I just had a gi recommend same as being “the” answer to my years of pain and suffering. Said it could give me my life back. I did join a blog but it sounds like I would be just trading one set of problems for another. I did agree to a consultation with a surgeon bc I was feeling esp awful that day. Why not hear what he has to say? Things would have to get pretty bad to get to that point. Newest Gi
Has me trying Bethanichol, an off-brand use to increase motility. Having varying success but I do “feel” better than I have in months. Also, daily IB Guard. And it really is helping. Not perfect, but he and his nurse are working with in hopes of
finding something that does work.

To Sally, thank you very much for responding and for the info. I will ask my doctor about the medication.

@kjn72 - It sounds like you have very poor motility. The goal for you now would be to try medication that improves motility, along with some meds you are trying now.
I am now on Motegrity and Amitiza and it works ok for now. Much better than before when I only had laxatives.
One of my Mayo doctors also had me do warm water enemas twice a week for a few months. It did help some, but I’m not fond of it.
There are things to try before resorting to colectomy. Just make sure to stay in touch with the doctor

@astaingegerdm, thank you for replying. Yes, motility is very slow. I have tried many meds, including Amitza, Linzess, Trulance and many others. With Trulance, I had bowel movements felt bloated and uncomfortable all day, and I had numerous bowel movements daily (Trulance is $600.00 monthly for me, very expensive)
I don't want to trade problem for problem by having a colectomy. Have you heard of a gastric pacemaker to help with motility issues?

@kjn72 - I have read about the concept of a gastric pacemaker- that’s what we need! Are they in use?
Motegrity is a motility drug and moves things along at pace much better than what we are dealing with now.
It is also expensive, up to $200 a month. I ration it. I’m looking into getting it from a Canadian v pharmacy.
Medicare patients don’t qualify for manufacturer’s coupons.

I’m in similar situation and a surgeon is waiting for me to schedule surgery for a Diverticular resection. I am 79 and don’t think I will do it. I use milk of magnesia 2 tablets at least once a week, I walk , water with Apple cider vinegar every day, swim, take papaya enzyme after a meal, eat prunes and juice, resort to one envelope of Pico Prep which is a prep for a colonoscopy when I feel the need. I have had flare ups for 10+ years. Its do all of the above or unpredictable surgery. I pray a lot. Best wishes, stay in touch.🥰

Has anyone with severe motility issues had a colectomy? If yes, could you please share your experience? Did it help?
Are your issues worse?
Thank you,
JN

Sally, it takes so long for me because of my motility issues and whatever else is going on with my system .
I have had soap in the enema in the past. Mineral oil was recommended by my doctor to help the waste move through me.

At my initial visit, he advised starting it at one three times a day then second day go to two three times a day, Woow, Way too much. Called back. Here the fellow I met with first messed up what I was currently taking. So, now taking 1/2 tab 3 times a day. Also be sure to take on empty stomach. Told me I had to give it two weeks. If no BM after 4-5 days, use Dulcolax. Also use IBGuard every day.
Well, I’ve had mixed results. That alone isn’t enough. When I try to bump up dosage very much, side effects. Night sweats, insomnia, “brain zaps”. I’m ok at a whole one at mid-day, but no more. He says he thinks 3-4 BM’s a week are good. Not for me. If I don’t go most every day, I don’t feel good. But overall, this is the best I’ve felt in ages. I felt terrible on Motegrity, which was my previous dr’s go-to drug. Always nauseous. So I don’t want to give up on it yet. I’ve been adding in a little Miralax. A little mineral oil. Trying to avoid the big Dulcolax purge if possible, which will keep me in the house at least a day. I’ve had a call in to the gi since Monday for advice about adding something with it. Disappointed I still haven’t heard back yet. Thought this one was going to be better with that. Oh, I haven’t really noticed that I pee any more than normal, but I’m nearly 65 so I do pee a lot anyway, so it’s hard to
tell!

Oh I so feel for all of you ! Our 5 year old son has redundet colon too ! And it’s so painful to see him in such pain and sick so often ! Doctors here in Canada refuse to do surgery and take some colon out some colon , has anyone had a surgery like that ? And if so what’s the result ?