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Redundant/Tortuous Colon & Severe Constipation
JN: I am a 72y/o woman with severe constipation & a redundant colon. 7 years ago I had 14" of colon removed and 3 additional surgeries for a rectocele, entrocele and another bowel prolapse. I have been severely constipated before and after surgeries. I have tried evert kind of otc med, laxatives, fibers and many prescribed meds, drink 1/2 gallon of water, swim 4-5 times weekly, do zumba nothing works. I have thrown up after 6 days of not going. I have pains in right upper and left lower abdominal areas. I am enema dependent to empty my bowels, it is a painful process and can last for 3 hours every time I do it. 2 surgeons recommended colectomy, 1 did not. 1 GI recommended surgery, 2 did not. I am a young 72 and want to continue living actively with less difficulty. Anyone have surgery that worked, and what kind to eliminate this problem? I have been told that colectomy can also produce bloating, gas, things I am already dealing with. Thank you for your help
JN
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That makes good sense, @shawnkthryn. Less is more. If it is something like gastroparesis and it is acceptabley controlled by diet, that would be enough success for me. If I were in my eighties with weak muscle mass, I wouldn't want anything more invasive. I try to avoid as much medical intervention as possible. In my view, such only helps-- there is rarely a silver bullet. It seems like you are doing your homework by Googling.
Happy New Year
@researchmaven
I want to thank you for patiently guiding me. There's been so many changes w diet since the 4th of July. I think my system went into shock since fasting day before Thanksgiving. @ that point, thank you for stepping up w positive reinforcements & excellent diet ideas. It's becoming an entirely different direction, not to be drawn to the Bakery. Meat dept & Produce- only for a lil bit. I've likely been in starvation mode w/o knowing. Realizing the deterioration of this 66yy muscles to zilch. 1st months progress report. I'm making homemade soup. Salmon patties. I could nurse on a patty all day. I'm trying to eat in peaceful environment. Egg beaters, egg whites took adjusting. But by golly, I'm w you. It is all in the diet. If you feel awful after you eat, my exp for 23y's. I'm sure my body was signaling Woe. Don't eat it. Lot of self discipline & commitment to ourselves, we won't allow this tormenting me anymore. I'm just to the point of putting a meal together. Took over a month to get that far. I've my own cupboard which works ideally. Don't have to see what I can't eat. & only open 1 cupboard, but that is my generator source. God love you & bless you for being so kind to me. Thank you
@shawnkthryn, we just have a lot in common and I am glad to be able to share what worke for me. Each month gets easier. Habits build; taste buds change. It becomes easier and easier. I am really glad you are doing better! All the best for 2025!
Look up A.C.E. or M.A.C.E surgery online. Small tube with one way valve inserted just under belly button allows you to flush from top down using an enema. Removable if things get going on their own. You do it when you want to. Daily, every otherday, etc. Pioneered by Johns Hopkins.