colonic inertia diagnosis

hi Tabitha,
i'm 35 yrs. old and i have CI too.
about possible treatments for CI, I can tell you that all what the docs. have to offer for the treatment of CI is just taking laxatives as much as you need, and as long as it helps you, keep taking them. but when you get to the point you can't go on this way, b/c it takes over your life and you no longer have ANY quality of life whatsoever, then a total colectomy is your only option to regain your life back.
there's no magical or easy solution in our case.
there's a thraed on this board called TOTAL COLECTOMY PART 20 and that's the CI girls thread and you're welcome to join us there if you wish. and maybe you will find more answers to your questions there.

good luck to you.

Tabitha,

Depending upon what exactly are the specific symptoms of your CI, there may be non-surgical options. Simply having difficult BMs does not mean the colon is "dead."

Knowing specifically what is hindering the movement will allow you to focus on that for healing.

I am 48. I have had chronic constipation for about 3 decades. For years, I was a 3 -4 day BM'r and not going for a week was not uncommon. Somewhere along the way I lost the natural urge, so I tried to be somewhat regular by sitting every few days to get something out to avoid blockage.

Dietary changes have improved my digestion and stool consistancy (what I eat and how I prepare it are critical, plus increasing water and especially healthy oils has improved my BM). Yoga 2-3 times per week has improved muscular activity in my abdominal region, which aids tremendously in elimination. Getting more sleep (I used to average 5-6 hrs pers night), and finding ways to minimize stress, all has helped me go from where you seem to be now, to a healthier if not "normal" life.

Reviving my natural urge, has been challenging, but very interesting. I have learned that it has been mostly non existant due to my rectal prolapse (the stimulation for the "urge" typically generates from the rectum). The excess tissue and possible nerve damage hinder the ability to feel the urge in a timely manner. I have focused on this for a few month's now and the last two weeks I have experienced it in varying levels everyday.

I am about a year into a healing journey that has resulted in the elimination of my IBS, lessened my constipation, and revived my natural urge. I am not done yet, (still exploring natural options to remedy my rectal prolapse), but feeling very optimistic.

I hope this provides some hope to you, for your healing journey.