Is my very twisted splenic flexure something I just have to learn to live with?

[BR68]

I have been an IBS sufferer for about 11 years. I used to go between bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Over the past year my bouts with constipation were getting worse. I contributed it to my IBS but after a colonoscopy (requested by my family physician) it turns out I have a "very twisted splenic flexure". Because the attending doctor was unable to get the scope through my twisted splenic flexure, the colonoscopy was stopped and I was given a requisition for a barium enema (still to be done as at the date of this posting). Luckily there were no other obstructions or polyps found during the colonoscopy so I can only conclude that my severe constipation, abdominal pains, bloating and inability to pass gas is due to this very twisted splenic flexure. Will the severe constipation, abdominal pains, bloating and inability to pass gas be something I will just have to learn to endure for the rest of my life or is there something that can be done about this very twisted splenic flexure, and if so, what? Thank you.

[CalGal]

Depending on what they find with the barium enema, you may also want to inquire about doing more visualization to find out exactly what is going on. If the splenic flexure is severly twisted or compromisted due to malpositioned ligaments, you doc may want to consider having you consult with a surgeon. If the area is obstructed, or may become obstructed, it could prove to be deleterious to you health.

If it's a matter of a slight 'kink' you may want to look into working with someone who does visceral manipulation. They may be able to give you a hand in working with the ligaments or connective tissue that's holding that flexure in an abnormal postion. You can check the IAHP website for practitioners in your area if you'd care to follow up on the idea.