 3/14/2018 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
@Christine1946

No doctor has figured out what causes the issue. They can only say IBS-C. Here and there I will get a naturopathic doctor that brings up candida/bacterial overgrowth and things of that nature but I am so sick and tired of this. I have tried everything and nothing works.
I have an appt with another GI in a few days who is most likely going to run a bunch of tests like the sitz marker, maybe barium enema?, a colonoscopy/endoscopy, and maybe a few other things. If you guys recommend any other tests please let me know as well. Thank you so much.

Do you have any other advice about the colectomy?

I hope you are doing well and thank you so much for replying! smile
Posted 3/14/2018 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
@Mak37

Did your colorectal surgeon give you a hard time? How did the surgery go for you?

I'm so glad your quality of life improve though, I hope that will be me very soon. I am a student and this is really affecting my quality of life in so many ways. Something has to be done. I have tried everything and I am just trying to get through each day hoping that something will be done soon. sad

Thank you so much for responding!
Posted 3/14/2018 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
I think it would depend on whether you can get all your past records indicating you've been dealing with the problem for a long time, what you've tried, and the responses you've had. In order to get insurance to cover, you would need to make sure you have all your ducks in a row. You would also probably want to figure out what is the best surgical option for you. You may be a candidate for reconnection, but really, only a surgeon can give you your options. I would think consulting with a surgeon would be a good step in figuring out whether surgery is right for you. While life after surgery isn't going to give you the once a day you may have had when you were a kid, you may have a greatly improved quality of life if you're currently living with pain and unpredictability. I can say though, if an enema is a viable solution, perhaps doing them on a daily basis is an option? Have you tried a lot of medications or dietary changes? Natropaths seem to always be selling some sort of agenda, and they do not have a ton of medical backing.
Posted 3/14/2018 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
My colorectal surgeon didn’t give me a bad time, he told me it would be laparoscopic but ended up having to do an open surgery from complications that were already there. I am also a student which is one of the reasons I am glad I got my surgery, I already wasted a lot of life from my disease and am still young so I’m glad I will be able to live a normal life now. I couldn’t even go to clas now I can, it’s definitely not perfect but compared to how I was before I would do it a million more times.
Posted 3/14/2018 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
Mak37,

Wow that’s amazing. You are so lucky. I really hope to have this surgery. If you don’t mind me asking, who was your surgeon and what tests did you have done beforehand?

Thank you so much!!
Posted 3/14/2018 4:57 AM (GMT 0)
@notsosicklygirl,

Hi,
I have tried so many different things. Colon hydrotherapy, chiropractor, supplements, probiotics, ,anti anxiety medication, medications/laxatives, which don’t work anymore. Of course a change of diet which I continue to do because I am uncomfortable everyday, all the time, after I eat- no matter what it is or how much of it it is.
The enemas I have been doing for a while now but I still don’t get complete relief after and it takes 3 hours out of my day each day. It’s mentally and physically exhausting and draining. This is not a good way to live. I’m hoping there is something out there that can give relief because this is just ruling my life at this point.
Posted 3/15/2018 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
Elena...I just want to put something out there.
I know a young woman who had the same issues as you for a long time. She would go extreme long periods of time without having to go to the bathroom..... really bad constipation.
I am not sure if the diagnosis of colonic inertia ever came up ( even though it sounds like that is what it was)...
She was plagued by this during her college years.
It was quite some time later...after tests...they determined it was Celiac Disease,
She changed her diet......and she is remarkably better. All those issues are gone.
I just wanted to chime in here on the chance that this might be of some help to you.
Posted 4/6/2018 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
In July 2010 I had a subtotal colectomy because of colonic inertia. Before that, the only way I could have a bowel movement was by taking a handful of laxatives.
After many tests were done by gastroenterologists, I was finally referred to Cedars Sinai for testing. Yes, I believe you need additional testing before surgery is done. Other factors must be ruled out.
A local general surgeon did the surgery two months later.
Although there are many foods I can no longer eat (fruits, veggies,nuts, whole grains) my quality of life has improved dramatically.
Posted 4/7/2018 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
How are you doing Elena?
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply