Colonic Inertia

[Pcaino]

I have had so many tests I can't even count them all. I have had constipation since i can remember. I go about every 5-6 days. I have taken every laxitive they make. Fiber, activia, prune juice. nothing works. I had a motility test. It took 9 days and all the rings weren't out yet. I am 50 years old and my surgeons which i have seen 2 and my family doctor say i have a classic case of colonic inertia. They want to do sugery in August. They will remove 80% of my colon. I have a slow moving digestive system and muscles that dobn't work in my colon.

Any-one have anything similar. It is a life ultering treatment. I just want to feel normal again. Not bloat up every time I eat, and have tons of gas all the time.

Thank you


This discussion is related to Reason for Suden Colonic Inertia.

[Nelbal]

I was just diagnosed with colonic inertia and have been orescribed amitiza.  Has anyone ever tried this drug? Symptoms??

[Suzoncue]

Hi, it's been many years since you posted and I'm curious how you are doing. I've been struggling with an inert colon for about 15 years. It's gotten to the point over the past 6 years that I can only go to the bathroom with an enema (2 a day because I can't stand having the feces in my colon).  I've tried everything and nothing is helping.  I'm so scared to even consider this surgery, but something must be done. I hope to hear back from you as far as what you ended up doing and how you are today.    

[ng1031]

.Has anyone had there large intestine removed and had their small intestine attached to their rectum for colonic inertia and ended up with constipation after surgery? I heard that is a risk factor. That you can get the surgery but there might be a chance you will have constipation again one day. Also has anyone had their large intestine removed for colonic inertia and then their small intestine eventually give out on them? What happened then? .

[ng1031]

Well I have been officially diagnosed with colonic inertia. The xrays show that my stomach and small intestine are working but my large intestine is not.It is slow and sluggish which is causing the constipation and could have been the cause of why my colon is now so long and "loopy".  From the xrays they showed the rings passed through everything then stayed in the large intestine. They could still see atleast 19 rings in the large intestine out of 24 in the 3rd xray.

My options ..

He spoke with my GI dr  (ugh) and she suggested I see a constipation specialist at her facility who has access to drugs not commonly prescribed etc. and might be able to come up with a solution for me instead of surgery. He feels I should see him and pretty much see what he has to say and experiment so to say to see if anything helps me. The thing that upsets me about this option is that my GI dr never once recommended this "constipation specialist" to me over the last couple of years I have been going there and now that I have seeked another opinion outside of their facility they are trying to get me to go back there. I am done going through all these tests. Not to mention the last experimental drug they put me on made me so sick I ended up missing a week of work and even leaving work early cause it made me feel like I had the flu. Laxatives have the same effect on me as they make the colon try to work and just make me sick in the process. Me and my husband both personally do not agree with this option even though the surgeon feels I should give it a shot.

My other option is the total colectomy surgery where they would remove my large intestine and attach my small intestine to my rectum. This would require no bag. And I am a candidate for this surgery because my small intestine is still working. That is another reason he had me do these xrays. Not only to see if my large intestine was working but to also see that the small intestine was working.He did say that a majority of the people who have this surgery live happier lives. He did say it is a major surgery though and that with every major surgery there are complications etc.

He suggests that I see the constipation specialist and if I am not happy have the surgery. I personal am ready to stop having a million tests and pills shoved in my body and just get rid of the problem. My husband strongly agrees with me as I have been going through this for almost 6 years now.

I am gonna think about it all over the long weekend and then make a decision. I am leaning towards surgery.

[ng1031]

My Dr left me a message stating that my xray results came back significantly abnormal but it was as he expected. Which these were to tell him if my colon was working or not. So I assume this told him that it is not. He asked that I make a follow up appointment and to bring my husband with me so we can decide how I want to proceed and go over my options. I assume these will be surgery as that is what he had discussed with me prior to me getting these xrays. I called back and got the nurse so I set up the appointment. She is also going to have the Dr call me back when he is back in.

Any more input on this surgery would be greatly appreciated before I see him on 11/23. I want to have my questions ready for him

[ng1031]

I have been experiencing some of the same symptoms you have (http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Gastroenterology/Tortuous-Colon/show/1535243) but they just diagnosed me with a tortuous colon. My next step is to get the colon transit study xrays to see if my colon is working or not. If it is not I might be getting my large intestine removed. I too am looking for feedback on this surgery and if its worth it and if it is better then what I am going through now. The pros and cons etc. Also anyone that has had the surgery have they had issues with sexual intercourse after the surgery?? And what about medications and vitamins? Do you not absorb them if you are going to the bathroom so much after surgery? I am on birth control so I am concerned about that.

[Mikie007]

Hello, every 5-6 days is considered normal. Don't get surgery.

Normal bowel movement ranges from 3 times a day to once a week, its all based upon your genetic make up, try more fiber and lots of fluids, stay away from the laxatives!

[xash85x]

I am 22 yrs. old. I have had problems with constipation since as long as I can remember. I had rectal prolapse surgery once at age 10 and another time at age 12. The method they used to correct it was to tighten my spincter muscles, which is now being diagnosed as Hirschprungs. I have had pain and blood ever since right before and after these surgeries. Then I had a baby, which the doctors wouldnt listen to me, and had me deliever naturally. Both the carring and labor caused me to develop a recotcele and cystocele (rectocele- balloon like area in colon that prevents complete emptying; cystocele- bladder is pressing down on my vagina and back onto my colon). Everything is painful, bms, peeing, and sex. I get UTI's constantly and not to mention the possibility of peeing on myself! I also have developed hemorriods which will not go away. Nothing has cured my constipation, and now I have been diagnosed with colon inertia as well. I also have poor muscle development. I am freaking out... I am sooo young and this just feels crazy. They dont want to do surgery and are sending me to behavior therapy which has a 10% chance to help at all. I am having Urologist appts. and gyno for the cystocele. This is a nightmare.

[Morecambe]

I exchanged many postings with another patient who would appear to have a similar complaint to you.  See if you can locate it from the following instructions:-

- in the search box at the top right of the screen type in:- mifegr colostomy surgery

then scroll down to the bottom right hand side of the page and click on:- view more
posts

- the  scroll down to the ~7th posting "I have NO peristaltic....."

- you should find a posting that is dated 11 August 2007.

I hope that the exchange of information will be of assistance.  If you type in my name Morecambe to the above search box you will find several other exchanges where I share my experience of a total colectomy.

Do come back if I can furnish you with any more information.

regards
Morecambe.