Slow transit constipation and surgery

Posted by januaryjane @januaryjane, Aug 22, 2019

Hi, I have slow transit constipation and Ive tried everything with little help. Amitiza, linzess, trulance...diet modification, pelvic floor therapy...etc. It affects the quality of my life every day. It started at 18 and im almost 34. I cannot maintain a job or even finish school. Just saw a new gastro and he wants me to "drag my feet" on surgery. I know it is not to be taken lightly but i want a life, while im rather young. Just really stressed and would like any thoughts or info that would help. Thanks.

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Hello @januaryjane,

Since you have had a problem with slow transit constipation, I'm wondering if you know the cause? For example, have you had surgeries of the intestinal tract? Do you have any food allergies or problems with specific foods?

Since this has been a long term problem for you, I'm sure you must practice exercises such as taking a short walk after meals and/or exercises that specifically stimulate the digestive tract like bending at the waist, etc. What about your liquid/fiber consumption? These are all things that are quite helpful but they require diligence to practice the techniques.

I look forward to hearing from you again and understanding more of what you are experiencing. Will you post again?

REPLY

Hi @januaryjane,
I hear you and know your pain. I have been suffering with constipation for almost 20 years. I also had my gallbladder removed in 1999 and had a Nissen in 2000 which I had reversed in Feb. 2019. I have had many tests and taken many meds to reveal the root cause and get my bowels moving; but none of this has worked. I saw my GI doctor yesterday and he has upped my Linzess to the highest amount of mgs. I will continue to pray and hope that this will give me some relief so that I don't have to get up early every morning to set aside an hour to have a bowel movement. This is frustrating and discouraging, but do not lose hope, God is faithful. I will pray for you and also for myself. Blessings

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Have you seen a GI at a top rated gastroenterology facility—e.g. Mayo? If not, please try to do this. Your situation seems really serious—physically snd emotionally.

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@hopeful33250

Hello @januaryjane,

Since you have had a problem with slow transit constipation, I'm wondering if you know the cause? For example, have you had surgeries of the intestinal tract? Do you have any food allergies or problems with specific foods?

Since this has been a long term problem for you, I'm sure you must practice exercises such as taking a short walk after meals and/or exercises that specifically stimulate the digestive tract like bending at the waist, etc. What about your liquid/fiber consumption? These are all things that are quite helpful but they require diligence to practice the techniques.

I look forward to hearing from you again and understanding more of what you are experiencing. Will you post again?

Jump to this post

My health problems, including the stc, started after I got Mono at 17 and have struggled with ebv reactivation years after. I believe my stc is a direct cause of this, among other things. Yes, exercise, small meals, fodmap, lots of water, etc. My stc is diagnosed as idiopathic.

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@faithful55

Hi @januaryjane,
I hear you and know your pain. I have been suffering with constipation for almost 20 years. I also had my gallbladder removed in 1999 and had a Nissen in 2000 which I had reversed in Feb. 2019. I have had many tests and taken many meds to reveal the root cause and get my bowels moving; but none of this has worked. I saw my GI doctor yesterday and he has upped my Linzess to the highest amount of mgs. I will continue to pray and hope that this will give me some relief so that I don't have to get up early every morning to set aside an hour to have a bowel movement. This is frustrating and discouraging, but do not lose hope, God is faithful. I will pray for you and also for myself. Blessings

Jump to this post

Thank you so much. Right now im not responding lengthy, not feeling the best, but wanted to say thanks and i appreciate your kindness.

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@jackiem95

Have you seen a GI at a top rated gastroenterology facility—e.g. Mayo? If not, please try to do this. Your situation seems really serious—physically snd emotionally.

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My insurance doesnt cover mayo unfortunately. Ive just been to the bigger universities in my state. Not much help.

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Where do you live? Does your insurance cover medical care outside of your area? If so, you might start by checking US News and World Report online for its lists of best rated care in various specialties (incl. Gastroenterology) to see which facilities and doctors are well regarded. At least you may be able to get a really valid second opinion.

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Hi, how was your slow transit constipation diagnosed?

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Oops, I already sent my reply before I was done! I was also wondering what surgery you are dragging your feet about?
IMO opinion (and life experience) constipation is one (I'm sure there are many) of the most poorly understood GI problems, even by GI specialists, and therefore there aren't really good treatments for it - it fact, I'm a little shocked at the illogic of the treatments that are prescribed.

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@faithful55

Hi @januaryjane,
I hear you and know your pain. I have been suffering with constipation for almost 20 years. I also had my gallbladder removed in 1999 and had a Nissen in 2000 which I had reversed in Feb. 2019. I have had many tests and taken many meds to reveal the root cause and get my bowels moving; but none of this has worked. I saw my GI doctor yesterday and he has upped my Linzess to the highest amount of mgs. I will continue to pray and hope that this will give me some relief so that I don't have to get up early every morning to set aside an hour to have a bowel movement. This is frustrating and discouraging, but do not lose hope, God is faithful. I will pray for you and also for myself. Blessings

Jump to this post

Did your constipation start after the gall bladder surgery (that sounds about 20 years ago)?

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