Amitiza

• By Kate1
• Posted August 8, 2008 at 8:57 am
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Hi, Carol. That is a really tough question to answer... I, too, would want to try everything before going forward with colon removal, but it seems as though your doctor has reason to be concerned about Amitiza. I don't know too much about the drug, except that my GI doctor doesn't recommend it (at least, not for me). However, you are at a very different point with your motility issues. I just thought that I would mention that my GI doctor has reservations about the drug in general, and I tend to really trust his opinion. I'm certainly not saying that you shouldn't try it, but that maybe it makes sense to be cautious. Could you see the Cleveland doctor again and go over your concerns more fully (and his reasons for recommending it) before making a decision?

Good luck. I'm sorry you are having such a hard time figuring out what treatment options to pursue. It's hard when the options just aren't that great... Please keep us posted. I'll be thinking of you.

Kate

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• By Trixie617
• Posted August 8, 2008 at 9:17 am
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Hi Carol -

I tried Amitiza. It didn't work for me (never produced a bm) & the side effects outweighed the potential benefits. It caused headaches & a tight feeling in my chest making it difficult to get a deep breath...

On the other hand, we know very well that what works for one person may not work for the other & vice versa!

Hugs -- Tracie

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• By twin
• Posted August 8, 2008 at 11:48 am
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Hi Carol,

I am currently taking this drug, but I also take miralax, the prescription one,, because it costs less, and occassionally I need to take stool softeners as well, I'm still not always consistent, so I'm not really sure how effective this drug really is. My GI doc, wasn't crazy about the idea of me taking it, after zelnorm was pulled, because of it's nausea, side effect, but we decided to give it a try. Anyway, everyday is different for me. Take care, Karry

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• By Pebbles5410
• Posted August 8, 2008 at 5:31 pm
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Kate, Tracie and Karry,

Thank you so much for your responses. A few minutes ago my friend's son who is an Oncology Colerectal Surgeon called and we scheduled an appointment to discuss all my info. I don't have cancer but he is considered one of the best surgeons, so I am happy that he will take the time to talk with me and give me his opinion.

Carol

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• By lmh196109
• Posted September 3, 2008 at 5:28 am
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Hi Carol, I have also tried the Amatiza and it didn't work for me except for causing more gas, head aches and nausea. The only thing that works for me is Miralax (prescribed) 12 capfuls per day. I am also trying everything before making the choice of surgery. I suffer from colonic inertia and pelvic floor dysfunction and it's been an on going battle for more than 10 years now. Please keep us posted as to weather or not you have decided to take it and if it works for you. Also, I just want to say thank you for everyones stories, it helps to know that I'm not alone. God Bless!

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• By Pebbles5410
• Posted September 3, 2008 at 6:49 pm
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Thanks for the response. I will update. I am taking the 8 mcg dose of Amitiza instead of the 24 mcg dose. My doc here decided to try it but wanted me to add it gradually and that was a good idea. It helps some but I have to take 16 mcg in two doses because it made problems worse if I took it in one dose. It has been a minimum of help but has helped some.

Next week I meet with the Urologist because the Cleveland docs and my doc would like to see me have the Pelvic Floor Stimulation therapy and the Implanted Nerve Stimulator. They have only been FDA approved for Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder (which I have) but have been used in Europe for some time for motility issues so we are going in the "backdoor" and using them to help both. Insurance will cover them for the urinary problems so I am hoping that they will help with both.

I hope everybody is doing well and appreciate the concerns. This site is so wonderful. The support is so comforting.

Carol

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