Constipation folo & Tortuous colon

[peacenow]

Hi this is a folo to a constipation problem and fear of endoscopy/colonoscopy. Well I had these tests done the other day, and to my dismay, found out that I do have a hiatal hernia, and a tortuous colon? Does anybody have any idea with a tortuous colon indicates as in surgery? I am told it is caused by my years of constipation, it elongated my colon/intestinal tract?
Also, I read in papers (mine) that my colon was dialated, can anyone enlighten me on that...I wont' see specialist till a few weeks. Finally, the endoscopy was fine, but I had a nightmare of a colonoscopy, at some point, I could feel sharp poking near my diaphragm and hernia, so bad, that I screamed for them to stop, and in my sedated haze, grabbed the arm of the assitant to stop the poking, they continued and I screamed (dunno if it was audible,but I felt like I was crying under sedated state)..Later I was told that my colon is so spastic, that they couldnt reach where they needed to, and need to do a barium enema (oh no!)
Was this a bad colonoscopy gone wrong, or should I believe my colon is so spastic, that it was impossible for the scope to get through near diaphragm?

Today, that area is sore, and I feel very weak...and bloated.

Thanks for any words of wisdome

[Jaybay]

Oh you poor thing!  I surely do feel your pain having experienced the same thing with my first colonoscopy many years ago.  Frankly, your doctor sucks.  There is ZERO excuse for you having been awake enough to know what was going on, much less to the point of screaming in agony.  Run, don't walk, to a different GI doc.  A good gastroenterologist will not allow this sort of thing to happen.  The bad one I experienced was performed in the doc's office, and he simply didn't want to use enough sedation so that he could move patients through faster.  I thank God every day for listening to my alarm bells and finding the doc I've been with for nearly 10 years.  He was horrified when I told him what happened and, great guy that he is, told me I could hit him if I knew a blessed thing during his scope.  :-)

OK, back to your question, Your doc did give you correct information about "tortuous" or "redundant" colon.  In people with chronic, life-long constipation, the stool eventually stretches the colon out to the point where you have some extra twists and turns.  Since the stool has that much longer an area to go through, it gets even more dried out and harder to pass.  Vicious circle.  Mine was so bad my barium enema films looked like the back of Shirley Temple's head - and I was only 35 at the time.  :-)  The doc said I had the colon of a 70 or 80 year old woman.  Great!

So, what to do?  The problem gets even worse when people like us have to rely on stimulant laxatives.  The colon gets even lazier, and boggier, and it just gets worse.  No doubt your doc has already lectured you on the evils of stimulant laxatives and is pushing fiber on you.  That will help, but you have to add it very slowly to your diet or you'll end up in even worse shape and probably just stop using it.

Hang in there, and best of luck getting to the bottom of your problem, and hopefully with a GOOD doctor!  :-)

[peacenow]

Thank you for sharing...I immediately called in with my complaint after I could get up without pain and whenever you make an internal complaint, little gets done or docs/nurses etc...cover for one another in this situation. My claim was internally investigated, and of course, I was made to look like the wayward patient. I was not satisfied with their explannation since it took 3 of my yells for them to stop they were hurting me, before they decided to give me more sedative.
Where else could I complain to for their lack of respect and inhumane practice when I clearly was yelling in pain and they continued to shove a scope through me.

I am really mad about this and felt it very inhumane.

thanks for listening

[Jaybay]

Did you make a report through your doc's practice, or facility in which he practices?  Other than writing a letter of complaint to the AMA, I don't think there is much else you can do.  Please consider something else: Do you want to waste any more of your time with this quack?  He'll never admit to any wrongdoing, and what would that really accomplish for you?  Perhaps it would be best to get copies of your records and move on to another doctor and focus on getting proper diagnosis and treatment.

I really do understand how awful and maddening it is to be treated badly, and the need for revenge (?!) can overwhelm what you need to be using your energy to accomplish.  Please don't forget why you are seeking a physician's help, and forge ahead with the goal in mind of figuring out your problem.

