I have recently been diagnosed with colonic inertia. My doc is having me try different meds. He started me on Amitizia and when I called them and told them that it made me feel like I had the flu. They told me to get off of it for a week and start on Miralax. I have tried Miralax in the past with no help from it. I have been a hermit in my home for the past 4 years and I am tired of living this way. I am thinking that a colectomy is the only answer to this problem. Am I wrong? The thing is that I can't use laxatives because I work and telling your boss the reason I can't get anything done is because I am sitting on the pot all day, I just don't think that is going to work. LOL! Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, has anyone seen a chiropractor for their inertia? If so, did it seem to help any?
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Colonic Inertia
- By cmullenix
- Posted April 10, 2008 at 7:27 pm · 15 replies
- In Coping with chronic illness
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
MiraLax Surgery Gastroparesis Zelnorm Suicide Ostomy Constipation Pain Flagyl Fibromyalgia Colonic inertia Depression Prilosec Pelvic floor dysfunction Hypothyroidism
15 replies
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- Newest first
- By jacy1
- Posted April 11, 2008 at 12:06 pm
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hi cmullinex
i was diagnosed three years ago with IBS-constipation. Managed relatively well with Zelnorm, laxatives etc until a year and a half ago when nothing worked and I could not eliminate waste without daily enemas and drinking Golytely( the prep to prepare for a colonoscopy > and a lot of pain. After a year of doctors, medical tests, a visit to the Mayo clinic and major weight loass and being very sick, it was finally determined that my motility was okay that the problem was a severe pelvic floor dysfunction which prevented the sphinctor muscle from functioning correctly. probably a nerve problem with the autonomic nervvous system - tried biofeedback, physical thereapy etc and nothing worked. After trying everything, I also considered removal of the large intestine , but the surgeon reviewed all my medical records etc and felt that a colectomy was not needed, because he was convinced too that the problem was at the end and my only hope was a fecal diversion, a colostomy. I had the surgery in January ( it was done by laparoscopy) and I now live with a bag on my abdomen to eliminate waste. It has been an adjustment learning to live with a colostomy, but its working and my life is 80%better than it was last year.
The surgeon I had was great ( I live in Texas) and he worked with me for five month to try everything to abvoid this route, but I have to say I'm glad to have done it , because now I have a life.
- By Kerri-ann
- Posted May 13, 2008 at 5:06 pm
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AMITZIA MADE ME FEEL SO HORRIBLE MY DR. PULLED ME OFF OF IT AS WELL, HAD THE COLECTOMY AND SMALL INTESTINE IS NOW AS SLUGGISH AS THE COLON WAS, THAT WAS 5 YRS AGO THE SURGERY WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE ME BETTER, IT DID NOT I AM ACTUALLY WORSE THAN EVER. I HAVE SO MANY THINGS WRONG THEY WERE UNAWARE OF PRE SURGERY THAT SINCE SURGERY ALL FLARED UP. JUST KEEP TRYING DIFFERENT MEDS, ANTIBIOTICS FOR INTESTINES LIKE FLAGYL ALWAYS HELP ME, CAN'T STAY ON IT LONG SO MY DR. SWITCHES THEM AROUND, I TAKE A TON OF OTHER MEDS TOO BUT THE ANTIBIOTICS SEEM TO HELP WITH THE BACTERIA IN THE INTESTINE.
- By fluttergirl
- Posted June 12, 2008 at 1:37 pm
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it's been awhile since i talked to you. I too have pfd and i go through so much pain i don't know what to do anymore. My gastro doesn't even know about pfd, what kind of doctor did u see about it? I also have trouble getting my pee out! I'm glad your life is better but i'm only 41 and i don't want to resort to a bag. I'll just have to live with it for now i guess. I have to work, i am single with a son. Can u get disability for that?
- By jacy1
- Posted June 12, 2008 at 6:06 pm
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Hi there
I went the whole gamut from internist to GI doc to OB/GYN surgeon specializing in pelvid floor dysfunction etc. The OB/GYN did the most thourough exam and said that she could feel that my anal sphinctor would contract in spasms as opposed to relaxing, but that there was nothing in the pelvic region that could be done surgically that would help.
