Slow transit constipation and surgery

Hi Becky, I’m just beside myself. I spoke with the doctors nurse yesterday and he always uses an NG tube. He’s on vacation and will call me to discuss after sep13th. I do my research well I think and I read more studies saying back in the early days yes but not now. The side effects weigh out the benefits. I can’t eat with it so how will I have any stool to pass. I’ve had gallbladder and appendix, both blow you up with gas and you don’t need this. I just don’t understand it.I have moderate esophageal dysmotility so it worries me. I don’t know now if I’ll do it.
I’m going to ask to try linzess or try lance or ametesa again. I had no luck with any for months but this is now causing me very bad Antietam. I hope someone who has had one will read this and help me as to how it feels. Sorry that I was sounding so great but this just turned that around…Joanne

Sometimes I feel situations intervene that are really life changing and this may have been your spiritual protectors looking after you to make sure that a non-reversible surgery is really the right thing at this time. I pray that you will find a solution to your condition. Like the man said, and I am not being facetious, "I share your pain."

Thank you, I just feel I’m getting signs that are saying wait. My physical therapist who I’ve seen for three months says wait longer,it’s been in the off position for so long it needs time. I reached out to my neurosurgeon yesterday who did my acdf 3 fusion and his reply was eye opening. He said Joanne I believe it has the possibility to come back. The surgeon has said from day one it’s my choice to stay as is with hopes something happens or get rid of the problem by removing my colon,shorten the length but it comes with a possible price. I think it’s been 14 months and taking a few more to be 100% sure might just be the right choice. I appreciate your response. Honestly I need all thoughts and do greatly appreciate you taking out your time to help me. Blessings, Joanne

Good morning, Joanne. "Signs" are just your subconscious working through issues and coming up with a possible answer and in my experience, signs are to be heeded and well considered. I was fretting thinking about your surgical plans and am hopeful there is a positive turnaround for you. I know stress is a large part of my issues and I am trying to get it under control through meditation, prayer, and patience with myself. I am also listening more carefully to my body and have made some changes which seem to be moving in the right direction. I say every day "heal myself" and hope the body gets the message.

@mothermary1 I hope everything has been going OK.. Has your anxiety lessened any while you wait? I know surgery can be tough, but you’re one tough lady to have gone through all that you have. I’ll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for a great experience!

Hi Becky, haven’t been able to find you on this site. I’m new and find myself answering things that are 3 years old. My surgery on the 29th I canceled. I did this the very start of September maybe last week of August. My inside voice for months kept saying no. Yes, I was always terrified. The feeling never got better and I tried to stay positive. I sat and talked to family and said I can’t do it. Everyone respected my decision. I rescheduled to January 19 after sitting with the surgeon. I told him if I had been diagnosed with a disease that I had no choice but to try to remove the diseased portion or all my colon I could have accepted it but with motility being severe and other colon issues I felt I wanted more time,he agreed.
Fast forward last Wednesday after 14+ months without being on laxatives I passed form stools. Now not much but first time other than water. It happened again Thursday,Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I was elated. Since then nothing and today is Friday but no laxatives. I’m still getting PT and acupuncture. I don’t have an answer nor does my doctor or the surgeon but it happened. I am still booked in January but I need to think about what happened for those 5 days and why can’t it happen again. I did nothing different. I have to answers why but I’m waiting to see if it may continue. Their has to be a reason. Just seems we have done. So, that is where I am right now. I just pray I get another moment like those 5 days.
Be well, Joanne

Hi Joanne @mothermary1 . I’m so sorry that all this is causing such confusion for you. But, if you feel comfortable and your doctors feel comfortable, then the decision was the right one for you. I admire you for being able to make it and for being able to express yourself to your family and medical team. Ill keep my fingers crossed that the next months go smoothly for you.
Have you started a new hobby to keep your anxiety at bay?

Hi Becky, I’m just walking more when anxious. Once I canceled my stress level was much better but now with not going again I feel the stress returning a longing with fear and I hate it. I’ve never been great with stress. I worry about everything. I’m trying to stay busy as much as possible. I hate that I don’t know why I started passing stool for those days and now it stopped. It’s obvious I can. Maybe next a nutritionist . I’m getting PT, acupuncture maybe I need to try that. I look at so many diets on line for this condition but some foods on the list really bother me. I’m looking forward to something happy on and probably taking a laxative before it gets out of hand. Thank you for checking in..Joanne

@mothermary1 You certainly don’t want to go backwards! Has your doctor ever suggested Miralax or Benefiber? They are fiber stimulants rather than laxatives. I take a lot of calcium so i also use Miralax. Very gentle and works well. Have you tried it?

Hi, are you still posting. I was posting but can’t seem to get back into my conversation with folks. I’m searching doctors for all the above who don’t just push only medications. Hope someone out there recognizes me and writes. Thanks, Joanne