Hi was anyone diagnosed with colonic inertia and sent for total colectomy before trying any other treatment? This happened to me and now I’m dealing with the same complete loss of function of small intestine and complete loss of the urge to defacate. I had a sitz marker study last week and it was indicative of the sphincter muscle not functioning correctly. I failed the anorectal manometry test yesterday and awaiting doctors review and recommendations. I wander if this was the problem all along and if colon removal could have been avoided.
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I had colonic inertia and tried everything under the sun (medications, physiotherapy, acupuncture, cecostomy tube) until I ended up in the hospital because my colon just quit. I had an emergency colectomy and ileostomy. Wow, what a difference for the positive. No more pain, no enemas, no golytely daily. I had my life back. About a year and a half after that my surgeon gave me my j pouch and reversed the Ostomy. I am still happy with the results and my sphincters work well. I have been plagued with peri-anal abscesses and fistulae as well as the occasional bowel obstruction but still manage to work full-time as a critical care RN, travel, and play in a pipe band. Good luck on your journey wherever it may lead you.
Thanks so much for sharing, I have been preparing myself for the news of getting a ostomy. Is it possible it could be temporary and I eventually get pouch back or would it more than likely be permanent?
That would be a question only your surgeon could answer. The Ostomy would give your muscles a chance to rest but I don't know whether the rest could restore them to fully functioning which you would need if you wanted a reversal back to your j-pouch without incontinence.
Thanks so so much
You should ask your surgeon if he thinks that exercises (like Kegel exercises) could possibly strengthen your sphincter muscles sufficiently to support a J pouch. If not and an ileostomy is recommended, you may want to consider two options that do not require having an external bag: the K pouch and the BCIR.
Thanks Bill I will be following up with him when he receives the results from manometry. I will also read up on the 2 you mentioned