Total Colectomy - Removal of the Large Intestine

[ng1031]

I have been experiencing many symptoms and have had many tests and studies done on me.. (my story - http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Gastroenterology/Tortuous-Colon/show/1535243) and was diagnosed with a very  tortuous very long colon. My GI doctor pretty much told me there is nothing they can do for me and that I will just have to continue downing Miralax and every other thing to try to get me to go to the bathroom more then once every week or once every 2 weeks. I took it upon myself not to give up and was recommended to see a colon specialist/surgeon. When I met him for my first visit I actually cried. I am so fed up with dealing with these issues and am so scared of the long term effects this is having on my body.. I am only 30 and have been dealing with this for the last 5 years of my 20's. I am scared that having waste in my body for 2 weeks at a time is going to do long term damage.. not to mention how sick and bloated I feel all the time.

Well luckily the colon specialist listened to me and 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 eligible to getting my large intestine removed.

I am looking for feedback on this surgery from people who have had similar issues as mine. Is it 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? I am on birth control so I am concerned about that. Are you restricted on what you can eat. Right now I feel like I can't eat anything as I have been told no red meat, no dairy, no caffeine, no pop, amongst other things as they try to figure out what is wrong with me. There are 2 things I miss the most.. cheese and ice cream ha ha. Also I work in an office and the bathroom is not super close to my desk but on the same floor as my desk.. is this something I should be concerned about.. the last thing I want is accidents at work or anywhere for that matter. Will I not be able to go on long trips/vacations etc? How long did it take you to be recovered and be able to go back to work? Also how was the healing process?

[Manoonyy]

have u got x-rays for ur colon , cuz i think i have the same problem but they told me i can w8 ,and it may not need surgery ..

[s90]

So u had the same operation before than y r u asking recovery time?and constipation!after having such a big operation u should have been a little bit careful about eating relative things and can u tell for how long u r getting constipated and is there any other symptoms?

[Morecambe]

In 2004 I underwent a total colectomy - not for constipation - but following torrential diverticular bleeding.  In response to another Medhelp patient's question I posted my own recollections on:-

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166

You may like to read this and do come back if you have any questions.

regards
Morecambe

[s90]

As you are unable to go to the loo for more than 1 week everytime,u have no choice except saying yes to the doctor.But I should inform u the healing process is very bad.You would feel the worse moments of ur life,but after healing I guess u will be able to feel normal again.I don't know about yours but I had an anal fissure surgery 30 july and still very painful and I bleed again on 24 september.U should take atleast two month rest with offcouse some physical exercises.But going to work as soon as possible is not ryt.The body may take some time to adjust and after 2 months u will began to feel normal.I hope you will become well more sooner comparison to what I said but don't expect that u will be able to join ur work just after 2-3 days.