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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@januaryjane

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

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The Mayo does not accept my insurances (I have Medicare and Tricare for Life) ... but Mayo is working with them. My part to pay is just a bit more than what it would be if they did accept my insurances. Talk to someone in financing at whichever Mayo Clinic is nearest you. Some of the doctors and NPs accept insurances that the Clinic and hospital do not. My NP accepts at least one of mine. My hubby handles all that so not sure if it is just one or both she accepts.

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@jackiem95

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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Not sure about my insurance, but im willing to look into other places, even studies

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@elle1233

Hi, how was your slow transit constipation diagnosed?

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I first did a colonic marker study (the pill) and all markers were still inside. Next did a colonoscopy, which was fine. Last of the tests were defecography, which was normal then Anorectal manometry, which found some pelvic floor dysfunction. Ive been doing pelvic floor therapy for awhile, hasnt helped much.

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@elle1233

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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Surgery to take out part or most of colon.

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@fourof5zs

The Mayo does not accept my insurances (I have Medicare and Tricare for Life) ... but Mayo is working with them. My part to pay is just a bit more than what it would be if they did accept my insurances. Talk to someone in financing at whichever Mayo Clinic is nearest you. Some of the doctors and NPs accept insurances that the Clinic and hospital do not. My NP accepts at least one of mine. My hubby handles all that so not sure if it is just one or both she accepts.

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Thanks, ill look into it. Im on medicaid, so no idea how that would work.

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Hi, I just wanted to add i cut back on stimulants, now stomach is calmer but the constipation is worse. I got put on them last year, but am afraid of everyday use, even if a Dr says its safe. Im getting a sibo test in the mail, so we will see what that says. My constipation just aggravates my body and inflammation. This weekend my Epstein barr virus reactivated, i missed my pelvic floor appt, just makes me so frustrated. Im just lost as what to do. Sorry this may seem like a blah, blah, poor me, but i have little support, and all of this is driving me mad. Ive in the past taken breaks, try not to think about it, free myself of appointments. I might get a little rest but that is time ive lost not working on this. Ive had most of my young adult life being plagued by this. I want an independent life, but my body is fighting against itself. Burn out is here again.

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@fourof5zs

The Mayo does not accept my insurances (I have Medicare and Tricare for Life) ... but Mayo is working with them. My part to pay is just a bit more than what it would be if they did accept my insurances. Talk to someone in financing at whichever Mayo Clinic is nearest you. Some of the doctors and NPs accept insurances that the Clinic and hospital do not. My NP accepts at least one of mine. My hubby handles all that so not sure if it is just one or both she accepts.

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Wow, that is wonderful that they work with you and it is affordable!
My insurance did not cover Mayo, but I was able to change insurance plans to one that did. I had to wait a year, but the insurance ended up not costing me any more than the prior plan I had, and the coverage for Mayo has been excellent (also better coverage at home !).

Is something like that an option for you, @januaryjane , changing insurance plans?

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@elle1233

Wow, that is wonderful that they work with you and it is affordable!
My insurance did not cover Mayo, but I was able to change insurance plans to one that did. I had to wait a year, but the insurance ended up not costing me any more than the prior plan I had, and the coverage for Mayo has been excellent (also better coverage at home !).

Is something like that an option for you, @januaryjane , changing insurance plans?

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@elle1233 hi i knotice you were able to find insurance that works good with Mayo. If its not to personal could i find. Out what you switched too. Im having issues with insurance myself and am researching other options. Thanks

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@elle1233

Wow, that is wonderful that they work with you and it is affordable!
My insurance did not cover Mayo, but I was able to change insurance plans to one that did. I had to wait a year, but the insurance ended up not costing me any more than the prior plan I had, and the coverage for Mayo has been excellent (also better coverage at home !).

Is something like that an option for you, @januaryjane , changing insurance plans?

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Thought this site might be different, but my original post gets lost in only a few replies.....Now that I know this site is of no help, I'm out.

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@januaryjane

Thought this site might be different, but my original post gets lost in only a few replies.....Now that I know this site is of no help, I'm out.

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I hope you stay @januaryjane . I have been thinking of you and worrying about you. Thank you for answering my questions, and I you top on my list to get back to. I am working as a 24/7 caregiver for a family friend with Alzheimers disease; usually 6 days a week. I am also sick with my GI troubles. I just got back from a week at Mayo, drove right from there to her house last Friday night and will first go home tomorrow morning. It is all - consuming and I have little time to myself and to get on the computer, however, it works with my problems and I am happy to be able to help. anyway, my point is, I'm very tired and when I have some time I have to rest, so I get behind easily, it's 3:51 am now, first time I've been able to get online all day. I have to get some sleep. I hope you'll at least check in, I had some thoughts I'd like to share, and it seemed like you got responses from many people.

I think others are likely also busy and/or sick and so it might take some time to get answers, but I would say this forum is much more active than some others I tried. I'm a little disappointed my Dx (well one of them) got moved onto a thread that hasn't been active in years, where no one will see it, but if you can get your post to be current like yours, I see them getting a lot of traffic! Hope you'll at least check in and read, even if you don't want to 'talk'.

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