Chief Of Surgery Want Immediate Open Ileostomy...

By JCatGuy
Posted October 4, 2008 at 7:32 pm · 2 replies
In Open discussion

The Surgeon didn't even exam me (which seems to be a trend) and they look at my Scintigraphy Motility Results and just say, "You Need Surgery". Okay, here's my question and concern.
That test was done when I went to MT SINAI's (in Manhattan) ER and they said I was Impacted. They kept me through the weekend and another 4 days plus the 9 days I hadn't moved bowels (even w/the enemas, mineral oil, which is only way I can, if at all), and 4 more days during the test.
Anyway, they didn't clean me out or attempt to, first, before they ran the motility test (Scintigraphy).
So, he said, "See secretary make appt. for open ileostomy for severe colonic inertia.
I then wrote him and asked him, that couldn't the fact that they didn't CLEAN ME OUT FIRST and then run the MOTILITY study, possibly confound the results?
He actually wrote back, and said, "Yes it is possible, but you have no choice".

I do not get that reply! Because to me the obvious thought that came to me was, then before doing a life changing surgery, wouldn't it be prudent to:
1. Clean me out (someway, somehow)
2. Then, Run the Scintigraphy Study under those conditions? Because my motility might not be as slow as worthy of surgery. UNless I"m missing something. Outside of reading those test and looking at my weight loss he didn't even do a physical examination.
3. Also there's pacing or perhaps these motility drugs I take that are new (to me), aren't working only because of the impaction (whch I have again). Although he ordered no xrays or ct scan.

He seems very inpatient and rush to cut.
On the other hand his credentials are impecable, as Chief Surgeon of Major Manhattan Hospital and all kinds of awards and accolades.
Still, I feel that since he answered YES, it could've altered the results, why he didn't suggest to re-run it adn write, "you have no choice" doesn''t alleviate my concern.

Can I ask all of you w/experience w/these matters what would your suggestions to me, be. I am supposed to schedule this come monday (on the other hand, I feel like he's a very good surgeon albeit no patience, and might just "drop me" and blow me off and with the poor insurance I have, I'm lucky to get a head surgeon as opposed to some "just graduated one" who takes medicare/medicaid.
But still, I am stuck in the middle and do not know what to do!
Thanks 4 your help in advance.......Jay

2 replies

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By Kate1
Posted October 5, 2008 at 8:28 am

Hi, Jay. I certainly can't tell you what to do in this situation, but I thought I would share a couple of thoughts. It sounds like you are in an emergency situation here, and maybe you should follow through with scheduling the surgery as this specialist recommended. However, that being said, in the meantime, I don't think it's unreasonable to push to get the rest of your questions answered. You have very valid questions and it's better to get the answers now than after the surgery. I would at least ask him to clarify why he says "you have no choice", when he also said that the results of the test could have been influenced by how impacted you are (as could the effectiveness of the motility drug/s you have begun taking).

Good luck, Jay. I'm sorry you are in such a tough situation. I hope this doctor is as good as his credentials make him seem. Keep us posted!

Kate

By JoAllison
Posted October 5, 2008 at 11:36 pm

It sounds to me as though your impaction is part of an overall motility problem, especially since you imply that it is recurring and that he may be saying that surgery is required, in part, because of it, not in spite of it. In fact, that part of the problem might be what is making it essential to do this now in his eyes, since there are serious health risks to being so impacted. The ileostomy will, obviously, get rid of that problem.

I know its scary to you, but it does sound like he has your best interests in mind. There are a lot of people who live awfully normal lives with an ileostomy. The author of one of my favorite, very healing, books (I give it to anyone facing major illness) has one. She's a doctor & counselor. If you get a chance, read "Kitchen Table Wisdom" by Rachel Naomi Remen; it's a beautiful book.

Anyway, back on topic, I'd really suggest scheduling the surgery. You're already living a altered-life. The surgery will change your life yes, but not necessarily for the worse.

Jo

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