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Post by louteg on Dec 19, 2014 22:12:41 GMT -5
Hi all I am 8 days post-op from a hysterectomy, instead of crying in pain from it, I am crying from pain because am constipated  . I have been having daily constipation issues for over 8 months, and mild issues before DS and early post-op. It became a daily battle when I up my calcium to 2600 mg based on my 1 year lab. With my calcium I also take 3 different types of magnesium (oxide 4 a day, glycinate 4 a day, magtein 3 a day) plus 4 Metamucil fiber capsules. I add coconut oil to my protein shakes and Kerry Gold butter to my 2 protein coffee I drink a day. I eat lots of butter, I eat full fat when I can find full fat items and cook with lots of olive oil. Yet, I am still constipated. My surgeon suggested going to see a colon doctor he suspect I have Anal Stenos is (anal opening is too small, or that it does not relax) I always had constipation issues; it’s just gotten worst with the DS. I need to do something to resolve this before looking at medical options. I am looking for suggestions ideas anything. Thank you |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Dec 19, 2014 22:21:00 GMT -5
How much water are you drinking?
Have you tried drinking some prune juice?
Are you still on pain meds?
Have you tried an enema?
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Post by jpcello on Dec 20, 2014 5:47:42 GMT -5
Add fiber on a regular basis. I use Garden of LIfe Super Seed. I add a scoop to my morning Crystal Lite I drink to take my vitamins. If I'm traveling I take the capsules.
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Post by caprice on Dec 20, 2014 6:53:57 GMT -5
I am so sorry to hear that. It sounds miserable.
This wouldn't be a permanent fix, but have you tried colon hydrotherapy? I don't even know if it would be advised or possible, if the doctor is right about the "stenos" issue, but, if you called for an appointment, I would make sure that they knew about it first.
Or enemas at home. It's not the same volume as the hydrotherapy, but it might help break things into more manageable pieces (sorry, I don't know any good way to put that)
I hope you get some relief soon.
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Post by Simba on Dec 20, 2014 8:04:12 GMT -5
post surgical constipation is horrendous. I had to go to the emergency room because it had been 7 consecutive days. I will tell you what worked for me. Yes I was told the same thing about anal stenosis, I think that is the first assumption, wasnt that for me. The good news is you know your constipation issues started after your increase to ca, not unusual. For a normal non constipated person a 2:1 ca:mg ratio provides normal function, increase your mg- use mg glycinate as that is obsorbed 5xs better, so even if you are taking other forms they are not being absorbed well.
-if you are on RX pain medications try to move over to tylenol.
-when you have to go, go dont wait and further remove more water from the stool making it harder.
-you have to drink a lot-water- 3 liters/day
-when I was in the ER they tried 2 enemas-nope nothing, they tried manual manipulation (yep it is what you think) nothing worked. They said it had to be something from the top down not from the bottom up.
-what eventually worked was miralax-lots of it-ask pharmacist or dr how much to take, I took triple dose 3xs a day-worked in a day.
-upping your probiotic VSL#3DS (9.0 X 10e11 CFU, this is not immediate but you should look into a good probiotic to help you with your continued constipation issues or this will only get worse)
-since this is an ongoing issue, your ca:mg ratio sounds like it is off, increase your mg, make sure you take glycinate, if you are taking 2600 of ca then you should be taking 1300 of mg, this you will have to experiment a little with.
what didnt work for me was all bran, fiber one, prune or pineapple juice.
Hope you feel better soon, get going first then try to adjust your vit/min, I believe this is the root cause of your constipation, trial and error you will fix that also.
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Post by fullhousemom on Dec 20, 2014 20:37:46 GMT -5
Metamucil may be a bit controversial. My doctor says that it can actually make constipation worse in some people. I have no medical literature to back that up. That bit of information always puzzled me. I do know that for my c-section, DS, appendix removal....any surgery I have ever had, the hospital never gave me metamucil. Perhaps there is another stool softener you can try?
