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Seeing Surgeon This Week

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Posted 8/19/2007 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
I am looking at having laparoscopic surgery to have my colon removed.

I know the doctor will order several tests. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about what I should ask the surgeon?

I want the small intestines attached to the rectum. I know they'll have to do tests to make sure the rectum muscles and such are working.

I plan on not taking a laxative after the beginning of this week so that the test results will show actual results. Any other tips?
Posted 8/19/2007 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
ME, Just be patient. My doctor ordered a series of tests over a period of 6 months before I had my colectomy. I became overly frustrated but I knew it was for the best. I am not sure about what questions to ask at this point because you are in the beginning stages. Once you are scheduled for surgery you may want to think about what to expect after surgery, your recovery time, time off work, your diet, any lifestyles changes, any bowel changes and such. However, those questions will come when you know exactly what your doctor's plan is for you.

Best Regards :o)
Posted 8/19/2007 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Amey.

I have been seeing a GI doctor for a year. Have already had several tests and have tried several meds which haven't worked. So actually this is the middle stage for me. I am going to let the surgeon know that I want to get all the tests done he wants done NOW. I will let him know that I understand this is major surgery, but I've been dealing with this pain for over a year now and I want it to stop, so I am fine with having the colon removed.
Posted 8/20/2007 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Me: are you have a TC because of constipation?
Posted 8/20/2007 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Mom2sophia,

I have colonic inertia, which is a condition in which the nerves and/or muscles of the colon do not work normally. As a result, the contents of the colon are not propelled through the colon normally.

And probably Pelvic floor dysfunction, all due to MS. I was dx'd with MS five years ago. Had a major flare and was numb from the waist down. I'm sure some damaged occurred then and has just gotten worse.
Posted 8/20/2007 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I would sugest you see an ET nurse to make sure your stoma is located properly. You don't want it at your waist of because wearing clothes. Ask your dr. for a consult. You will be talking to an
ET nurse while in the hospital about caring for your ostomy and products. I was pretty doped up during that talk and wish I would have talked about products before. They'll give you a clear pouch in the hospital so they can keep an eye on it, however I prefer the flesh colored ones at home.
Good luck to you and be sure to let us know how things are going. I'm sure someone else will come along with more suggestions.

Sandy B.
Posted 8/20/2007 8:11 PM (GMT 0)

ME, I was diagnosed with colonic inertia back in 2003.  I have been dealing with my constipation with hot water bag enemas ever since.  The docs at the time, whom I didn't agree with, told me if that relieves my bowel, then to give myself enemas the rest of my life instead of having a TC. 

I went to a different doctor this May after I had my daughter...they just repeated the Sitz Marker...have you ever had one?  All the rings are hung up in my left colon near the sigmoid.  I also have a rectocele...they are in that too and I can feel it.  I have pelvic floor problems as well.  Just curious to see what your Sitz Marker revealed.  Are you going to have a bag?

Posted 8/21/2007 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
M2S,

The GI doc I was seeing last year did my marker study wrong! So my new GI doctor told him that would need to be redone, but the one xray I had taken 3 days after I took the pill showed 17 markers left, but I don't know where.

I think my colon has gotten worse so I'm glad they're going to redo it anyway. I think from what I've read that if 2/3 of the markers are left that would be considered severe constipation.

Do they have to put in a temporary bag? I am hoping that the rectum muscles are strong enough that I won't need to have a bag and can have the small intestine hooked up to the rectum.

Have you seen a surgeon yet? I told my GI doctor I was sick of this and I wanted to see a surgeon. From what others have said some GI doctors don't want to consider surgery or are very reluctant to do so.
Posted 8/22/2007 12:20 PM (GMT 0)

I saw 2 surgeons back when I was first diagnosed.  Both said if they wouldn't do a TC.  One said to fix the rectocele and enterocele first, the other said if I can relieve myself with hot water bag enemas then do that for the rest of my life....yeah right....now I am up to 4 to feel relieved.  So now I am at Hopkins in MD and they are taking things very slow.  I have gastroparesis, so they are trying to get that under control.  I am waiting to see what they say about the marker study. 

Hopkins doesn't want to do surgery...they would rather try another medicine...I am getting sick of this too.  I don't want to diagnose myself, but if that many marker were left, and I can't go on my own, then wouldn't a TC be a possibility?  We will see what they say.  I will keep you posted.

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