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Has anyone on this board had a TC due to constipation?

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Posted 9/27/2007 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Lori:


VIEW IMAGE VIEW IMAGE

Here is my little girl and I.  Isn't she precious?????

Anyway, if I didn't have an infant to worry about I would have no problem traveling to have my surgery done.  I wish I could go to your surgeon...he sounds fantastic!!!

I am hoping that the gyno visit on the 22nd proves worth the trip...something hasn't been right since I had Sophia. 

I couldn't imagine vomitting as much as you did.  That is absolutely the worst thing to me...I am praying I don't have to go through that.

I just made an appt with the surgeon for Oct 16th.  I am going to write down every question I want to ask him. Wouldn't you agree that you have to feel comfortable with your surgeon?  I hope I feel the same way I did that last time I talked to him.

My husband can only get off work for a week...looks like he will be spending that week with me in the hospital.  Oh how I wish he could take off longer.

Will the hospital provide diapers?  Were you on a lot of pain meds..even when you went home?

Posted 9/28/2007 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
Sophia is precious and looks so happy with her mommy. I love your haircut, too! You definitely have your hands full.. I forget what it's like to have children that little around.

My surgeon was fantastic. I think the world of him and everything that him and his staff did for me and went thru with me. Yes, I really believe that you should feel comfortable with your surgeon if you can. Unfortunately, I didn't see my surgeon much before surgery. I went to see him for a consultation and he asked me if I could stay for testing. A 1 night trip turned into 8 days of testing. I saw my surgeon about 15 minutes the entire time that I was there. He called me on the telephone 2 weeks later after he had reviewed my test findings and gave me my options and we chose a surgery date. I spoke with him about 20 minutes asking questions. Then, I saw him the morning of my surgery, and while in the hospital. I didn't know him at all except for everything that I read about him everywhere on the internet. He's written textbooks on colon surgeries, he's so good, so I was really lucky placing so much trust in him and I didn't really no hardly anything about a total colectomy other than it would help me go to the bathroom on my own again. Now, I go about 4-5 times a day and haven't been bloated since before I had surgery. I told my husband tonite that it's been a tough last 2 months but this week I'm happier than ever. I'm not hurting, I'm lots healthier, and my body looks great (other than my huge scar).

I'm sorry that you haven't felt right since you had your daughter. We know our bodies better than doctors sometimes I think. I know that after I had my rectocele surgery something wasn't right. I couldn't have a bowel movement for anything, and by the time that I had this surgery I was so sick and tired of warm water enemas. When I got home from surgery, I thru out all of the laxatives, and my warm water enema bag and smiled!

My vomitting was really bad. I originally left the hospital after only 4 days, and I think that it was way too early. They liked you to walk and if you could do 7 laps of walking with your i.v. pole on the floor, you were supposedly strong enough to go home. My problem was that I was going to the bathroom but wasn't ready to eat foods. When I got out of the hospital it was too soon and the next afternoon I was back for 5 more days. I took it more slowly, but I have had a few days where I am nauseous and have had to take it easy yet. Your body will let you know. Some days are good and others you will need more rest.

It's wonderful that your husband may be able to stay with you while you're in the hospital. Trust me, if you have a good and strong relationship with him now, you will have a bond after this surgery that is even better. It's been the happiest thing for me. Since the surgery I don't take my husband so much for granted and can really see what I love in him. Do you have a mom or mother-in-law that can help you out when you get home if you have the surgery? If you have anyone that can help you, please ask them. You will need their help. I have lots to say about this surgery because mine has been so recent. The best thing though that I can tell you if you have this surgery, is to go into it with the most positive attitude towards the surgery and trust in your doctors that you can. I started seeing a counselor when I was told that I needed a colostomy (even though I didn't), and continued to see him until pre-surgery for my total colectomy. I was really scared and he helped me by teaching me relaxation excercises and positive sayings so that I could have a better attitude going into surgery.