[Beaujolais]

I had a colonoscopy this am and the physician refused to continue the procedure after I had so much pain @ intervals. He switched to a pediatric scope,(compassionate) and increased the IV meds 3 more times and I still could not tolerate the scope. The doc said he "would only proceed to a certain point when he thought my discomfort could be relieved". When the pain ceased I would drop back off to sleep only to wake up at another juncture. The doc said he would not proceed after 4X the medication and my verbal pain symptoms and that he didn't feel safe to continue for fear of a ruptured bowel.
I rarely have constipation and never use laxatives so naturally, I'm concerned about some other problem. The doc reported his findings to my primary care doc and they plan a bariam enema. Tonight, I am very sore on both sides of my abdomen with lots of bloating.
The surgeon called my colon "tortuous", etc. He also indicated that the problem may be external to the bowel. Any comments?

[zulushooter]

I'm, 54 with a terrible family history of colon cancer, and I think that I have IBS with constipation. I have a pretty severe phobia about seeing doctors and getting any type of test in general, but due to recent bleeding and changes in bowel habits, a friend who is a nurse suggested that I at least find a doctor and get a diagnosis. Truthfully, I have been avoiding this because I know that a colonoscopy will be recommended, and although I can certianly understand the need for one (2 first degree relatives with the disease), I have been too scared to see a doctor or even discuss the test. Recently, my nurse friend asked me to be her "designated driver" and accompany her for her colonoscopy at a local hospital....an added benefit might be that I would become less fearful of the procedure........she explained that they use "conscious sedation" and IV painkillers, so the test is a breeze. Well, I was in the recovery room while she was having the test done (a routine screening) and I could hear her crying and occasionally screaming "stop, it hurts too much".....listening to her suffer was awful; I asked one of the nurses (who happened to be one of the ones that do the sedation) why she was in such agony and why they were letting her suffer so..the answer was: "because of the drugs that she was given, she won't remember a thing"! I told her that this was barbaric and that the dose of the painkiller was obviously too low; again I was told that her suffering didn't matter because the drug Versed that she was given would cause amnesia of the event. My friend was still sobbing and crying when they wheeled her into the recovery room, but she was sort of dazed and didn't know exactly what had happened, but that it was something awful. Now she is haunted by by nightmares of this "simple, diagnostic procedure"..........I asked the doctor why he didn't stop the procedure and his answer was again: "she won't remember".......another nurse told me that the drugs don't work on about 10% of the patients; the "amnesia" isn't total and that some doctors are just too rough because they rely on the "amnesia" factor........My own doctor told me 2 weeks ago that she wants to schedule me for a colonoscopy; I related this story and she said that it should not happen, but sometimes the exam under "conscious sedation" is a nightmare and that, indeed, some GI docs are rough....although she also said that men are easier to scope since we have straighter colons...her nurse called with a colonoscopy date for me (a virtual colonoscopy isn't good enough), which I cancelled; the experience that I witnessed was just awful..and my poor friend feels traumatized, violated etc. by the event..........I'm scared to death of getting this exam; my doc said that she could have the colonoscopy done with a different anesthesia drug, but couldn't be 100% sure that it would not be painful........anyone else hear of a really painful colonoscopy????????

[Donna12345]

Listen to me very carefully, I am a nurse! and I just had a colonoscopy YESTERDAY!! I have the same symptoms as you for the last 10 years and as it turns out I have a tortuous/redundant colon. The test was a breeze. the doctor said I started to resist during the exam...so he gave me more medicine...I feel asleep in a second...I was out cold and woke up for the nurse to tell me I do not have cancer and out into the car with my husband and slept 6 hours later to wake up in my own bed....piece of cake. You are going to do what I did...what too late and then YOU WILL make your condition worse...like me. I avoided it. I am a nurse..thought I know better...was better than anyone...can't get sick I thought! I was sooooo wrong. I'm only 36 years old. I have my whole life to live. Now I will probably have to have at least 2 surgerys before I am your age...becuase I did not go to he doctor sooner. So PLEASE, do not make my mistake....get your colonoscopy and get it OVER WITH. Sincerely....Donna