At the Mayo clinic ( who dignosed the pelvice floor dysfunction), they told me surgery is the last last resort, because there is no guarantee that it would solve the problem and that I should try to live with it as long as possible without surgery. Well I did that for another six month. Nothing, absolutely nothing worked for me ( not three tof ive enemas per day and Golytely every three or so days) Quite frankly I did not want to live anymore, I was in so much pain and misery. o I finally decided to have the surgery. My surgeon reviewed all my tests, did another colonoscopy and felt fairly confident that my motility was okay and that it was truly functional ( probably nerve related) obstructive defecation and he felt that I did not have to have the colon removed only diverted at the end sigmoid. If it would not work, I would have to undergo the surgery again, removing the large intestine and having an ileostomy ( thats where the end of the small intestine is brougth through the abdomen.
I had the surgery in January, recovered well and so far its working, I still have to watch what I eat and take a dose of Milk of Magnesia everyday, but I now have a life.
Actually most people that have this surgery recover well and can do anything every one else can do. i just go to the bathroom differently. I've learned to take care of the bag etc and its actually not much of a problem. You can't see it or smell it, I can and do go swimming a lot, could go to work ( if I wanted to)
jacy
- By kdrouet
- Posted June 13, 2008 at 4:42 pm
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Jacy - which surgery did you have, the removal of your colon completely OR the diversion at the end sigmoid? i have slow motility disease and had my colon removed at the Mayo but since i didn't have pelvic floor dysfunction, i was able to keep my rectum and it was a straight hook-up from small intestine to rectum - my colon was dead, no nerves left. i have the disease in my small intestine, but not nearly as bad as the colon. i would say i am about 70% recovered and have my life mostly back - one that i am VERY grateful for because i was in a hopeless state for years prior. just curious if they did remove the colon or diverted it? glad you are feeling better - i am a believer in surgery, wish i had done mine sooner!
- By jacy1
- Posted June 14, 2008 at 11:33 am
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kdrouet
I was able to keep the colon, but its severed from the rectum and the surgeon built a stoma on my abdomen , such that I discharge into a bag. The ostomy supplies cost about $250.00 per month, but I'm lucky, my insurance pays it all. I too am about 70% better and have my life bakc and am also very grateful.
( I also live in Texas, used to live in the Woodlands.
- By pepperann26
- Posted February 21, 2009 at 3:41 pm
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I had a colectomy when I was 13 years old because of colonic inertia, then I got rectal inertia at 16 yrs old and had my rectum removed and a jpouch was made, then I got small bowel inertia at 18 yrs old and got an ileostomy that I still have, I am 27 yrs old now.
You can email me: dustiann@gmail.com
- By Delila
- Posted May 20, 2009 at 12:34 am
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I have the same thing you have, colonic Inertia. I was told 6 yrs ago that I had to have my colon removed, but i did not listen, because i was too afraid that i would have to ware a bag. Now I am much much worse, i have not had a BM in almost 30 days. I am in very much pain. I also am taking Amitiza, but it is not helping. I feel like i am never going to go again. I also have been in my house and in bed for a very long time, and cannot do my daily activites. I also have Fibermyalgia, which makes the pain worse all over. I am suppose to have my surgery in about 3 weeks. I am scared, but like you i think this is my only hope to ever live a normal life. I am not sure about the 8 or 9 bm's a day, though, that's kinda scarey, but better than 9 a year. I use to see a Chiropracter, and it helped the pain, but no bm's. Good luck if you have the surgey! I think you are probably right, this is the answer for you and for me.
- By Mountainwomen
- Posted May 20, 2009 at 6:38 am
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I have gastroparesis and colon inertia. Eating is a nightmare. I live on Ensures, yogurt, cottage cheese and vitamins. A year and a half ago I tried to committ suicide. I couldn't take the pain and aggravation this was causing me. My job knew I was sick and made life miserable for me. I was forced to resign or get no unemployment. It took me a while to find a new job. Had to move to new area and take a drastic cut in pay. I'm wondering what the point is. I am taking Amitzia which helps some with my bowels. Just had another stomach emptying test. Guess what my stomach doesn't empty. DUHHHH. I am tired of being sick and am worrying about keeping my job. I am going back today. I was out two days this week with the "flu" and two days the week before for the "flu". I was told it was the flu now I'm wondering if it is the Amitzia. I take three a day. Insurance will pay for twice a day. I still have trouble with my bowels but it is a little bit better. I will take that at this point. The doctor recommended Domperidome which is not FDA approved and I have to send to New Zeland for it and of course it is expensive and insurance will not pay. I am going to call today and give it a try. Anything is better than this!