The hospital provided diapers and wipes for me while I was there. Their wipes are thicker and are really nice. My mom got a good supply from one of the nurses before I came home. She just asked, and the nurse gave my mom a great supply for me to start out with. In the hospital I was on a pain pump for the first 2 days and then off it for the remainder. I was given a pain prescription when I left the hospital, but never filled it and I hate pain. I hurt and was uncomfortable, but wasn't in pain that I couldn't bare. I did call and ask for nausea meds after I left the first time, before having to return to the hospital. They wouldn't give me any and made me come in to be checked. That's when I really got sick. I guess that's why they don't give out nausea meds. I sure would have liked them, though. I did get 2 shots for nausea while in the hospital the second time. They made me more nauseous!
Go figure..

Lori
Posted 9/28/2007 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Mom

 

You and your daughter are absolutely beautiful! I love her red hair! My youngest had reddish hair when he was little but it got darker as he got older. The funny thing is that if he grows a beard, it's mostly brown but along his jawline it's red. I told him that's the Irish in him.

Be sure to let us know how your appointment with the surgeon goes. That's great that your husband will be able to take some time off work. My hubby came by the hosptial each day before work which was nice since I was so far from home. I had an uneventful surgery and recovery for which I'm grateful. I had surgery on 9/10 and will be going back to work on 10/8.

Posted 9/28/2007 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Terri...thank you so much.  She actually got the red hair from her great grandfather...I love it!!

I will be sure to keep everyone updated.

Now...I have a question.  I just gave myself an enema again because I was feeling constipated, even though I just gave myself 5 enemas 2 nights ago.  Well, a pill came out that was in whole form...looked like I had just swallowed...except I took it over a week ago...what do you make of this?  It wasn't broken down...could that indicate something is wrong with my small intestine?

I am a little worried.

Lindsay

Posted 9/28/2007 2:49 PM (GMT 0)

Lindsay-

I really hope that your appointment will go well.

Regarding your weight and surgery- basically every doctor that I have met said that they would absolutely not erform surgery on anyone who is this underweight. I actually weigh less than you do and have had the same problems. I also feel that the constipation greatly adds to my GP; whenever I was able to "force" a BM, my stomach felt much better and I was able to eat more normally. Anyway, most doctors said that even the anesthesia is very dangerous and therefor, you should be in the best physical condition. This makes it very hard, because how are we supposed to get there if we cannot eat because of our colon and GP??? It´s a vicious cycle...

Keep us informed.

Love,

Andrea

Posted 9/28/2007 3:38 PM (GMT 0)

Lindsay

I can't quite remember, but don't you have a rectocele? If so, they can cause you to 'feel' like you need to go or that your rectum isn't completly empty. I had one after my second child who was 11 lb 9 oz. I had bowel problems until it was fixed (bladder was done at the same time) and was helped by the surgery for it.

As far as the pill goes, what kind of pill was it? Some pills that are wax coated come out like they went in, although your body has absorbed what it needs from it.

Posted 9/28/2007 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
It was Procardia...I was supposed to take it for chest pains...I side effect I was having from domperidone ( I am obviously not taking that anymore).  How do find out if it was wax coated?  That is very interesting..I never knew that.

Posted 9/28/2007 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
Procardia is a calcium-channel blocker. Did you know that one of the side effects is constipation? I did find this for you:

Upon swallowing, the biologically inert components of the tablet remain intact during GI transit and are eliminated in the feces as an insoluble shell.

So, what you're seeing is just the shell. I take potassium and they do the same thing. When I'd take my magnesium citrate on Fridays, I'd end up with 20 'shells' in the toilet.

