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Surgical Options For Severe Constipation

For close the last 18/19 yrs i've had to abuse Laxatives (and I mean tons upon tons) as that's the only way i've been able to go. Can't go at all without them. It all started not long after I had just finished high school. I actually had my 1st actual encounter when was quite young 13/14 yrs old and at the time came so very closing to having to use Laxatives at that time. Only thing that likely saved me was being so young and physically active. I had used the recommended dose of Laxatives for 7 yrs until summer of 2005 when Laxatives were no longer working at all. Close to a dozen trips to ER and all theydo is push tons and tons of Laxatives on me. Not listening to the fact they simply aren't working anymore, i'm in so much pain from being backed up and not eating because of it, losing aton of weight because of all this. I've seen 1 Gastro in hospital as well as another was referred to both who told me to keep taking more laxatives. Once again they refuse to listening to the fact how they aren't working anymore or how I can't anything eat anything along from being so back up and pain. It was a real effort for them to even do X-Ray or CT. I had been backed up right for 3-4 weeks and somehow they didn't think I was impacted. Only reason I was able to get out of that was after taking a ridiculous lethal combination of laxatives.

In 2009, I had Surgery where part of my Bowel was removed thus shortening it. It was a total failure. Not to mention the fact of what went on 3-4 weeks while in hospital. Surgeon totally disappearing for close to 1 week without telling anyone and no-one could reach him, leaving me high and dry. He did the same to another patient who was in the same room I was. Following the surgery I contracted abscess and for someone whose suppose to be highly educated and specialized in the field he actually had the nerve to ask my parents what they thought it was going on. Another Surgeon was asked to consult on my case and he agreed with me that I wasn't receiving appropriate care. This Surgeon was very concerned about how much weight I was losing with him putting me on feeding tube. Head of Surgical Services then got involved after someone (Nurse) overheard what he was saying to me and reported him. Head Of Surgical Services got involved by quickly silencing Consulting Surgeon and making him disappear. A Gastro that was consulting on my case following surgery tells me how my bowels will work so well like never before. That sure worked out so well. Another thing following the surgery is how surgeon tells me how in 5 yrs time I would experience problems again. No mention of this to me by him at all prior to the surgery. Why even do the surgery. About a year after surgery, go back to see Gastro again with him telling me I need Colostomy Bag something called J-Pouch, so he sends me back to see the surgeon again who sat there during entire consult saying next to nothing except asking me "what's been going on" with me doing all the talking about what had occurred since surgery with him only saying "any additional surgery wouldn't be successful". He was totally disinterested, washing his hands of me including the fact how I complained about his care following surgery. Filed complaint about him and entire hospital stay following surgery and response that I received was 100% total lies. They didn't tell or acknowledge what really happened. It was their version. The real serious things they simply refused to answer. Gastro also totally changed his story as he indicated in the response to my complaint "how I would be totally unhappy" with Colostomy Bag. He tells me 1 second I need one but then turns around changing his story. Here's him telling me to "abuse laxatives" but doesn't think i've been "totally unhappy" doing that for how long. There was also the matter of when I was discharged how orders had been left by surgeon that I continue taking medications for abscess. This surgeon (colleague of surgeon who performed my surgery) who discharged me didn't follow the instructions that had been left by only giving me some Advil. Had to contact the surgeon to make of him aware of this.

I've been trying for several yrs. to see another different Gastro for 2nd opinion and just recently back in May got 2nd opinion. While this Gastro was better then other 2 for talking too and seemed to listen somewhat, he tells me there's nothing else surgically that can be done. So I have to continue with Laxatives that are no longer working. Colostomy Bag isn't option because Constipation still occurs with it. I'm being told 2 different conflict stories. Gastro I was referred tells me I need one but the Gastro went to see for 2nd opinion tells me constipation still occurs with Colostomy.

I've tried every Laxative out there is to try including all high powered ones. Tried different medications but Canada is very limited. Nothing has worked at all. I've so had it with all the pain and suffering that don't wish to live anymore. Ended up in Psych Ward because i've wanted to end all of this. No-one listens at all from Doctors/Nurses to my family all thinking this is mental which couldn't be further from the truth. It's all physical. My kidneys are failing from close to 20 yrs of abusing laxativs. My diet isn't very good but how can anyone expect it to be when you have this kind of stomach problems, along with pain/suffering for this long. I'm skin and bones. Always in pain 24/7 with gas, bloating. No appetite at all. I'll have a decent sized meal and not long after feel so full again. **** Canadian Health Care System. Contrary to popular belief isn't that good at all. If I had $$$ would have gone to U.S. and Mayo Clinc long ago despite the fact my former now GP told me would be just wasting my time and $$.

I've never actually received diagnosis of what is causing this constipation. Unexplained - Apathy. I've been told so many different things but it's so lazy, slow along with the fact I was told that my Bowel/Colon was larger then normal after surgery. I'm unable to do anything or have an kind of life at all. This has been going on for 20 ******* yrs. Beyond had it with both Doctors, Health Care System and my family looking me up and down, talking down to me. No-one listens at all or cares. They totally dismiss this as no big deal. How I need to "suck it up". I've experienced more pain and accepted this for far too long. Not eating much or anything for close 4 weeks and having no choice but to use Laxatives for 20 yrs. is no big deal is totally unbelievable to me. Medical Records I obtained during my Surgery and Hospital stay is written up like it's no big deal all with what I experienced and went thru. Had my fill of Doctor and Medical System's total arrogance, negligence, incompetence. No care or compassion at all. This isn't how you treat someone.

Laxatives companies have gotten so rich off me. Hospital here is not only are so incompetent and lie about my stomach not being so full but also when my bladder is so full and bladder scanners shows nothing. When I tell them it's totally inaccurate pushing them to physically check my bladder to fill it's full they totally blow me off. Hrs or 1-2 days later I finally go it's alot more then nothing or 30 ML's they claim.

I attempted suicide before because want to end all of pain and suffering. Everyone is so mean spirited and cold. No class, compassion or bedside manners at all. They treat me like i'm so lowly POS. Just want to die and finally be free of this. Only laxative that has ever worked for me is Milk Of Magnesium but it's now stopped working despite me taking close to 2 bottles of 350 MLB bottles at given time which i've done since April until now.

Are there no other surgical options out there for several constipation case like this?
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5536886 tn?1455827346
I am so sorry to hear of all you are going through!  I'm also sorry that it seems like the doctors are not listening.  Do you have other options for gastro's in your area?  Is it possible to look outside your insurance for someone to see you?  

I'm not much help when it comes to the condition itself, but wanted to wish you the best and I hope that you are able to find some answers soon!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Seeing another Gastro here but I can't get into see him again until October. Total waste of time as all he will do is try me on more laxatives that won't work or medication. All the Gastro's are the same pushing tons upon tons of laxatives which has done nothing but made things so much worst.

Unfortunately, I don't have $$$ to go to U.S. and Mayo Clinc which would have done long ago.
Avatar universal
I also tried Colon Hydrotherapy but it didn't work either.  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Exercise has done nothing for me.
Avatar universal
They acknowledge I have a real gas problem but offer absolutely no treatment or help like everything else.
Helpful - 0
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