[Donna12345]

Listen to me very carefully, I am a nurse! and I just had a colonoscopy YESTERDAY!! I have the same symptoms as you for the last 10 years and as it turns out I have a tortuous/redundant colon. The test was a breeze. the doctor said I started to resist during the exam...so he gave me more medicine...I feel asleep in a second...I was out cold and woke up for the nurse to tell me I do not have cancer and out into the car with my husband and slept 6 hours later to wake up in my own bed....piece of cake. You are going to do what I did...what too late and then YOU WILL make your condition worse...like me. I avoided it. I am a nurse..thought I know better...was better than anyone...can't get sick I thought! I was sooooo wrong. I'm only 36 years old. I have my whole life to live. Now I will probably have to have at least 2 surgerys before I am your age...becuase I did not go to he doctor sooner. So PLEASE, do not make my mistake....get your colonoscopy and get it OVER WITH. Sincerely....Donna

[zulushooter]

I appreciated your input on your colonoscopy.  Like the friend (also a nurse) who I had escorted for her colonoscopy, I have had a previous terrible reaction to "conscious sedation"......a GI nurse told me that it doesn't work in about 10% of the patients and that they experience pain that ranges from moderate to severe.  But the colonoscopist relys on the fact that the drugs induce "amnesia" of the pain in "most" patients.    (I guess the rest  just have to live with the nightmares).  You post was so convincing, that I called around to find a facility that would do the colonoscopy without sedation (sedation is NOT universal, especially overseas)...anyway, the doc agreeed to do the test without sedation, she said that they do them infrequently that way, but they do indeed do them sometimes without drugs and it usually is no problem.   I did the prep last night (grunt, but not terrible), reported to the hospital this morning, changed, got the IV in and got wheeled into the room and was all ready to have the test.  Even though the doctor agreed to do the test without drugs, I had to grab the syringe that a nurse was trying to inject into my IV; I asked what it was and she said:  "something to relax you" ...I almost flipped out, yelled at the doctor to remind her that this was supposed to be drug-free, which she did, in a very unsupportive manner.....once again, the nurse  tried to inject me, I again resisted and this time out came the IV cannula, blood dripping, 2 people trying to hold my arm down........a nighmare..........especially for the person with the syringe, I think that she got stuck with the IV cannula.......obviously,  no colonoscopy for me......afterwards, as I was dressing, the doctor would only say that she agreed to do the test without drugs, but that I would have been more comfortable with sedation.   So I asked her: do you routinely lie to your patients?   We discussed the no sedation in an office visit, she agreed, I reminded them at the hospital and they tried to do it anyway.   That was wrong.   Now I will never get one.   The icing on the cake is that I have a message on my answering machine; not an apology, just a request that I come in for a blood test (I guess from the blood/cannula issue).   No way.  I'm mad, really mad.   And most people tell me that I'm normally a nice guy, quite calm, MS in med chem, and normally don't flip out.    never agan..

[Donna12345]