 
Posted 9/28/2007 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Mom,

You are gorgeous! And Sophia is beautiful! I hope that you find the health you seek. My daughter was 13 months old when I started to get seriously ill. Like you, I did not know how I could subject myself to surgery while I had a 1 year old daughter and a 3 year old son. I finally had the surgery when my kids were ages 3 and 5. I wish I would not have waited so long. I was walking, biking, cleaning, driving, and everything else when I was 4 days out of surgery. Can you hubby take a week vacation so you can heal? I know how stuff it is to spend so much time focusing on trying to have a BM, going days and days without food, and feeling like you just cannot take it anymore. Please let us know what happens after you see your Dr. I really worry about you! I look forward to reading your comments after your visit.
Posted 9/28/2007 6:24 PM (GMT 0)

Terri, how are you able to go back to work so fast after total colectomy surgery?  Was yours laproscopic surgery only?  I had my surgery on 8/8/07.  It started out laproscopic but ended up open, and my scar is still healing.  I'm going back to work on Monday (10/1) partial days for two weeks. confused I am really nervous about returning to work because I'm still unable to make it to the bathroom in time sometimes, or not at all, and I'm trying to stick with bland foods to reduce my chances of that happening.  Are you making it to the bathroom alright or do you have some problems, too?

Surgery has changed my life for the better, but it has changed my life lots.. I've always liked smaller purses, but today I had to go shopping for a large purse so that I could fit a diaper, panties, cream, and wipes in my purse and it be hidden without being in sight and/or falling out.  I've lost 30 pounds in 2 months, so I've had to buy smaller clothing, too.  Because I have to watch what I eat now, too, even cooking and buying groceries is different.  My husband and I used to eat out alot, but now eat at home more because it seems like all of my food has to be softer and unspicy.  Do you eat everything yet, or do you have to watch it, too?

Lori

 

 

Posted 9/28/2007 6:50 PM (GMT 0)

Lori

Yes, my surgery was laparoscopic. That's why I went to the Bay Area instead of having it done locally. Actually, my surgeon has invented a lot of the instruments that are used during different laparoscopic procedures today. He is also the same surgeon that did my colon resection two years ago. He had originally said that he would try it laparoscopically but that he seriously doubted he would be able to because of the many abdominal/pelvic surgeries that I have had. The first thing I did when I woke up in the recovery room was feel my stomach to see if there was an incision. I was excited when I felt none. I do have six one-inch port incisions, a two-inch incision where the drains came out, and a three-inch incision where he pulled everything out of. That totals eleven inches of incisions, but at least they're spread out instead of all being in one area.

So far I have been able to make it to the bathroom in time. The employee bathroom is about 30 feet from my office, so I should be fine. I work at a doctor's office and have a sit down job. I figure if I can sit at home I can sit there too. LOL  I will be taking an extra set of scrubs just in case.

I've been able to eat just about anything so far. I did have my husband pick up wipes because my butt was getting sore when the diarrhea was really bad. I've also noticed the odor is a lot different now, so I'll be taking some spray back to work with me as well.

Posted 9/28/2007 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Terri, you sound like you're doing just great!  yeah I'm glad that you've had a good experience and are recovering so well and FAST... You sound more confident about going back to work than me.  My office is quite a way from the restroom, so I may have to possibly switch offices.. Hopefully not.  I understand you well with the odor thing.  Mine is much stronger, too, and I'm worried about that at work, too.  You're right.. I'll be having air fresheners in my office and in the restroom.. You're really lucky to work in a dr.'s office.. Maybe they're more understanding about getting well..  My supervisor and co-workers have been wonderful, I'm just timid about returning back to work with so many new things going on.

 

Lori

Posted 9/28/2007 9:34 PM (GMT 0)

Amey:  Thank you so much.  Don't worry about me...you need to focus on you. :-)   I am just crossing my fingers that they will preform surgery on me even though I have problems with gastric emptying and of course my weight.

Terri:  Thank you so much for looking into that for me.  I cut that pill open and sure enough  there was nothing inside...you learn something new everyday!!

Lori:  I hope I don't have a problem with not making it to the bathroom...this worries me.  I might have to take a few online classs before I feel confident enough that I can make it.  Is everyone like that?  If you were to eat a piece of cake, would you have diarhea?  Just curious what sugar does to you.

