need answers before colon resection

I would like some opinions on my situation. I am a 31 year old female recently diagnosed with colonic inertia.  I can not remember a time in my life when I was not constipated.   Over the last 10 years I have had several diet modifications that only make it worse.  I have tried all the medicines, fiber, stool softners, metamucial, miralax, zelnorm, dulcolax, enemas.  At times I have been on 3 zelnorms, 2 doses of miralax per day and still had to use otc laxatives and suppositories to have a bowel movement.  I do have thyroid disease but no other serious health concerns.  I have had all the blood work, upper and lower GI scopes, colonic transits tests.  My colon just does not work right and nothing has helped.  Now the surgeons are recommending just removing the whole thing.  Should I?  I have two small children, will I still be able to function well.  I am very active and exercise and do martial arts, I don't want to give that up.  Are there any alternatives left for me out there.  Please help, my surgery is scheduled for November 2006.  Thank you!!!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I cannot make a specific recommendation without evlauation.

It seems like the problem has been comprehensively evaluated with scopes and specialized tests like colonic transit testing.  

If medications like Zelnorm and Miralax are not helping despite negative testing, surgery is indeed the next option.  

Before considering this, you may want to explore 2nd GI opinions to ensure that everything non-invasive has been tried.  

This question can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[BLD]

Hi, my husband had his colon removed in May and is doing great.  The surgeon left in his sigmoid colon and his entire rectom. He goes about 5 times a day, depending on what he eats.  Raw vegetables aren't great for him.  He is a personal training and athlete and the surgery hasn't effected our life style at all.  He jokes that he is never bloated and doesn't had time to read in the bathroom anymore.

[Morecambe]

About 21/2 years ago I underwent a total colectomy (ileorectal anastomosis) following torrential diverticular bleeding.  I shared my experiences with another Medhelp subscriber and I wonder if these comments may also be helpful to you.

to read them try the following:-

- click on "browse archives"
- click on "colon surgery"
- click on " 2006 questions and answers"
- click on the title "do I really need extensive resection of colon"
- my comments are summarised at the bottom of the entry under the name "Morecambe".

If I can assist with any further comments based on my experiences please type in another piece under comments.

Good luck

[pebbles55]

A related discussion, reverse colostomy was started.