Darn...you were so close! I want to ask you a question about the sedation medication, are you allergic to it?,  or is it you are concerned of nightmares after the procedure? I want to understand this better. And also, Let me be clear. If you did not do the 2 day taking fleet enema cleansing drink and then the doctor does the test in the outpatient hospital instead of a doctors office...then you do not have the right doctor.
I saw a gastronologist specialist. He scheduled a colonoscopy for outpatint procedure AT THE HOSPITAL. I was sedated and it was over within 30-45 minutes. you are GOING to HAVE to be sedated. LISTEN...this is your colon....you can't be sqirmming around on the table while the doctor has a prob inside your rectum...He'll tear something accidentally. THEN you will have serious problems. I want to try and help you. Please don't let other people's experience's of this test let affect the experience of your colonoscopy experience that you have not yet let your self HAVE.....
I want to give you something to think about. seriously... My sister feared needles, hospitals, doctors...the whole works. she inherited my mother's hypertension disease. My mother died over 7 years ago from her disease. My mother took her medicine religiously. My sister, well...she did not. She died last year in her sleep on the couch. Her daughter, Megan 7 years old at the time found her getting ready that mourning for school. It was not "directly" the disease that killed her...it was her fear of of getting treatment for her disease. The pain, more medicines, needles, doctors, more tests, the whole fear thing kept her from getting treatment. SHE could be ALIVE TODAY....if she could of seeked treatment. Now how am I going to explain this to her daughter Megan! So please, I'm begging you. Don't let fear control you like it did me sister. Find a good doctor and get this test done and LET THEM sedate you...If you absolutely wont do a colonoscopy...request a barium enema test. You just drink some stuff and they take pictures of your colon on an x-ray table...no drugs...and you go home within 30-45 minutes. Let me know what you decide. I am routing for you! I'll even recommend my doctor to you if would like his information.He is wonderful! Just let me know. Sincerely...Donna

[zulushooter]

You are one caring person...............After reading your post, I called my doc and she scheduled me for another colonoscopy at the local university hospital.. (Friday!).......Without your input, I never would have done this and I feel badly about using this board to vent a bad experience because it might prevent others from getting this lifesaving test.....Very sorry to hear about your sister; thanks again for caring.....My doc almost fainted when I walked into her office after reading your post to reschedule; she actually pulled me aside and asked what it took to change my mind after such a bad experience.  I told her:  "advice from a friend named Donna"   thanks

[Donna12345]

I am SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU~!!! I have tears running down my face....

Now...you take your fleet medicine correctly. They will give you special instruction prior to test. You have to empty your bowls completely before you have this test. Have someone drive you. LET THEM sedate the heck out of you. AND most importantly let me know how your test goes. Friday it is....ok....I'll be waiting with bells on for your response. :)

You have made my day!
Sincerely,

Donna

[jackie_m]

VERSED is a horrible drug that many patients can't handle.  It can cause long term mental disorders like PTSD.  If you have never had a reaction like this good for you!   The last thing in the world you want to do is encourage others to just go ahead and have it again, if they have reacted badly to it before!!  Sedation doesn't kill pain!  It disconnects your mind so that the doctors can get their money.  If you weren't sedated and they tortured you like that you would get up and leave.  They can't have that so they give you this drug VERSED and then they can torture you with impunity.  VERSED is a compliance drug and a CYA drug.  It's no good for anything other than EXTREME patient cooperation and (hopefully) amnesia!  All these procedures were done before this nasty drug and you DO NOT have to have it!  

[cottoncandy99]

I have been experencing a sharp shooting pain under my ribs and because of Medicare there is steps that I have to go through in order to get the meds that I need, besides the first dr that was treating me took off for Iran so I have lost all records that current dr needs  in order to treat....I have been totally miserable because my IBS has kick in again.  Really don't know where to turn or what to do at this point in the game.

Zelnorn is what I took first then, Amitiza was the drug last but considered myself lucky as it really hasn't bother me since 7/06 then now boom it hits me and hard.

God bless
cottoncandy

[juliemarq]

I had my first and last colonoscopy two days ago.  I have never felt such pain in my life and I have never been treated so unkindly by medical "professionals".  I was given Fentonol and Versed apparently in the highest dozes as the pain increased on the way up to the upper 10% area of my colon.  By blowing air in that region I could not believe the pain.  I started crying and telling them they were hurting me.  They told me to take a deep breath which I could not because the air felt as though it was trapped right under my ribs.  Two people started manually pushing on my stomach.  At that I point I started screaming to stop and they finally did.  I think they thought I would forget all of this pain due to the Versed.  Well I did not forget the pain and the rough handling even in recovery.  This was performed by Dr. Jeffrey Kwan of the San Jose Medical Group in California.  I was told I had a tortuous spastic issue on a followup phone call the day after - I told this person she was definitely correct as far as the TORTURE that was inflicted upon me.  This facility also appeared to be some kind of assembly line operation - I was really appalled with the staff and when they conducted themselves.  Perhaps they think if they give everyone Versed no one will remember a damn thing.