Lindsay

Posted 9/28/2007 11:28 PM (GMT 0)

Lori

Actually, I've always been lucky in that I heal quick from surgery in general. This was number 33 for me. I was up walking the same day I had the TC. I was brought from recovery to my room at 6 pm and was walking the halls at 11 pm.

Speaking of the odor issue, one of the gals at my office has a mini (travel size) Oust that she keeps in her purse. I'm calling her tonight to see where she got it at. Sounds like just what we'd need.

My office is very understanding about what I'm going through and the doctor is wonderful. He saved my life when I had the breast cancer, so I'm sure part of my wanting to go back is because I feel like I owe him that much. To explain that, I had a large breast cyst that he had drained and then it came back again the following year. He told me that he'll drain it once but that I needed to have it removed since it came back. I said nah, he said yeah...and that went on for a while. I finally agreed. When the path report came back it revealed that I had breast cancer. The cyst itself wasn't cancerous, but when they removed it they made wide margins (extra tissue) and just happened to grab some cancer cells at the same time. I was only 36 and wasn't going for yearly mammograms and wouldn't have for another four years, which probably would have been my demise.

Lindsay

You're very welcome. I used to do the transcription from home, so I still have a lot of my links on my home computer. They still come in handy when I'm home.

Posted 9/28/2007 11:51 PM (GMT 0)

Terri, my goodness you do heal quickly and I'm glad that you have such a great office to go back to.  They all seem so understanding to your needs.  I am so sorry that you've had to go thru so many surgeries.  This one was enough for me to never want to see a hospital again for the rest of my life.  Honestly..

Thank you for telling me about the travel sized oust.  If you find out where they can be bought, please let me know.. I've been having gassy problems of course, too.  It hasn't happened today, but I have been.  My awful husband calls me SBD (silent but deadly).  I guess that he needs humor thru all of this, too. tongue

Lindsay, I'm not sure about the cake.  I haven't had any yet.  I don't think that sugar causes me to rush to the bathroom though, because I've become an avid sweet tea drinker.  I used to drink diet sodas all day, but my colorectal nurse said that they might blow me up so I haven't even tried them yet.  I have had some of Edwards' little single slice cheesecakes and they taste wonderful to me.  I must sound funny to you as I used to eat everything in sight.  I could eat a candy bar before you could blink and I just don't crave them anymore.  When I try new foods and they have a distinct smell or taste, they seem to bother me.  I could live on chicken salad, rice, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, Olive Garden's ministrone soup, and asparagrus lately.  Spaghetti with turkey is wonderful, too.  I didn't used to like ground turkey at all.  My husband says that I'm making him healthier, too.

Also, I didn't used to excercise hardly at all.  Now, I walk and walk and walk.  It is a good release for me and it's great for us motility disorder folks, too.

Lori

Posted 9/29/2007 12:56 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Lori,

I got in touch with my friend and she said that she found it at Walmart but also saw it at Target. I'm going tomorrow.

Posted 9/29/2007 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Terri, I earned my AS in medical transcription and medical assisting 3 years ago.  I haven't done anything with it since.  My career interests have changed since then.  I think learning what I did in school has helped me to understand a lot about my illness however...things always happen for a reason it seems.

I was just going to mention that walmart has the isle full of travel sized stuff...I am sure you could find it there.

Posted 10/5/2007 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
If someone said to you:

You can have a bowel movement as long as you give yourself 3 warm water enemas, take 4 colace and 3 dulcolax.  You would do this every 4 days and be house bound the day you do it.....would you do this or have a TC?

