Connect
← Return to Slow transit constipation and surgery
Discussion
Slow transit constipation and surgery
Digestive Health | Last Active: Jul 14, 2023 | Replies (140)Comment receiving replies
Hi, I’m new here and see your post is old. I’m having colectomy for severe constipation and motility.I have not passed a stool in 14 months.I only pass water with laxatives which I’ve been on for 14 months.I also go to PT. I’m scheduled end of September for colectomy. I’m terrified but have no life living on laxatives. I have tried it all. I’m 66 and so afraid but my life is terrible like this. I’m also allergic to pain meds so that’s another issue.not sure if you’ll ever read this. I’m new to site looking for any info.
Thanks…Joanne
Replies to "Hi, I’m new here and see your post is old. I’m having colectomy for severe constipation..."
@mothermary1 - Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I see that you have connected with members understanding your problem.
I would be anxious too waiting to have a colectomy.
I have chronic constipation and poor motility- I have been unable to completely empty out for colonoscopies more than once, even with a 2 day prep.
I’m now trying out daily Miralax and if that does not work I’ll try Amitiza etc.
I’m personally worried that I will end up with colectomy too. I know that’s a last resort, but at that point I would not hesitate.
I knew an elderly woman= older than my 77 years- who had been misdiagnosed for years locally and nothing worked. She could not eat and became very weak to the point that her kidneys shut down and she died. She had finally gotten a correct diagnosis, but It was too late for her to have a colectomy.
It would be helpful for you to find someone here to talk about recovery after surgery.
Please stay in touch- you are not alone in this!
Connect
Hello Joanne I just had to write to you. Even though my situation is different than yours, my heart goes out to you. I was given an antibiotic that wreaked havoc in my body. Clyndamycin was prescribed for a dental issue that left me with a bacteria called C-diff. I truly thought I was going to die. I was very sick. Then I was given Vancomycin to fight the C-diff. I was terrified to take another antibiotic. It did work though and got rid of the C-diff. But I've been left with having to rely on meds (laxatives) to have any elimination. I understand how you feel like your life revolves around this issue and sometimes it's terrifying. I understand. I hope that someone writes back to you that has experienced what you are going through specifically. I kept reading and writing about my issue and I had a lady respond to me about what her son has gone through and I'm now beginning a regimen that worked for her son, and he spent two decades trying to find something that worked. I'm hopeful. And I'm hopeful for you that someone reaches out to you. Sometimes the patients and their experiences can be more helpful than the doctors. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Jacque