I went to my colon rectal surgeon appt. today

Hello. I finally had my appt. today. the practioner was going to have me on bowel regeim for 2 months then come back, then order tests if necessary. I told her I wanted the test now. I have been on extra fiber since my bowel impaction 5 weeks post op. That was about 6 months ago. I want my rectocele fixed, but my gyn wanted to see if something else was wrong too. He figured I would need some tests done and so did I.
I had to be my own advocate and tell her that is what I wanted. She ordered me defecography, which will have to be scheduled at the hospital.It shows problems in the rectum, which I may or may not have. It will also show how large the rectocele is and how well it empties. I need some answers. I am also going to have a colon transit study done.I will swallow a radioactive a marker, then have x rays done at 3 and 5 days. Maybe this will let me know why my left lower abdoman continues to thump and rumble. She is also doing some kind of test in her office Jan. 12. I have to use a enema first, so I don't know what it is.
THe lady pushed all over my abdoman and that area down the middle and a little to the left hurted so much I almost cried.It has hurted like that every since my hyst. That is in the area where my uterus was removed from. I woner if something has slid down in there like part of my colon or something.
I am prepared to wait a couple months for answers if I have to, but will at least know what is going on.I feel better knowing I am pushing for answers so I can complete my recovery and move on to my better life.
Thanks for being so supportive and wonderful.

Peggy

HAVE A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING. WE HAVE ALOT TO BE GRATEFUL FOR.

I just wanted to tell you that I had been thinking about you today and had to log back on before bed to see if you had posted about your appt. today. I am so glad that you are having all you troubles seen about and that after you get all this straightened out you will be trouble free!!!!

And yes, we do have so much to be thankful for!!

GOOD FOR YOU, TO ADVOCATE FOR YOU. SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO DO THAT.

I ALSO LOGGED ON TO SEE HOW YOUR APPOINTMENT WENT. YOUR POSTS HAVE BEEN SO HELPFUL TO ME.
SOMETIMES YOU DON'T KNOW HOW SUPPORTIVE YOUR POSTS CAN BE TO OTHER SISTERS. HANG IN THERE, SISTERS SUPPORT YOU.

I ALSO WOUND UP WITH SURPRISE POST-OP. (MINE IS SLEEP APNEA) AND I HAVE HAD A WORK-UP FOR THAT AND HOPE TO SOON OBTAIN A NIGHT-BREATHING MACHINE TO DEAL WITH IT.
APPARENTLY, THIS PRE-EXISTED MY SURG AND I NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE SURG.


RAYZEL

Hi Peggy,

I am glad you were able to stick up for yourself and request the tests be done now. As I am in the UK, I kept checking to see if you had posted about your appointment before I went to bed but sadly you had not. The first thing I did this morning was to log on and check to see if you had reported on your appointment.

I hope I will be able to stand up for myself at my rheumatologist appt on Dec 7th - I really want to be refered to the main Hypermobility Clinic in London. I will try to follow your exmple and be strong. I have also asked for a 2nd appointment to see the orthopaedic surgeon about me Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as it is now thought I may not have that but may have problems with my cervical and thoracic spine that is causing the numbness in my arms and hands (the private back specialist has mentioned Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?). Having had 10 surgeries to date, I really do not want to have any that are either uneccesary or will not solve the problem.

Anyway, as others have said here, you are an inspiration to other women on this site, and I hope you soon have the answers you are looking for in regards to your health problems.

Take care,

Sue.

((((((((Peggy)))))))))) I have missed you. I am so glad to hear they are going to do some tests on you. They dont really sound like fun, but maybe you will get what you need. Hang in there sweety! I am here for you if you need me....Please take care and know I will be praying for you.....

Hugs and love
Kat

i am really proud of you for sticking to your guns. You have to be your own advocate these days. I hope the tests will not be that bad andyou find the answers you need. Pleae keep us posted.

I wonder if the other test is a sigmoidoscopy? It is kind of like a colonoscopy only they only look in the rectum. You get no drugs either!

It is uncomfortable but not that bad. Just make sure you breathe and try to relax. (not easy to do when a huge tube is being put up your bum though.)

Hopefully you will get answers soon.

Been watching for your report on the appointment. I am glad that you are going to be getting some answers and some treatment that is appropriate!

It's high time this got resolved...

Deb

Hi Fallingapart
I don't think it is a sigmoidoscopy. It is some test ( lab ?) done in the office. They didn't really tell me what it is. It isn't until Jan. 12th.I do know they needed me to have a thyroid test recently and will ask my gyn to send the results to them.They have a way of not telling much info.
Hi Rayzel
My sister has sleep apnea and uses the machine. She feels 100% better and feels so much more rested. She used to have to sleep in a chair. I know you will sleep so much better to. The machine noise is actually quite peaceful and helps my sister to fall asleep.
Jenny, Sue, Kat and Marian
Thank you for caring. It is so touching to know you all care about me. I do have faith and know one day here, I will feel new again. You are all inspirations to me.

All of you sisters have been a inspiration to me. You have all had issues to deal with, either being physical, emotional or personal, or all of the above,but have found a way to pull through it. You are all so brave and so wonderful to have as a friend.

I will swallow that marker Sunday and have the x rays done Wed. and Fri. I want them to have the results before I go into the office for that other test Jan. 12th. Hopefully the defecography will be done before the Jan. 12th appt.

I'll keep you all posted. You all are s

you all
Peggy

Hopefully your testing will confirm the rectocele.

I had 2 male docs tell me that I did not have one, and my defography testing showed that they were WRONG!!!

Had my 2nd colonoscopy this past Monday along with an internal/external hemmorhoid removal.

Hysterectomy and major rectocele repair are scheduled for 12-10-04.

I tried to get all of the procedures scheduled at the same time, but it was highly suggested that a colonoscopy not be done at the same time as a hysterectomy.
Keep us updated as to your results and keep on being your own best advocate, as I have been.

Hugs,

Marcia>^..^<