I am 55 years old and have suffered from constipation most of my life. 3 years ago I underwent a partial colectomy for colonic inertia, leaving me with about 5 inches of the sigmoid colon. The surgery and recovery went very well. I have been pretty much constipation free since the surgery having 2 bowel movements a day most days. 3 months ago, I began experiencing constipation on a regular basis again, have had continual problems with acid and bile reflux and severe chest pain that feels like a heart attack. I have had numerous tests including esophageal manometry and impedence tests, heart ultrasound and stress test, liver and bile ducts MRCP(my gallbladder was removed 30 years ago), upper GI barium studies, and intestinal motility tests. I have been taking protonix daily for the reflux and that is getting better, however I continue to have the chest pain attacks occasionally. A CT Enterography showed that there was a lot of stool in my colon, the GI barium swallow showed I had 2 areas of my small intestine that were narrowed. My body past all the sytz markers within a week but the x-rays again showed stool in my colon. The surgeon that performed my partial colectomy has recommended removing the rest of the colon. I am concerned that it may be a rectal problem as well because I so often have to strain and even push on the skin near my anus to get the bowel movement started. Once the hard stool has been eliminated, the rest of the stool is expelled easily. My concern is that the subtotal colectomy may not eleviate the problem. Should I be asking to have other tests? I am sooooo tired of going through the tests and the cost has been unreal. Any suggestions?
SisterSal