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Constipation and Sacral Nerve Stimulation?
Digestive Health | Last Active: Feb 18 3:19pm | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
Hello. May I ask which colorectal doctors at Mayo--or, really, any doctors anywhere--are willing to discuss sacral nerve stimulator implants for constipation?
My gastroenterologist suggested a sacral nerve stimulator to treat my constipation. (I've had every kind of test, tried every prescription drug, done PT for a year, treated SIBO, had adhesion lysis, etc.) However, the colorectal surgeons I've spoken to in the Atlanta area, where I live, just say that sacral nerve stimulators are not FDA approved for constipation and won't pursue the conversation further. I would be willing to try to pay for the treatment out of pocket if it would work and allow me to avoid an ostomy or other major colon surgery. (I'm fairly young and athletic.)
I traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to see a gastroenterologist in the past. I've since transferred my care closer to home. But I'd be go back to Florida--or as I say, pretty much anywhere--if I could find a minimally invasive treatment that would help with this condition that has come to dominate my life and is getting worse and worse.
Thanks for any help or tips.
Replies to "Hello. May I ask which colorectal doctors at Mayo--or, really, any doctors anywhere--are willing to discuss..."
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Hi, @roseee and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You are in a helpful place to learn from and encourage others. It sounds like you have been on a quest to improve your constipation for some time.
I am a patient at Mayo Clinic MN but I do have sacral nerve stimulator experience. I have a few thoughts after reading you want to leave no stone unturned that may help your worsening symptoms.
1. I read through this discussion and notice varying outcomes from pelvic floor therapy. @jlstjohn created this discussion exploring options after trying so much including therapy. @leerose mentioned her husband needing to go to several pelvic floor therapists before finding one that was able to specifically help him. Also, it didn’t work for @lisalucier who ended up having surgery. I was diagnosed with having coordination problems, tried therapy locally then pursued Mayo’s program. For me, it was not quick but I don’t think we were addressing problems that got there quickly, either. I am not sure there is a quick fix. It was also the foundational thing that made it possible to more successfully address other things going on in my body at the same time.
2. You may be interested in research, here a PubMed article from 2019.
- Sacral nerve stimulation for constipation: long-term outcomes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31147802/
3. I looked up Mayo Clinic Colon and Rectal Surgery enough to see services they provide vary among Mayo locations, and that they address more than what is listed on their website. You may find out the best information by pursuing an appointment, contacting them here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
This link has a listing of available doctors if you are interested to review:
- Mayo Clinic Colon and Rectal Surgery Overview: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/colon-rectal-surgery/sections/doctors/drc-20312725
You mention getting worse so much that your symptoms dominate your life. What specific symptom(s) are the biggest problem right now? Do you have experience with pelvic floor therapy?