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Post by goodkel on Dec 21, 2014 13:02:41 GMT -5
After my last hospital stay I came home impacted. I threw back a shot glass of olive oil and within a couple of hours, that did the trick. Rather than small amounts spread out, why don't you try hitting it with the heavy artillery all at once?
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Dec 21, 2014 18:13:09 GMT -5
I also have had trouble with this. It is now under control but I take 2 Magnesium Oxide, 2 Magnesium Citrate, and 2 Colace daily spread out through the day. Every few days, I take Miralax. My surgeon said this is all fine and Miralax could be taken every day, if necessary. It's terrible to deal with this but I now have it under control after doing this routine for over two weeks. Good luck and feel better!
Kelly
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Post by louteg on Dec 22, 2014 17:18:49 GMT -5
Hi all I end up going to the ER on Saturday with severe pain. I had a ct scan showing lots of poop, an inactive colon a possible obstruction that seem to have corrected itself. I got admitted, this is day 3, still no BM except for two time on Sunday morning after taking everything under the sun; but none today. They are trying to get me empty out first. Hopping this will happen by tomorrow so I can get a colonoscopy. I am also hopping to transfer to Lenox Hill hospital tomorrow if I still feel the same.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Dec 22, 2014 17:52:23 GMT -5
Was it a CT with contrast  Have you called Dr. Roslin? |
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Post by louteg on Dec 22, 2014 17:57:28 GMT -5
Was it a CT with contrast Have you called Dr. Roslin? Cat scan with contrast( nasty green liquid, injection during the scan) I email him on Sunday he says it's sounds like they are caring for me if I want I can ask for transfer, he didn't seem concerned |
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Post by Simba on Dec 22, 2014 18:53:04 GMT -5
[/quote]Cat scan with contrast( nasty green liquid, injection during the scan)
I email him on Sunday he says it's sounds like they are caring for me if I want I can ask for transfer, he didn't seem concerned [/quote]
dont worry, very easy, almost 5 years ago, I had a CT w/oral contrast and I had a CT w/IV contrast, started to doze off that is how easy it is, just lay there while they slide you back and forth...slumber time. I am glad you are in a place where they can monitor you, and just send your surgeon a FYI to keep him in the loop as time goes on. Hope you feel better soon.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Dec 22, 2014 19:27:53 GMT -5
Just wanted to say I hope you feel better soon!
Kelly
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Post by Melinda on Dec 22, 2014 19:40:47 GMT -5
Oh god, stay away from Metamucil, Citracil, Fibercon, etc.! My colorectal surgeon always told me that those are BULK forming, so they add bulk to your stool (THINK SIZE). Way too difficult to pass. I had fissure and fistula surgery in 2005 and will never touch those products again. I take Miralax daily. Occasionally, like maybe once a week, I will take a senna based laxative like generic sennakot. (Right now mine says Safeway vegetable laxative, 8.6mg senosides)
I understand your discomfort. Keep up your fluids, it does help. If I forget my Miralax (I also buy the generic in Sam's Club), I take 2-3 colaces every day without fail and will also take Magnesium Oxide (500 mg) with my Calcium each day. So basically I'm saying that I make sure I work at never being constipated! It's no fun.
I hope you feel much better soon.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Dec 22, 2014 19:55:10 GMT -5
I do the same, Melinda, as indicated in my post above. It's very reassuring to see a vet like you doing the same! Makes me think I'm on the right track... Thanks for sharing this.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Dec 22, 2014 20:02:59 GMT -5
And just for a different perspective: I have not been constipated at all since my DS. In fact the opposite - my stool is always loose.
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Post by louteg on Dec 26, 2014 22:42:03 GMT -5
Happy holidays! I wanted to give you all an update.
