TOTAL COLECTOMY PART 28

tinkerbell,

your doc is right about the cause of the redundant colon. My images from the barium enema looked even much worse. My transverse had collapsed and was fallen down into the pelvic region (that is called transversoptose, I think you have it too), my caecum was fallen into the pelvic region too and was dilated (measured 10cm in diamteter, normal is 6 at maximum), my entire ascending colon was dilated as well and malrotated/twisted around itself, and all parts of the colon were markedly redundant and loopy. The entire colon was elongated since it had stretched over the yeras by severe bowel dysfunction. However, dilation is usually not seen with CI, that's a sign of CIP and a chronic subocclusion-like state.

I think you have a pretty normal picture of your colon of someone who suffers from CI. I am sure for expample Hoddaya's barium enema would have been the same.

Do you know where your markers from the sitz marker test got mostly stucked? The location mostly correlated with the area of worst redundancy.
For expample my whole colon was a mess. Once hitting the caecum/beginning colon the stuff got already stuck, that's why it didin't go forward at all and accumulate in the caecum which was finally dilated.
I also had/have transit problems with the small bowel/stomach so it was already difficult to get the stuff to the colon.

JEN!! So glad you are able to communicate with us! Man.. you've had a rough time... hopefully all will just get better from here on out. It sounds like your doctor knows what he is doing, and things sometimes don't make sense to us, but I'm sure he is concerned about your nutritional state. I'm sure you are so tired of being stuck at the hospital.. hang in there sweetie - one day at a time! What do they say the cramping is from? Do let us know what the doctor says tomorrow. I had the same issue with my last surgery and my veins.. it was awful. My hands were so black and blue. They finally found a good spot on my arm, which turned out to be pretty comfortable. I may ask them to put my IV there instead on my hands. Tuesday, I'll make sure I drink plenty!

Sarah, yes, they did say hat my transverse was prolapsed into my pelvis, the report said they were not able to view the ascending or caecum because the barium couldn't get in there because of the redundancy. They didn't mention anything about dilation. I have the sitz marker report and images too.. They noted each day - that I had excessive stool in colon. On day 5 the report said 7 markers were in the transverse and 13 in the rectosigmoid.. but I don't know how they can tell that since the x-rays only show an area.. and since the barium enema, it looks like it could be the rectosigmoid or transverse.. but since I feel when I need to go, and it feels stuck.. I imagine that the sigmoid region must be the main area of trouble. I did pass 4 markers. On day 4 was when most markers moved the most, however 3 markers were still in the right hemicolon.

Just going to wuick update, not feeling well at all.

Jen...PICC lines are a source of infection, but you also need nutrition and I think you and your husband agree. There is one option we use for our cancer pts and that is a portacath. Its a very simple outpt procedure done in interventional radiology and its placed in your chest and so its not as big of an infection risk than having an outside central line of any form. I think you need it and this is just an option. Hope you can start eating. Is your weight ok?? or have you lost more...

I am thinking of maybe calling the on-call surgeon. I have vomited after each time I have eaten today. I still feel nauseated after vomiting and dehydrated. I got extremely distended just as I did with my obstructions, but am still passing liquid stool with double the laxatives I was on a week ago. Peltz...thanks for all your information. I have a lot of questions to ask at CC. I am afraid if I continue to eat I am going to end up fully obstructing. I have not kept anything solid down since last night. what do you all think?

Lizzie

Lizzie,

What would you tell one of your patients if they had the symptoms you are having and have been having for so long?

I think you are waiting too long to call your doc. You are heading for a major obstruction. My advice would be to call now!

Good luck. Let me know how it goes. I worry for you. Rosemary

I was going to wait and see how the night goes....cant sleep from the nausea. I kept a little ice cream down without vomiting. I do not know if I am partially blocked or if it is not an obstruction at all, but as you said I know and have felt myself like a ticking time bomb. Its midnight here too....I just hate to bother doctors, and yes, i know...if it was any of you I would have been hounding you to call.

Lizzie