I've heard from so many people that this test is a breeze. Perhaps the Versed worked on them and they don't remember the horrible pain? I've had it before for other procedures and it seemed to work just fine.

I will NEVER do this again and I pray my nightmares of reliving this will end soon.

[Donster2]

Hi Julie, I had a colonoscopy just a week ago. I had the 2 days prior fasting and bowel prep. I cannot remember a thing about the procedure apart from them putting a mask on my face so I must have either been sedated or maybe it's that amnesia you are talking about. Nevertheless I felt no pain at all and have had not a problem with the procedure. I must have a very good doctor here in Australia. I was diagnosed as having a normal colonoscopy with a long tortuous colon, and my symptoms are constipation for over a decade. I manage the constipation with Metamucil every day. I am sorry to hear you had a very bad experience but please just change doctors rather than never undergoing the procedure again. It could save your life. My grandmother and my aunty died of colon cancer and bowel cancer, and there was a lot of excruciating pain in the long leadup to that. Therefore, pain for one day that could lead to detecting early signs of cancer could save you from an early death and far more pain, embarrassment and discomfort later on.

[Almitra]

I also have a twisted "tortuous" colon due to chronic constipation according to my surgeon.
I just had another colonoscopy a few days ago and the pain was so bad that I started screaming and also had severe left shoulder pain.  When the doctor heard about the shoulder he said "she's having chest pain" and stopped.  Chest pain is frequently referred to the left shoulder, jaw or arm.
I too have FMS.  The first time I had the colonoscopy he said the pain was from a twisted bowel.  Rectal cancer was found and my rectum and a large piece of colon was removed. My doc said this would take away the twisting.  Well, the next colonoscopy, I requested a larger dose and I managed to get through it with manageable pain.  The one I had a few days ago was so painful that if they don't agree to do something about this problem I will self medicate prior the test. I have to keep getting regular colonoscopies because of the rectal cancer.  My sister said she slept through her test.  During the test he asked the nurse to press on my stomach while he was inserting the scope.  The pain became unbearable when she did this and I begged her to stop pushing, which she did.  I don't think the medical staff realize how painful this was for me.  I feel traumatized after colonoscopies. I will have a long talk with my surgeon next time I see him and demand that something be done so that I don't have to go through this ever again.
I feel badly for you since I know how terrible it can be.  It really is torture!
I suggest that people like us have a long talk with the doctor prior to the test and then remind them at the beginning of the test what plan was made to prevent this horror show from ever happening again.  

[DebbieZack]

I have just returned home from my first colonoscopy and am appalled to hear that anyone had to suffer from this procedure. Not only was the prep tolerable ( I did dulcolax and (2) 10 oz. bottles of lemon magnesium citrate - no cramps or anything) I did eat lightly for a few days prior and started stool softners a couple of days ahead to speed up the process. Anyway, when I went in, was administered a saline IV drip for about 20 minutes. Then into procedure room. Turned on my side, was given IV propofol, and woke up in recovery 45 minutes later. The entire procedure itself was only 23 minutes, and that was with a "tortuous and redundant colon with spasm, and sharply angulated segments and myochosis". He also took out 3 polyps and had to use an irrigant and extra gas to get a cleaner look. I SWEAR the propofol was fantastic, absolutely no pain, no recall and no after effects. In fact I slept for an extra 1/2 hour, popped right up and walked out 10 minutes after I woke up. Perhaps I was lucky, but I used this doctor because so many of my employees (who are bigger chickens than I) used him and raved about the "painless" procedure. Ask about the use of propofol for sedation - I have read that some insurance companies will not cover for this anesthesia, but in NY (I have Healthnet and my employees BC/BS and or medicare) it is commonly used with great results. Good luck and good health in the future.