I got out the hospital on Christmas Eve, they gave me Miralax and senna to take home with me and I was told to take Tylenol for pain. I am drinking prune juice and taking the medication they gave me so I am going to the bathroom 3 times a day. I still have pain in between BM, I have pain when passing gas, I have pain when I have the urge to have a BM not as excruciation as Saturday. I feel full, bloated, my stomach makes lots of rumbling noises and I am barely eating. The Doctors at Albert Einstein had no clued what is wrong with me. They treated me for constipation told me to see my Hematologist and gave me an appointment to see a GI doctor. They said I was impacted, no bowel obstruction (when I went there I felt it) they worried about my White Blood Count being low they think I have neutopenia. The attending physician believes after my second day in the hospital that it maybe adult hirschsprung disease, because after giving me massive doses of laxative and stool softener I was till constipated. I am thinking it maybe IBS with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic functional constipation.
To be honest I am not sure what is going on, all I know is I am afraid of going to the bathroom at the moment. I need to see my DS surgeon I emailed him while I was in the hospital he didn’t seem too concerned, he felt that the doctors at Einstein had it under control and said if I wanted I can transfer to Lenox hill. His office is close for the holidays will not reopen until Jan 5t I need to be seen before that by him am not sure what to do. I do have a GI and a Hematology appointment next week. I feel lost, frustrated and out of my depths.
Is it possible to develop IBS after getting a DS? I always had constipation issues, could the DS have made it worst.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Dec 26, 2014 22:57:37 GMT -5
Go to Cornell or Mt Sinai. Forget Roslin. Call Dan Herron at Mt Sinai or Alfons Pomp at Cornell.
Get a GI recommendation from either Herron or Pomp - you need a GI who is familiar with the DS.
These are the GI docs affiliated with the Cornell WLS program:
Arnon Lambroza, MD
Charles Maltz, MD
Charles Saha, MD
Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD
Reem Z. Sharaiha, MD
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Post by newyorkbitch on Dec 26, 2014 23:01:23 GMT -5
Why are you afraid of going to the bathroom? Where does it hurt?
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Post by Simba on Dec 26, 2014 23:27:06 GMT -5
Happy holidays! I wanted to give you all an update. I got out the hospital on Christmas Eve, they gave me Miralax and senna to take home with me and I was told to take Tylenol for pain. I am drinking prune juice and taking the medication they gave me so I am going to the bathroom 3 times a day. I still have pain in between BM, I have pain when passing gas, I have pain when I have the urge to have a BM not as excruciation as Saturday. I feel full, bloated, my stomach makes lots of rumbling noises and I am barely eating. The Doctors at Albert Einstein had no clued what is wrong with me. They treated me for constipation told me to see my Hematologist and gave me an appointment to see a GI doctor. They said I was impacted, no bowel obstruction (when I went there I felt it) they worried about my White Blood Count being low they think I have neutopenia. The attending physician believes after my second day in the hospital that it maybe adult hirschsprung disease, because after giving me massive doses of laxative and stool softener I was till constipated. I am thinking it maybe IBS with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic functional constipation. To be honest I am not sure what is going on, all I know is I am afraid of going to the bathroom at the moment. I need to see my DS surgeon I emailed him while I was in the hospital he didn’t seem too concerned, he felt that the doctors at Einstein had it under control and said if I wanted I can transfer to Lenox hill. His office is close for the holidays will not reopen until Jan 5t I need to be seen before that by him am not sure what to do. I do have a GI and a Hematology appointment next week. I feel lost, frustrated and out of my depths. Is it possible to develop IBS after getting a DS? I always had constipation issues, could the DS have made it worst. louteg, I am glad you are out of the hospital and I know you are scared. Ok take a deep breath, this is what I would do. Post surgery constipation is common, I like Miralax and tylenol, that they gave you in the hospital as what I had suggested to you prior to going in. If you were impacted you must have felt awful, any acute pain you have should be address immediately, (bowel obstruction) but that does not sound like the pain you are having and the pain is due to your impacted bowel, it will take some time. adult hirschsprung disease, I don't think so, you would most likely have rectal bleeding, I think it is due to your impacted state. you need to see someone who is familiar with a DS configuration, but from what you describe it is not an emergency situation, but only you can decide that. I had severe constipation issues (lapband) before DS, once I had DS I never had constipation again. you do have to give your body time to adjust, you just came out of the hospital, noises from the intestinal tract are common especially post DS, the noises are so loud, my kids say that an alien is going to pop out in a top hat and start singing like in space balls. post your CBC w/diff, (would be intersting to know your ANC), any other symptoms you have, fever? how long ago was your CBC w/diff normal? what has changed from that date? etc |
