Hi, boy do I feel your pain. I post all the time trying to make the decision,get advise and listen to others. In the end we know the decision is ours. I’m terrified. I’m 66 but if I could get this in control I can have a life. Both Gastro doctors prior to sending me to surgeons all said the decision is mine. I don’t have a “disease” or cancer so I’m lucky. If I suffered something else only that diseased portion would be removed but I have terrible motility and even with laxatives pass water only. I have not passed a form stool in 14 months. I’m getting worst than I ever was.
The reason the entire colon needs to be removed is motility. If they left half my constipation typically will remain. Their is the small chance in my case if after 3 months I’m constipated I would need a stoma but my surgeon does not think that will be my case.
All my tests show my stomach, small bowel and rectum working fine.
If you’ve had all the tests and I mean everything and tried all the OTC meds and prescription meds and you can say nothing is working than find an excellent surgeon. I live close to Boston so I feel very lucky. If I didn’t I would travel to a Mayo.
Make a list asking everything. I did. My daughter also came with us. I asked everything. He was great and was kind and took his time. I’ve seen many doctors. This was not and still isn’t a surgery I’m taking lightly. I’m so scared I won’t recover fast because of my age, I’ll have problems and a million other things going through my head.
In the end the choice is live this life as is or go for it and pray it will get me back to life. I have 20 more years to live, god willing and it can’t be stuck in the house, always worrying if it was a laxative night will it kick in while I’m out. Not to mention I’m tired looking pregnant at age 66. I’m just so sick of it. Go to a surgeon after Gastro has run every test. Go to a great medical facility and get a consultation. All the best..Joanne