- By tyblossom
- Posted May 21, 2009 at 1:48 pm
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2 years ago I had a subtotal colectomy. I have 8" left of my colon. I'm thrilled with that surgery. It was a tough one to go through, but I wasn't going to the bathroom, but every 14 days or so. Now I go every day or every other day. I have gp, fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism. I got the gp after a stomach surgery, but I wonder if all those things aren't some how related anyway. I still have terrible bloating and am seeing about having a gastric bypass. I totally would do the subtotal colectomy again though...although I might consider the gastric bypass first for the bloating if I could go backwards.
- By rega
- Posted May 21, 2009 at 9:09 pm
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WOW, I have alot to talk with with my GI. He says it is most likely "diffuse motility disorder of entire digestive sytem not just one area. I have wanted to get rid of the bowel for years now and just thought I was crazy as did the ER staff at YALE. I am finally making progress with my GI Specialist I have now. Tests will be being done as far as motility manometry's etc... I will be asking him to do full thickness bowel biopsy's as well as looking for Hirchsprungs. I think it is CIP . That is what my Gut tells me pardon the pun. He has talked about a Nisson Fundiplication for the reflux but I want a G-Vent tube placed at same time b/c of bloat. Now i know my thought on Colectomy and iliostomy was not CRAZY!
Thank You!
Rega
- By Delila
- Posted May 22, 2009 at 12:02 am
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kdrouet- I too have suffered for years, like 17. I was told i needed my colon removed 6 yrs ago, but did not do it, now i am in pain and sick to my stomach, have not gone to the bathroom in almost 30 days. I saw another GI and am having a colonoscopy AGAIN, next week. He told me that i had to have it removed, also. My muscle in the rectum are also dead. I am on amitiza, but with no luck. I have been on everthing! So I guess i am now ready for surgery, but am very scared. Did you have much pain after? How bad? I also hace FMS, and hurt all the time. How long did recovery take? Do you have 8 bm's a day? I am mostly scared i will have to ware a bag, although he said i would not have to, but couldn't promise me. I can't do my everyday stuff, i am in bed most of the time. I am on disability for it and Fibermyalgia, nerves and depression. But sometimes i think alot of the depression is because i am always sick. I am so tired of it, So you think the surgery is the best thing to do??
Thanks
- By playwithyourkids
- Posted September 20, 2009 at 12:53 pm
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QUESTIONS for folks who've have had their large intestine already removed.
*How long did it take to recover, move around "normally" etc?
*What was your scarring like and what complications did you experience from scarring?
*What foods were you ADVISED to avoid afterwards?
*How many bowel movements daily for first year, 2nd year, 3rd year following surgery ?
*How much time does your body give you to get to the bathroom. Is it a sudden urge or can you hold it?
*Are you glad you had it done?
I "apparently" have to have my large intestine ONLY taken out and am reviewing my options at this point. Just seeking information. Thnks a million!!
email me at playwithyourkids@q.com
Bless you!!
- By CIG
- Posted September 21, 2009 at 10:56 am
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I had Colonic Inertia 14 years ago. I had do go through different mobility tests, a sphincter test, anus x ray, a year of testing. My specialist and U of M told me that if I did nothing I would end up with a bag for the rest of my life. I was in my early thirties and certainly didn't want to have a bag, He said that I could have a surgery where they take the entire colon and rectum out, and hook up my small intestine forming a j loop, creating a pouch attaching it to my anus. The only problem I have today is belching and nausea with food. I take Prilosec, but I worry this medication can deplete calcium from your bones. I've chosen to take ginger for nausea and probiotic (good bacteria). Also Kimshi which is an Koreia sauerkraut made of cabbage, ginger, garlic, carrots, chili flakes and sea salt fermented for 72 hours. This Kimshi is supposed to help the digestion. I'm not sure if this will work, since I've only started this. I'll see my doctor this week and let him know what I doing, of course,
- By CIG
- Posted September 21, 2009 at 10:56 am
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I had Colonic Inertia 14 years ago. I had do go through different mobility tests, a sphincter test, anus x ray, a year of testing. My specialist and U of M told me that if I did nothing I would end up with a bag for the rest of my life. I was in my early thirties and certainly didn't want to have a bag, He said that I could have a surgery where they take the entire colon and rectum out, and hook up my small intestine forming a j loop, creating a pouch attaching it to my anus. The only problem I have today is belching and nausea with food. I take Prilosec, but I worry this medication can deplete calcium from your bones. I've chosen to take ginger for nausea and probiotic (good bacteria). Also Kimshi which is an Koreia sauerkraut made of cabbage, ginger, garlic, carrots, chili flakes and sea salt fermented for 72 hours. This Kimshi is supposed to help the digestion. I'm not sure if this will work, since I've only started this. I'll see my doctor this week and let him know what I doing, of course,
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