Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC): Diagnostic Experiences

I had an anal manometry test but still don’t have the results. I take one Trulance tablet and one Motegrity tablet each day and occasionally take one or two capfuls of MiraLAX at night as needed. When I get the anal manometry results back I’ll determine if I do more tests and/or the pelvic floor physical therapy.

@bouli, I am interested to hear what you find out, then what your options are. I bet you are, too!

Pelvic floor therapy really has helped me, @bxavier1 . It was a leap of faith for me since I didn’t understand much about it. My provider that recommended it was confident it would help and I needed help, so I tried it.

After my testing I went to a local therapist and didn’t make much progress. In fact, she told me she could give me some relief but couldn’t do anything to fix it. Then, I went to Mayo Clinic and went through their bowel evacuation program. It was not the end-all to solve my problems but definitely part of it. I wish there was a magic pill or easy button.

Are you thinking about pelvic floor therapy? How are you doing, what is your biggest struggle right now?

My gastroenterologist np wants me to start this therapy but I want to know the results of my anal manometry test first. Did you have an anal manometry test? If so, I’m wondering if you could share the results. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Sure thing, @bouli. I am encouraged to hear pelvic floor therapy is an option for you.

I did have an anal manometry test a few years ago that led me to my initial therapy, and then a couple of months ago with some follow-up. My understanding is there can be problems with strength and/or coordination. My testing showed dysfunction then therapy worked from there to confirm a problem with coordination, particularly not being able to completely relax in between tensing my muscles. I am happy to share anything that will help if you have more questions.

Have you heard anything about your testing?

Ah, @bouli, now I understand. I would like to stay up to date on what you find out once your GI receives your February testing results, if you don’t mind coming back and posting.

It’s so funny you write about a bidet. I read your comment the day after seeing one in the bathroom where we ate dinner the evening prior (first time ever). Well, that and also a claw foot bathtub filled with water and goldfish of all things. What a great idea that provides you flexibility in your day-to-day.

You mention your GI NP brought up therapy, so without knowing anything about test results. For me, it was the recommendation at my initial GI consult at Mayo Clinic. I was told it would affect everything from the bottom up and that the anorectal manometry would be done to confirm his suspicions. Therapy absolutely helped, then once I got to a sort of new normal condition we did other testing to rule out blockages, slow transit time, etc. It has been a valuable approach.

Do you know what prompted your GI’s recommendation to pursue pelvic floor physical therapy?

Yes. I was in an NIH study at the U of Iowa years ago under Satish Rao, nationwide expert on this subject. I did the manometry and I found out that it fires backwards, which contributes to my chronic condition. I did biofeedback training for 6 weeks and it increased my motility by 67%!

Yes. I was in an NIH study at the U of Iowa years ago under Satish Rao, nationwide expert on this subject. I did the manometry and I found out that it fires backwards, which contributes to my chronic condition. I did biofeedback training for 6 weeks and it increased my motility by 67%!