Slow transit constipation and surgery

@januaryjane , I have no idea how all the insurance works. I am blessed to have a husband that takes care of all that. I do know that The Mayo Clinic accepts patients with no insurance. They accept donations for specifically that and some specifically for their research. Just call whichever Mayo Clinic you are going to. Numbers are at their site. They will answer you questions on insurance and will tell you if you are eligible for an appointment. Sometimes they turn down patients for various reasons, but not for how or if you are able to pay.

@januaryjane Our post get mixed in with other seeking help or just wanting to vent. I am like elle1233... I am busy and may be days before I can get back on here. I take care of my 91 year old mom. She had dementia and heart problem and other things... she gets confused a lot and she cannot walk much with her walker. Wears me out physically and mentally. I really need to go back to the Mayo, but I have no one to care for her nor can we afford respite care. Tried to get her into nursing home and that did not work out and have tried for hospice care, but she is not to that point yet.

Many have similar problems on here. Administrators try to keep topics together. If you need to find a specific comment you made just click on your account and you will be taken to your comments.

Please be aware that Mayo now prioritizes privately insured patients over those that are Government insured—e.g. Medicare and Medicaid. In the specialties that are heavily in demand (e.g. gastroenterology) this means that if you are on one of the government programs and are anew patient, it is highly unlikely that you will get an appointment unless your condition is something very complex and unusual. This is no secret. The CEO announced it a couple of years ago.

This is what their website says: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance/accepted-insurance/medicaid . This is what is says one self-pay: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance/uninsured-patients

I recently received a letter from the Mayo Clinic asking for donations to help other patients in need financial help. So I assume they have some exceptions to the rule. Can the patient be helped in the area they live.. is it a rare condition.. life threatening? I'm sure much is considered.

Colectomy is a major surgery and I understand how miserable you are but it's not always the best answer. Please get more opinions. I have had a colon resection due to a bowel obstruction caused by a congenital bowel malformation-- a rotated cecum which I never knew I had until the obstruction. I had 18" of colon removed. I did have chronic constipation before the bowel obstruction occurred but had it under control (mostly) with magnesium capsule supplements and high dose vitamin c. It has taken 3 years to really recover-- very hard. There is a closed Facebook group on post colectomy pain and problems. Several of the folks on the board had colectomies due to chronic constipation and are worse off now. Hope you get better and find a solution. It is truly frustrating and can be disabling.

Waiting to see G.I. with my IBS-C which has become progressively worse over the past two years triggered by medications. Linzess gave me horrible pain even at the lowest dose. The laxative that gives me the fewest side effects and works for me is Sennokot. I also found a product by Weber called "the right fiber for IBS" which comes from guar gum and is fodmap approved. It seems to reduce bloating a bit and lessen the Sennokot side effects. You can mix the tasteless and non gritty fine powder into hot or cold beverages. Absolutely tasteless.
I feel badly for you. My severe problems did not start until two and 1/2:years ago 63. (The ibs has been there since my late teens).
I know sennokot should not be used longterm but right now it allows me to get on with my life.
Surgery sounds so drastic and once you take that step there's no going back.

Have you been tested for SIBO? Methane predominant SIBO is very common in chronic constipation.

Good thought, tiss! I was going to ask her about that. I'm kind of pro SIBO now, BUT the incidence of SIBO and IBS going along together is so high (and I believe getting higher as more is being learned). I was thinking about that especially since her problem started after an illness... and possible infection.. I believe there was one there. I think SIBO should always be considered in chronic constipation IBS without a cause.. because there is a cause... they just don't know what it is most of the time.

Hi I have a Redudant Torturous Colon. Diagnosis Ed in a colonoscopy. Horrible pain. Constipation. Bloating and nausea. Housebound. Going to a colon surgeon Sept. 26th. I'm praying for you . Les

Thank u for all replies. Sorry if I barked at everyone. Just really struggling