Intestinal Shutdown Following Colonoscopy?

[lynnie22]

I know that pots can affect our digestive system. Since my colonoscopy one month ago, my colon seems to have stopped working for the most part. No matter what I take, I am pretty blocked. Magnesium and fiber used to work before this, but not now. I took a full bottle of citrate of magnesia as per gastro's advise, and it worked only a little. Since taking it, I'm really blocked. I believe it's a motility issue but not sure. My gastro knows nothing about pots, and seems uninterested in investigation -- only interested in more laxatives which I'm really against. I believe that can only make things worse in the long run.

Any suggestions? Anyone encounter this problem? It is really frustrating, let alone painful.

[valiz]

I can't give you any advise but praying for you. I think someone will share what works for them. I take Miralax 17 grams 2-3 times a day. It has been such a help to me, but I'm sure you have already tried that. liz

[arizona girl]

Hi Lynnie,

It may be time to seek a second opinion. Also if the pain becomes too intense and nothing is leaving your body, you could have an obstruction. If you suspect that at all an er visit might be in order. The last thing you need is a situation that could cause a rupture. I waited 4 hours before going to the er with a small rupture; going saved my life. I never thought I would ever need to go to an er, so I second guessed myself. ER's deal with obstructions on a regular basis, it is one of the most common emergent surgeries that are seen. They also have better imaging than a colonoscopy, that can see what is going on with your entire gi tract. You could have something higher up than what a colon scope can see. If you lived in arizona I'd refer you to my surgeon who was very good at helping me decide on surgery or not, which was a big decision considering that autonomic dysfunction is a factor with surgery.

Considering you did just have a colonoscopy and these symptoms became worse after it, perhaps some damage occurred during it. If that is the case, then the same gastro who did the procedure, may be in denial a procedure he/she did may have caused damage.

I myself have small fiber neuropathy, that affects my motility. Diagnosed by skin biopsy. I can not take fiber products as it further slows down the works and my gi nerve damage is not strong enough to push it through. I have a few things that have worked for me 100% cherry juice, diazepam, and several large glasses of black iced tea, along with walking. Not altogether of course. Low dose diazepam is a muscle relaxer that doesn't dry you out, or space you out like some of the other relaxants. Cherry juice works better then prune juice. I'm guessing the tea works because it is a stimulant, along with the extra fluid load.

Good luck to you, and please don't continue to suffer at the advice of one doctor. A doctor is a person just like the rest of us and it is just one opinion, and that doesn't mean one doctor's opinion is the correct one.

[lynnie22]

Thanks a lot,Arizona Girl. Yes I continue to suffer although there is no more pain. Thanks about the cherry juice! I have not at all consulted with the surgeon who did the colonoscopy, I saw him just to do the colonoscopy because it was supposed to be a big deal, but it turned out different. I returned to my regular gastroenterologist, he won't talk about the procedure because I had it done by this other doctor, advised by all. Anyway, all he wants me to do is take more preps, won't consider motility issues as the problem.....anyway it is frustrating. I contacted a friend of mine who is into alternative stuff, she said to take a lot of magnesium citrate, no fiber, get colonics, get a strong probiotic. I honestly don't know how serious this is. I am taking colace which seems to help a little, and magnesium which seems to help a little, but nothing is helping that much. Sounds like you have had some positive experiences in the ER, I dread that but maybe.

[arizona girl]

You did get the results of your colonoscopy, didn't you. Either way go to that doctor and get the written report of the procedure and the doctors notes. You'd be surprised by what you will read, that you aren't told. If it was done in a hospital setting, then you can get your reports straight from the hospital.

It sounds like you may be dealing with an ego problem with your current gastro doctor. If that is the case then I would consider finding a new physician. Fresh eyes are always a good thing. Then all you have to do is take the report to the new doctor. Maybe see if you can find a good female gi in your area. Women's issues can also be a factor.

Is your belly bloated because enough is not moving out?

[lynnie22]

Hi Arizona Girl, Good suggestions. I actually have an appt with the doctor who did the surgery on Wednesday. Didn't realize I made it a month ago. I'm going to go and ask him to run tests. I did get a quick report, not much on it though. Yes, exactly. My current gastro was ego-ly wounded, he wanted to do the surgery. At the time, I thought it needed a specialist. It isn't easy finding a good and new gastro, believe it or not. Arizona Girl, your name gives away your locale which ain't NYC.

Yes I am severely bloated today because nothing is going out and because I had a huge dinner, BD, but feeling ill. My friend does colonics and recommended some stuff for me to take, mainly magnesium and a colonic. Never had, it may be the way to go, but I am seeing both my old gastro and the doc who performed the surgery this week, so hopefully there are some answers or at least questions to figure this out.

[arizona girl]

Oh don't I know it is hard to find a good gi, especially a female one. Glad to hear you've got your follow up appointments. You may want to mention small fiber neuropathy which could be contributing to slow motility and or spasms, the gi tract moves things through those nerves. You have documented POTS, it is not much of a leap to connect the slow motility to the POTS and then to possible neuropathy. Also if your ovaries where removed along with thyroid and parathyroid that can also impact your hormone levels which can impact autonomic functions. I have hashimoto and getting my meds at the right dosages has been a challenge and effects my ability to produce proper moisture.

I wouldn't worry too much about your docs ego, unless it affects his treatment plan for you. When it comes to procedures and surgeries, these are often revenue sources for the doctor, so they can be looking at their own pocketbooks at times when suggesting a procedure. I've had that happen to me. I do my own research before I ever do a procedure, and only do it if I feel it is right for me. I get autonomic symptoms with procedures so I have to be extra careful.

Yes, I'm in arizona, but I was born a New Yorker and spent my childhood in Long Island. I have great memories of exploring the woods and doing beach activities.

Good luck, I hope you get to the bottom of this soon. I know how uncomfortable a bloated belly can be. I also used to get bad headaches when things weren't moving. Take Care!