Slow transit constipation and surgery

Did they discuss muscle myopathies or vagus nerve damage?

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

Yes because I had acdf 3 fusion surgery when this happened but we can’t seen to connect them.

Thanks for your input…I actually was told I was drinking to much and it showed in my lab work. My sodium and chloride levels were low. I typically drink a gallon a day,always have. I cut back some but I agree water intake is needed for more than just our bowels. I don’t eat garlic or onions, just not a fan. I keep a diary to be sure on days I take laxatives I’m hopefully getting rid of most of what I’ve digested. I only pass water so drinking plenty has always been a concern. I’m allergic to all pain med so we easily ruled that out. It simply has no rhyme or reason. I think that is why having this big operation is so scary. I’m going through pre-ops and I have told the surgeon I have set a date the middle of September to decide if I want to do this. I just wish I could understand better and I didn’t just go to one Gastro or just one surgeon. Everyone states the same. You can stay as is or do the surgery and I should have a better life. I’m simply not sure.
Thanks so much,Joanne

Yes, I do agree that drinking too much water is not recommended, one may even die from it when electrolytes are too deluded or non-existed, and it almost happened to me as well. Joanne, you've been in this situation a long time, and I'm sure that you did all the homework about what's good, what's not. What I've learned the hard way is that we all should look for natural remedies, not chemicals which may cure one problem, and cause many new problems. We all are part of nature, we do self heal, to certain extend off course, that's why it's important to try everything there is before going under the knife. That was my mistake, and I'm still paying the price for it, for trusting the surgeon too much just because he had thousands of similar surgeries under his belt.
Take care Joanne.......Jerzy

Hi, again, @mothermary1 I understand that you are very conflicted about the upcoming surgery. Remember,that everyone on Connect is solidly behind you. We’re going to virtually hold your hand for the next several months!
When i worked as a nurse, i frequently took care of patients who had had major abdominal surgery. Yes, it was tough, but in a good hospital with good nurses, its very doable. The 1st 24 hours are the hardest because lots of people are coming and going. Every day gets a little better. Pain control is taken very seriously, too.
Turn toward the future now and plan what you will do while you’re recuperating. Paint? Knit? Read? Play games? Will you be going to a big hospital?

Hello Becky, yes it will be done at Mass General Brigham & Womens in Boston. They are affiliated now . I’m feeling better about it and if you have seen my posts, I continue with PT and acupuncture hoping for a miracle. It’s mostly fear of the unknown like most surgeries. I’m coming to peace with it. Many thanks, Joanne

Hi, Joanne, you’re sound better every day! I think you’ve taken charge and won’t let this surgery beat you! Another question: do all of the doctors/surgeons know about your allergies to pain meds? What do they plan for pain relief?

Becky, my past surgeries I have received nothing, ever. The acdf 3 fusion was by far the worst. I’ve had many and everything they have tried gives me rapid heart rate, vomiting sometimes a rash. At pre-op we will have a discussion and see for this surgery are their options. I had a bunion removed and a plate put in my foot about 5 years ago. I thought recovery was just terrible. I needed my other foot done but declined.
Then last year my neck. Three months of a hard brace 24/7 and no pain med. it was tough. I don’t ever seem to get offered options other than I’ve pump or an injection. I always ask. I have no idea the what discomfort I will have. I had my gallbladder removed years ago and I felt the gas pain was awful but the more I walked the better I felt. I’m thinking walking right away if allowed is key.do you know of anything I can suggest. Thanks for keeping up with me. I’m hanging in…Joanne