Hi! In early December, I underwent a laparoscopic partial colectomy for colonic inertia following failed trials of diet, Miralax, Linzess, Trulance, Amitiza and Motegrity. I had significant pain and basically no bowel movements unless I used magnesium citrate for 2 days which I would do after 2 weeks.
The surgery was complicated by an ileus which developed, although it seemed to resolve after 10 days in the hospital.
Since the surgery I have been experiencing daily abdominal pain in a band just below my navel with aching and cramping components, some gas. It tends to be less in the AM and worse in late afternoon and evening. My bowel movements tend to be small, soft and formed and occur in 2-4 very small amounts daily and require some straining. I have had repeat CT scans which appear normal except for some gall bladder "sludge". I have just had a gall bladder scan although the pain is not characteristically gall bladder like - awaiting results. My surgeon also did a "short" colonoscopy which appeared normal. I have been keeping a food diary but there is not a strong correlation with particular foods. I have been taking Colace twice daily. We retried Trulance two months after the surgery but it produced severe diarrhea for several hours so didn't continue it. Benefiber increased pain but I am thinking of trying an insoluble fiber like Citrucel. Also considering a retrial of Miralax but worried about gas or cramping as a side-effect. I have been drinking a lot of water, tried exercising but not a lot of help so far. I also use a heating pad which helps some. Trying to avoid use of pain medications or antispasmodics because of their constipating effects. Although I do not have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or excessive amounts of gas, I did raise the possibility of SIBO with my gastroenterologist but he is not doing breath testing for SIBO right now because of COVID. Since it has now been over three months since the surgery, I feel worn down and discouraged by the daily pain. I would appreciate any thoughts anyone might have or shared experiences with this. Thank you!