[prttywmn]

The GI surgeon did agree with operating after reviewing my colonscopy results (dx - severe IBS, laxative dependence, colonic inertia/atony). He plans to remove the entire large intestine/colon (about 5 feet) and attach the small intestine to the rectum - so no bag !

but he will not use the scope. He said I would have about an 8 inch incision which he drew to show me starting above my naval - going around my belly button and down to my bikini line area. I guess I would rather have one large scar than a bag and a second surgery to reverse it. He did want to do an abdominal CT scan to make sure of where all my other organs are so no surprises when he opens me up. He won't use the scope because of danger in nicking a major organ like the liver, spleen, pancreas, gall bladder, kidney etc. I am scheduled to get the abdominal CT done and then I am going to see a new MD for a second opnion to see if they will use the scope or if they concur with the first doctor that it needs to be an open surgery. Sooo - relief is on the way after the CT scan and second opinion - which should put me close to scheduling after Labor Day which is when I wanted to try to have it done. I will let you know the results of the second opinion and when I am scheduled for surgery. I appreciate your prayers in the meantime. God bless you all ! ~ Pamela

 

[annie7]

thanks for the update, pamela. sounds like you have a competent and caring surgeon. and you're right--relief is on the way! you'll be getting your life back.will keep you in my prayers...

 

[prttywmn]

thanks for the update, pamela. sounds like you have a competent and caring surgeon. and you're right--relief is on the way! you'll be getting your life back.will keep you in my prayers...

Thanks Annie - for your concern, support and prayers. I still have a long way to go, but at least I am on my way to getting there and I have some hope. One day at a time and hopefully I will get there ! I am praying for you as well as all the other IBS victima out there. Blessings to you and all the rest ! ~ Pamela

 

[nowandthen]

Wow- things are really moving forward for you now.Did he say what your digestive system should be likeafter the surgery?I wish you the best!

 

[nowandthen]

The reason I asked if he told you what things would be likeis that I have read some people after surgery go very frequentlyto the bathroom up to 7 times per day. Other people do fine.Some say it's great and other people have complications. However, I'm sure the surgeon wouldn't recommend it for you unlessthings would be much improved for you.About a month ago I did some reading and typed in the search colectomypart 2 and colectomy part 3 but I really never knew what the difference was.I wish you all the best and thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.

 

[prttywmn]

The reason I asked if he told you what things would be likeis that I have read some people after surgery go very frequentlyto the bathroom up to 7 times per day. Other people do fine.Some say it's great and other people have complications. However, I'm sure the surgeon wouldn't recommend it for you unlessthings would be much improved for you.About a month ago I did some reading and typed in the search colectomypart 2 and colectomy part 3 but I really never knew what the difference was.I wish you all the best and thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.

Thanks nowandthen ! I really appreciate your support, concern, and prayers The surgeon did say I would have to eliminate frequently afterwards until the small intestine adjusted and then things should normalize to a couple of times a day - depending on how often I eat. I know that the IBS-D suffers would disagree with me - but it would almost be a blessing to go too much than not at all ! lol I just know I cannot continue like I am now and if I have to put up with more frequent trips to the bathroom then I am willing for the trade off. He said I could take something to slow my GI tract down if need be afterwards. I never ever want to have to take another laxative again ! lol I had my abdominal CT san with contrast done yesterday and will get those results tomorrow (not expecting anything abnormal - but you just never know). Then I am going to have to get all my records and test results togther for a seciond opinion - and depending on that outcome - may even go for a third since this is such as major decision. Will keep you posted as things progress and will be praying for all of you ! God bless, ~ Pamela

 

[prttywmn]

Praise the Lord ! I found a GI colon specialist when I was researching surgeons for a second opinion that is local and does the total colectomy laparascopically ! 4-5 small portal incisions around the abdomen - surgery takes 1 1/2 hours - and very few complications. I spoke with the doc myself ! I have already requested my test results and records from my other docs so when I get them all I have to do is schedule the second opinion and I am on my way. God has answered my prayers !

 

[Pinecone50]

I have a very good freind who had this surgery done at Mayo in Rochester, MN. It literally gave him his life back! Wishing you many blessings as you continue on this journey of health.

 

[prttywmn]

I have a very good freind who had this surgery done at Mayo in Rochester, MN. It literally gave him his life back! Wishing you many blessings as you continue on this journey of health.

Thanks Pinecone50 ! I had already checked out the Mayo Clinic just in case I could not find a doc here in Alabama that would do it with the scope. I am sooo excited at the possibility of a new life !!! Thanks for the blessings and I am continuing to pray for everyone that has this horrible debilitating disease ! I will be posting my second opinion consult results and surgery date when scheduled - and then of course will be posting about my experience with the procedure and post-op recovery for any others out there that may be considering it or are a candidate for this operation as well. Prayers and blessings for healing to you and the others ! ~ Pamela

 

[Mary5]

Have been following your comments...All the best of luck !!! Keep us posted.

 

[annie7]

all the best to you, pamela and thanks so much for keeping us all updated and sharing your info---appreciate it ever so much!keeping you in my prayers..

 

[prttywmn]

Thanks everyone ! I have all my records and test reports togther now and go for my second surgical opinion next Tuesday, 8/3. I am hoping to get a surgey date then unless the new doc wants to run more tests - which I don't think he will based on what I have so far. I will be sooo glad to get the surgery done and hopefully on the road to recovery ... and a "normal" life , whatever that used to be like ! I continue to pray for the rest of you. God bless you all and will post an update next week then about the second opinion results. Take good care in the meantime !