Slow transit constipation and surgery

Hi @dianecostella Sorry , I hadn’t seen your posting. You have autonomic small fiber neuropathy that is causing severe constipation. And you’re scheduled for the smart pill to check or motility. Can you explain the smart pill for me?

You swallow a pill that has a camera. You wear a receiver on your chest that records picture as it goes through system
I had it done at columbia Presbyterian in NYC. It never made it through in one piece due to blockage. It is painless

Morning Becky, I’ve put on 5 pounds so that makes me happy. I’m just praying for a miracle. Maybe one day I’ll just go to the bathroom. I want to be in the best health I can be before my surgery, it’s September 29. I’ve been walking every day more,trying new foods too. Just wish it would kick start my bowels, but nothing. I’m doing the best I can I think. Thanks Becky, have a wonderful day…Joanne

@dianecostella I’m not sure if i understand correctly, are you asking what biofeedback entails? Was this not explained by the doctor doing the test? Here is some information on biofeedback

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/treating-constipation-with-biofeedback-for-the-pelvic-floor-2019051616638
Is this what you were looking for?

It was not explained. I was offered it in two different scenerio's. First by a GI doctor up at Columbia Presbyterian for chronic constipation. When I went for my results after a mamentry test he was not precise at all. He was rushing me out. He was new to the hospital and couldn't even recommend a facility to go for it. The second time it was offered to me was for chronic pain. It was a psychologist who specialized in chronic pain. She said I would have to go into Manhattan once a week for it (which for someone with chronic pain is too daunting). She said she would check to see if my insurance paid for it and if it did we would go into more detail. I never heard from her and I did not pursue it because I was not going into the city once a week. I was just wondering what it entails.

Hi Diane, I suffer severe motility and sever constipation. It’s so severe next month I’m having my colon removed. I’ve been going to physical therapy for over 3 months. This person only see’s patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. I go weekly. She begins with stomach message and does point pressure and it typically gets me to hear bowel sounds which is a good thing. I suffer a lot of nausea because of being so constipated. She then she has me lay on my belly and she does thoracic spine message and it actually gets rid of my nausea for that day.
She then does internal PT where she massages muscles and I do push, squeeze, bare down type exercises. It has been very helpful for me because it will lessen my chance of needing a bag after surgery. I’m on Medicare and a supplement and I pay nothing. She has truly been a god sent for me. Hope this info can help. All the best, Joanne

My doctor at Columbia Presbyterian in NY was Dr Rosenberg He is terrific

Hi, not sure how you can read any of my prior posts but I’ve done everything you have done, so many tests to prove in fact I do have severe constipation. Find the best place and the best doctor. I live in NH and started here with just live like this attitude from 3 Gastro doctors. This was after doing a few tests,one the sitz marker which I completely failed. Find a good place. I live close to Boston so I’m very fortunate. The Gastro doctor there ran every test possible and in conclusion it was life this life or remove my entire colon so next month is the surgery. Yes, I’m 66 and scared. My surgeon is 85% sure I won’t need a bag so that’s good. I’m so tired of this life I probably would adjust to a bag if I get my life back. I don’t know where you live or how good your insurance is but I think you know where the good hospitals are. I would call. I would first gather everything about your history you possibly can. Bring every test result it saves so much time and do your best to go. They did not offer surgery to me right away at all. I went through many tests to find something and in the end it’s two choices,live like this or remove entire colon.best of luck…Joanne

@mothermary1 Joanne, you sound so good! And i love that you’re helping others. This certainly isn’t an easy path you’re on, but I’ll bet you come out dancing in the sunshine! Can i put sept 28 on my calendar so i can check and see how you’re doing.?

Hi Becky and yes but it’s the 29th, my mistake. I was told I’ll be in the hospital four days maybe more but less than 7. I’m hanging in best I can. I’m at a better place lately. I will definitely when I’m home, be writing on here because I want to share my entire experience, both good and hopefully just a bit not so great. I know everyone’s body is different but I hope if I share I can help one person. Still a way off and still living on laxatives which I’m becoming very tired of.
Enjoy your weekend…Joanne