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When is it necessary to get a second opinion?

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Posted 6/3/2012 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
I have colonic inertia, loopy colon, twisted colon, etc. I am scheduled for surgery at the end of the month. Is it necessary to get a second opinion? What could the doctor tell me different?
Posted 6/3/2012 8:42 AM (GMT 0)
Anytime you are talking surgery, a second opinion (if time allows) is ALWAYS a good move. They may find something that the first doctor missed and save you trouble later by taking care of it now or have other treatments for what you do have that may be easier on you. And I can't tell you the number of times I have simply been misdiagnosed.

Jen
Posted 6/4/2012 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
What type of surgery are they doing?  Are you getting a permanent Ileo/Colostomy?

Posted 6/5/2012 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
Removal of entire colon. Hopefully attach intestines to rectum.
Posted 6/5/2012 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
I meant to say attach small intestines to rectum.
Posted 6/5/2012 10:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi FaithandHope:

I had my entire colon removed because of UC, have an ileo, then if I want a J pouch can be constructed and once J pouch is healed, then they reattach to the rectum. Did you have UC? Do you mean a J pouch? I don't think they can just attach the upper intestine to the rectum. Do you have a colostomy or an ileostomy?

Renee
Posted 6/5/2012 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
Renee, it is possible to attach the small intestine to the rectum if the rectum is intact -- this isn't something they do for UC, because the rectum is usually involved in UC, but for other things like colonic inertia or colon cancer, this kind of surgery is possible. It can cause issues though, as it's a lot of stool coming out, and the people I've seen on this forum who've had the surgery often have to be very careful about keeping a low residue diet etc. Folks w/colonic inertia can still have constipation.

As for a second opinion, I didn't get one. I was so sick and so stressed, and my gi who I trusted recommended the surgeon for my 1st opinion. I liked her a lot, and she was someone who did a lot of laproscopic surgery, and I liked the idea of that..... she could do my surgery in two weeks, and I just went with it....

But if you are up for it, it's good to get a second opinion, especially if you are trying to decide between types of surgeries (you might ask re complications of ileorectal anastomosis and other options) and ways of doing the surgery (lapro vs open etc).

Also, you might google some of the old posts about colonic inertia -- I don't know the details, but there are a variety of tests that people recommend you have before surgery (you might have had them all already, maybe not...)
Posted 6/5/2012 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
CI, from what I've read on here and some research I've dug up, is done in different variations based on the severity. Some just have resections, some colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, and some a JPouch because the rectum is involved. Some also have pelvic floor dysfunction.

I would suggest getting all the necessary tests prior to surgery. Pelvic floor and rectum. Don't know if you've had them. Read the old posts on here, become as educated as possible.

Tell the doctor your diagnostic approach. It sounds that even though you are scheduled for surgery, it's elective and it can be postponed. Don't feel discouraged, hopefully your doctor will appreciate your decision making because your working as a team. My surgeon did, we contemplated every option. Once you've received the results, get other opinions. You might hear different approaches based on your tests, but it's better to go into surgery knowing you've made the best, educated decision. Also, other areas like the actual operation, lapro or open, and if you need a temporary ileostomy to let your body heal inbetween. This way your not suffering and you don't have any regrets.
Posted 6/5/2012 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the advice. I had all the necessary tests done. From what I see and have experienced, my only option is surgery. If not, I will continue to suffer. Enemas work best as far as eliminating and if I do not do that, I will have an allergic reaction to whatever I have eaten. I have to keep my colon clean and not let food sit. Good news is that my small intestines works just fine. I have so many loops and twists as well as part of my left side of my colon is up under my left rib and you can actually see my colon through my lower left rib on film (my surgeon showed it to me and I was shocked to see that). My transverse colon loops down before extending across.
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