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Post by louteg on Dec 27, 2014 18:21:13 GMT -5
Why are you afraid of going to the bathroom? Where does it hurt? I get severe cramps that how I know i need to go, also while am going i get pain from my bowel to my belly button. |
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Post by louteg on Dec 27, 2014 19:13:50 GMT -5
Happy holidays! I wanted to give you all an update. I got out the hospital on Christmas Eve, they gave me Miralax and senna to take home with me and I was told to take Tylenol for pain. I am drinking prune juice and taking the medication they gave me so I am going to the bathroom 3 times a day. I still have pain in between BM, I have pain when passing gas, I have pain when I have the urge to have a BM not as excruciation as Saturday. I feel full, bloated, my stomach makes lots of rumbling noises and I am barely eating. The Doctors at Albert Einstein had no clued what is wrong with me. They treated me for constipation told me to see my Hematologist and gave me an appointment to see a GI doctor. They said I was impacted, no bowel obstruction (when I went there I felt it) they worried about my White Blood Count being low they think I have neutopenia. The attending physician believes after my second day in the hospital that it maybe adult hirschsprung disease, because after giving me massive doses of laxative and stool softener I was till constipated. I am thinking it maybe IBS with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic functional constipation. To be honest I am not sure what is going on, all I know is I am afraid of going to the bathroom at the moment. I need to see my DS surgeon I emailed him while I was in the hospital he didn’t seem too concerned, he felt that the doctors at Einstein had it under control and said if I wanted I can transfer to Lenox hill. His office is close for the holidays will not reopen until Jan 5t I need to be seen before that by him am not sure what to do. I do have a GI and a Hematology appointment next week. I feel lost, frustrated and out of my depths. Is it possible to develop IBS after getting a DS? I always had constipation issues, could the DS have made it worst. louteg, I am glad you are out of the hospital and I know you are scared. Ok take a deep breath, this is what I would do. Post surgery constipation is common, I like Miralax and tylenol, that they gave you in the hospital as what I had suggested to you prior to going in. If you were impacted you must have felt awful, any acute pain you have should be address immediately, (bowel obstruction) but that does not sound like the pain you are having and the pain is due to your impacted bowel, it will take some time. adult hirschsprung disease, I don't think so, you would most likely have rectal bleeding, I think it is due to your impacted state. you need to see someone who is familiar with a DS configuration, but from what you describe it is not an emergency situation, but only you can decide that. I had severe constipation issues (lapband) before DS, once I had DS I never had constipation again. you do have to give your body time to adjust, you just came out of the hospital, noises from the intestinal tract are common especially post DS, the noises are so loud, my kids say that an alien is going to pop out in a top hat and start singing like in space balls. post your CBC w/diff, (would be intersting to know your ANC), any other symptoms you have, fever? how long ago was your CBC w/diff normal? what has changed from that date? etc Simba, I do not have rectal bleeding. NYB listed some GI who are familiar with the DS I am going to call them and make an appointment. I have always had constipation issues, before any WLS. My constipation was bad when I had the lap band, it went away for 7 months post DS revision. After my 6 months labs I increased my calcium citrate from 1300mg a day to 2600mg a day that is when the constipation started, but I added mag-oxcide for each dose of calcium I was taking I also add 4 fiber capsules. My tummy noise had stop about 10 months post op, it came back while I was in the hospital. I hope you are correct that this was all due to the fact I was impacted, I am praying that their is no issues with my GI tract or colon. I keep track of my labs I noticed that my WBC has been going up and down for a while 9/21 3 months post opt WBC 4 1/16 6 months post op 3.6 got sick went to the ER 5/6 it was 7.4 Found out I was anemic saw the hematologist on 5/29 it was 5.2 on 7/25 1m months post op 3.8 12/20 it was 4.2 12/22 2.2 on 12/24 4.2. It seem that its a particular part of my WBC that is low the ineutrophils. |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Dec 27, 2014 19:32:55 GMT -5
louteg get copies of all scans, bloodwork, tests, etc and bring them to the GI. Including whatever they did in the hospital.
