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Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?
Digestive Health | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (1117)Comment receiving replies
My resection was 11 weeks ago today. I had 7 inches in total of my sigmoid and descending colon removed. I can count on one hand the times I've had to take laxatives in my life. Constipation was only an issue for me in the weeks after my daughter was born and that resolved on its own. I actually was seeing my GI and internists for issues I was having with frequent bowel movements before I had my surgery. Since I had a diverticulitis flare that wasn't resolving with antibiotics, I assumed that the inflammation was causing diarrhea. Now I'm at the opposite end of this with severe constipation. My surgeon and GI are both of the impression that this is not permanent. I have so much discomfort on a daily basis, even 11 weeks feels permanent.
Replies to "My resection was 11 weeks ago today. I had 7 inches in total of my sigmoid..."
Hi @tracy430,
It sounds like you’ve been through so much! I’m so glad you’ve joined this group, and was wondering if you had an opportunity to view this Mayo Clinic Connect discussion:
– Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ostomy-adapting-to-life-after-colostomy-ileostomy-or-urostomy/
It’s an incredibly informative conversation, where fellow members have shared their experiences, insights and tips about life before and after ostomy.
Another Connect discussion that I would really encourage you to read through is, "Three months after colon surgery” https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/three-months-after-colon-surgery/ where you will meet @joyce1 @starrlight @sallyg @nannytart @travelgirl @swatson. I’d also like to bring in @maet @frane1939 @lamerex4 t see if they might be able to share more about colon resection and diverticulitis.
I have constant constipation. I have found GO EASY tea..or a laxative tea works even better than Miralax
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@tracy430
You are fresh out of surgery. Please be patient with yourself. I know it's horribly uncomfortable! It can take a full year to recover from a resection. My first 18 months were spent with diarrhea and/or constipation. Took a long time to get a handle on what I could eat, and how to manage the discomfort and flare ups. Your body has been traumatized and it is trying to figure out how to compensate for the loss of the part of your colon, and also the trauma. Remember that your intestines are still very inflamed and not happy. Eat things that are easily digested-- very small amounts at a time. Yogurt, scrambled eggs, Ensure-- very soft stuff so your intestines don't have to work hard. Low fiber at this point. I also take a probiotic Align every day. I don't know if you are on Facebook but I'm in a wonderful, closed, private group for colectomy patients. I get the best advice from that group that you won't hear from doctors. It's amazing how clueless doctors are about telling us how to help ourselves after this type of surgery. The name of the group is Post colectomy--the roller coaster of debilitating discomfort and pain. Highly recommend. Also, magnesium capsules may help. I take it every single day. I use nature's way magnesium complex. Good luck and please let me know how you are doing. Ask any question at any time. I feel for you! I am 2 1/2 years out from my surgery. Hang in there-- it will get better!! ❤️