 

Posted 10/6/2007 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Mom2sophia, I would choose the total colectomy.  I went thru all of that and I know that it is not a good way to live.   sad   total colectomy is a tough surgery and has taken me a couple of months to get my energy back.  I still get tired easily and if I have many bowel movements a day, I get nauseous.  It is still a better life than before.  Who told you to take that many laxitives every 4 days?  It seems like you would lose as much weight doing that if it worked, as you would if you did have the surgery.  l just caution you that you will need alot of help the first month even if laproscopy works.  My doctor tried laproscopy for me, but I ended up with open surgery and it took a long time for my scar to heal.  I hope that you get the help that you need.  A total colectomy may make your life totally better. yeah

 

Lori

Posted 10/6/2007 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Mom,

I would definintely choose the TC ...hands down! Laxatives are addictive and they cause many, many problems. Why would you choose laxatives over surgery?
Posted 10/7/2007 12:48 AM (GMT 0)

I am not going to choose laxatives over surgery.  I was just throwing the question out there to see what you would say...I am concerned my surgeon is going to think if I can have a bowel movement with that regimen, that I am not a candidate? KWIM?

That is what I took Thursday night...I pooped all day on Friday.  Now today, my stomach is pretty sensative, and I have a lot of acid reflux and gas.  I have only been able to eat applesauce and crackers today. 

I appreciate your responses...as it makes me feel better knowing that you would choose the TC.

Posted 10/7/2007 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
Mom,

I had many BMs a day. However, all of my BMs were induced and that is not normal. The fact that your bowel do not move on their own and you have to use laxatives to stimulate your intestines in a sign that you need the surgery. I know where you are coming from...I had the exact same thoughts as you. I was afraid to tell the Dr that I had 5 BMs at night b/c I did not want him to say.."Well Amey, as long as your going to the bathroom, you're fine." I just kept telling him, if I DO NOT TAKE SOMETHING, I DO NOT GO! That is not normal. You are probably a good candidate for the surgery.

I hope you are able to eat more soon.
Posted 10/7/2007 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Amey, that makes me feel better. I can't wait for this month to be over...I have all my doc appts this month and hopefully I will get some answers.
Posted 10/7/2007 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
I AM choosing TC over laxatives. My colon has practically shut down.

Even if you're having a bm the sitz marker test will show how your colon is working. I ate like a normal person would days before my marker study and didn't take any laxatives. Then took the 5 day marker study. It was so painful and uncomfortable I called the doctor's office on the 3rd day and asked them if I could stop it. The nurse said she'd ask the doctor, but called me back and said he wanted the 5th day.

I had 23 of the 24 markers left. And I had a pretty big bm during the test. But b/c I had been eating like a normal person it showed just how bad my colon was.

I was in so much pain after that test I had to take pain meds for almost two weeks before the colon stopped spasming.

My surgery is in a couple weeks. I'm counting down the days. The recovery time will be worth it to get this thing out of me and be able to go to the bathroom and finally EAT!
Posted 10/7/2007 9:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys
I was hoping someone here could give me some advice on how to handle a rectocele naturally, I was diagnosed over a month ago after having a def-proctogram, and whilst my gastro specialist has advised surgery, she has given me nothing in regards to any other options.
I am having the worst time trying to have a BM, and have to splint almost every time, even then I still feel like my bowel is full, lower abdominal pain which could be due to scar tissue from 3 C-sections. Is there anything I can do to help myself heal naturally?. I am doing Kegel exercises, drinking plenty of fluids, and trying hard not to strain. I don't seem to be constipated, as my stool is pretty soft, but when it comes out , it is pretty thin looking, sorry to sound so gross.
I have had rather a lot of abdominal surgeries, and I am sure that this has contributed to my problems, but at 39 years of age, and having had many problems with anesthesia I don't want to go through another surgery if I can avoid it. I do think it all started at the beginning of last year when I lost my mother, I can only conclude it was caused by stress, being put on medication very soon after, plus I have suffered from IB syndrome most of my adult life. I do so hate sounding like a complete moaner, but I am very frightened at the thought of more ops, plus my the gyno suggested that I shouldn't have surgery, as he himself thought the rectocele wasn't that bad, plus there are no other prolapses. Can someone tell me if there is anything I can do to help this thing heal at all?. Warmest Regards to all.....Janie
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