bowel issues 5.5 months post op(this is graphic)

I have an appointment with a motility specialist , I am having a Smart Pill motility test and I have anal manometry scheduled and even though nothing has changed for me physically I feel better because after 7.5 months something is being done and I have been heard and I have ditched the bad doctors. All the tests are being done before i see the specialist at the end of June. My only concern is for the smart pill test I have to stop all my gastrointestinal meds including laxatives and protonix for a week which means I will probably get blocked up again but I figure they will just after figure out what to do.

I am now 8 months post op. I had my first visit with pelvic floor dysfunction clinic yesterday and anal manometry which wasnt fun but not the worst part of my 8 month long journey through medical land. It showed I dont have nerve damage. She looked at the defecography dvd that I brought with me and said that I had an internal intussusception that neither the colorectal surgeon nor the radiologist picked up and that explains why stool has trouble getting into the rectum which I knew was a problem as well as the fact I couldnt push it out. She communicated with the motility specialist I am seeing next week and I am going to swallow sitz markers along with the smart pill and after the whole motility work up is done I am going to have biofeedback. She offered to find me someone in Connecticut where I live but at this point I am pretty much sick of the care I have gotten in Connecticut. So I am going to stick with Boston where there may be some hope because I really really dont want any more surgery. I went into this surgery with a bladder that didnt function and came out with nonfunctioning bowels. If that is fixed surgically I will simply end up with something else that doesnt work and probably end up worse that I started. I came out of yesterday's appointment with a feeling of hope which I havent had in months.
The best thing about yesterday is that I felt listened to, I was treated 100% of the time as a human being with dignity and respect and what I was told was going on actually makes sense with what I feel.

I am so glad you feel heard. That is such an important part of this frustrating process. Definitely keep us updated on your progress. I've done my share of pelvic floor PT and it can be super helpful! Good luck and definitely share the results of your motility tests.

I'm starting a 10 day dose of Xifaxan tomorrow for a suspected overgrowth of bacteria in my small intestines. It was 325$ so it better work, lol. I also bought a pass to our community acupunture clinic that I intend to start using this week....My GI wants me to report back post antibiotics and then we'll talk the camera test.

I'm really tired of test, tests and more tests. I have a bunch of bloodwork to get done but have put it off the past week. Will con't to update as time goes on but hoping the antibiotics kick the majority of my symptoms. The three day trial I did helped so we shall see!

Hang in there everyone and keep pushing for answers. The first GI I saw just said I was constipated and that was that. No interest in pursuing anything other than Miralax (which made me bloat out even more). My current GI is one of the best doctors I've seen and she's really been pushing for answers.

Something that may help. I have developed constipation that really got worse 6 months out of my hysterectomy. IMO both nerves and bowels do change after this type of surgery. Saw a report where 53% of women reported severe constipation months or even years later after this surgery. And I've had to resort to "digital evacuation", which is what it was called in this report, more times then I'd like.

My hubby gets constipated from his meds. I saw a device called a squatty potty which is a stool that sort of goes around the bottom of the toilet. The idea is to put our bodies in a more natural evacuation position by emulating squatting. It also is supposed to help sections of the colon straighten out, which aids in evacuation.

I am happy to report it has helped both me and my hubby. I still have problems but assuming that body position really seems to help. Took some getting used to and felt strange at first but now it feels more natural and also lets gravity help a bit.

Just a thought as I have learned how this problem can take over our lives. I also drink warmed prune juice as it seems to help. For me the squatty potty sounded foolish but we get desperate! Always check with your doc and if he/she laughs at the idea then too bad. It is now a permanent fixture surrounding the base of our toilet.