Sitz Marker Study for Slow Transit Constipation

Posted by sallyw133 @sallyw133, May 4, 2023

My new CR Surgeon wants me to do a Sitz Marker test for a more accurate transit study of my colon. I have to stop all laxatives, etc 6 days before and the 5 days while X-rays are taken. I am barely having any BM’s now taking prescription meds, so I know I will not be going at all the entire 11 days! I know this is going to be awful so “please” no horror stories! All I want to know is if anyone has extremely slow transit constipation and has had this test done? Were any of the rings able to pass by the stool or did they get stuck right away at the beginning? I’ve asked this question but my doctor’s nurse isn’t very reassuring. I’m not going through this misery for nothing.

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Hi Sally @sallyw133, I haven't had the Sitz Marker test but quite a few members have mentioned it in other discussions and may have some thoughts or experiences to share with you. Here are some links to the posts by members who have mentioned the Sitz test.

@mothermary1 - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/630857/
@les2436 - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/225088/
@januaryjane - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/299992/
@thellman - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/607499/
@faithful55 - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/247955/

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@redfinch

Think before you try this!

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What does that mean?

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I had the Sitz marker test. It was only 4 or 5 days. The rings were in there. Then after the test take laxatives.

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Go to Mayo! If they’re doing tests you are being well supervised , Sounds

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Betting Mayo would not be doing an 11 day test on anyone— my thoughts

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Well, Mayo would not give me an apt. Told me to mail records, then sent letter denying apt before they even received them. Changed their story every time I
called. So, I have lost all faith in Mayo. Did same thing when I tried to get an apt for my migraines. You have to be sick enough but not too sick or it will bring their success rates down and they won’t get donations.

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@sallyw133

Well, Mayo would not give me an apt. Told me to mail records, then sent letter denying apt before they even received them. Changed their story every time I
called. So, I have lost all faith in Mayo. Did same thing when I tried to get an apt for my migraines. You have to be sick enough but not too sick or it will bring their success rates down and they won’t get donations.

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Hi Sally, it is tough getting that denial letter. It sounds like you’ve taken the appropriate steps to seek care at Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately Mayo Clinic has more requests for appointments than available openings.

I wonder if you might consider the Mayo Clinic Health System https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/

Or the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The Care Network is a select group of independent health systems that are granted special access to Mayo Clinic's extensive knowledge and world-leading medical expertise. The Mayo Clinic Care Network helps keep care local by providing guidance and answers to many questions that might otherwise require a referral to a specialist. See the member hospitals here:
– Mayo Clinic Care Network https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/care-network/network-members

If I understand from your original post, you are currently in the care of a colorectal surgeon. Is that right? Will they do the Sitz Marker test?

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I totally understand that the demand exceeds the requests. My issue was with how the entire process was handled. At my initial call I was directed to mail records, drs reports, tests, etc. It took me a week to assemble and $20 to mail. Two days after I sent, I already got the denial letter that was dated 3 days after I had my initial phone call. When I called, I was told the letter was “auto sent” and I should not have received. They hadn’t even gotten my packet yet. When I hung up, I went on the portal, and right there, all my tests had been uploaded. Two lies. She said to call back in a week or two so I did. So sorry we can’t offer you an apt. I asked why I hadn’t been notified. You were. We sent you a letter weeks ago. I thought that was an error? No. So why was I denied? Let me check. Oh I see here they feel they have nothing here new to offer that your dr at Cleveland Clinic hasn’t tried. How did they make that decision when they didn’t have my records? He isn’t even my current dr and I now have a different diagnosis. And, you definitely have a program there to help me or I wouldn’t be spending all this money to come there from Pennsylvania!
So, if Mayo had no intention of giving me an apt, at least be honest. Don’t promote programs like the Bowel Evacuation Clinic. Tell me right up front and save me the $20 for records no one ever looked at. And mostly, don’t hold out false hope.
Yes, my colo-rectal surgeon is ordering the Sitz Marker study to determine what type of colectomy I’ll need. Mayo was my last hope to avoid removing my colon.

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@sallyw133

I totally understand that the demand exceeds the requests. My issue was with how the entire process was handled. At my initial call I was directed to mail records, drs reports, tests, etc. It took me a week to assemble and $20 to mail. Two days after I sent, I already got the denial letter that was dated 3 days after I had my initial phone call. When I called, I was told the letter was “auto sent” and I should not have received. They hadn’t even gotten my packet yet. When I hung up, I went on the portal, and right there, all my tests had been uploaded. Two lies. She said to call back in a week or two so I did. So sorry we can’t offer you an apt. I asked why I hadn’t been notified. You were. We sent you a letter weeks ago. I thought that was an error? No. So why was I denied? Let me check. Oh I see here they feel they have nothing here new to offer that your dr at Cleveland Clinic hasn’t tried. How did they make that decision when they didn’t have my records? He isn’t even my current dr and I now have a different diagnosis. And, you definitely have a program there to help me or I wouldn’t be spending all this money to come there from Pennsylvania!
So, if Mayo had no intention of giving me an apt, at least be honest. Don’t promote programs like the Bowel Evacuation Clinic. Tell me right up front and save me the $20 for records no one ever looked at. And mostly, don’t hold out false hope.
Yes, my colo-rectal surgeon is ordering the Sitz Marker study to determine what type of colectomy I’ll need. Mayo was my last hope to avoid removing my colon.

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I am sorry You are going through all this suffering and for the way your situation was handled!Mayo should reevaluate this and offer concrete options for your treatment !

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