When are you seeing Klafter? Bring him all the stuff from the hospital too.
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Post by louteg on Dec 28, 2014 19:48:51 GMT -5
louteg get copies of all scans, bloodwork, tests, etc and bring them to the GI. Including whatever they did in the hospital. When are you seeing Klafter? Bring him all the stuff from the hospital too. I am seeing him tomorrow afternoon. I will get copy of everything. |
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Post by Leonie on Dec 28, 2014 23:21:33 GMT -5
Hang in there! I am glad you are seeing a specialist tomorrow.
Please keep us posted.
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Post by louteg on Jan 4, 2015 19:14:00 GMT -5
Hi all Happy New Year!.
Wanted to give you all an update- I saw my Hematologist he confirmed that I do not have neutopenia. Since my DS my white blood count just run low that just my new normal. my BP and cholesterol is also low, but that's my new normal. Iron is good I do not an infusion for now, maybe in 3 months. I saw my new PCP on Friday she order all new lab, some that the ER ran she reordered. She seems very willing to work with me and my needs, it took us 1 1/2 to get everything ordered and discuss what been going on. She spoke to my GI and they agree that it looks like I have IBS-C and maybe diverticulitis, I will know for sure this coming Friday. I am still having pain and constipation issues, but I am doing a regiment of Miralax and prune juice. I had to stop the colace with senna it was causing more cramps and pain, Also I am being careful with dairy and gluten. I am having 1 to 2 bm everyday since doing this.
In a positive note since this happened 3 weeks ago I have lost 12.2lbs, I am not sure is it that am having BMs or not eating much.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jan 4, 2015 19:23:28 GMT -5
Hi all Happy New Year!. Wanted to give you all an update- I saw my Hematologist he confirmed that I do not have neutopenia. Since my DS my white blood count just run low that just my new normal. my BP and cholesterol is also low, but that's my new normal. Iron is good I do not an infusion for now, maybe in 3 months. I saw my new PCP on Friday she order all new lab, some that the ER ran she reordered. She seems very willing to work with me and my needs, it took us 1 1/2 to get everything ordered and discuss what been going on. She spoke to my GI and they agree that it looks like I have IBS-C and maybe diverticulitis, I will know for sure this coming Friday. I am still having pain and constipation issues, but I am doing a regiment of Miralax and prune juice. I had to stop the colace with senna it was causing more cramps and pain, Also I am being careful with dairy and gluten. I am having 1 to 2 bm everyday since doing this. In a positive note since this happened 3 weeks ago I have lost 12.2lbs, I am not sure is it that am having BMs or not eating much. Are you keeping up your protein, fluids, and vitamins? |
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Post by louteg on Jan 4, 2015 19:50:41 GMT -5
[/quote]
Are you keeping up your protein, fluids, and vitamins?[/quote]
I am drinking 3 protein shakes a day plus eating Greek yogurt and eggs to keep up with protein. I am drinking 100oz of water day with the goal of increasing to 120oz. At the moment I am not taking any calcium or multi vites at all, the GI said until they know what causing the constipation for sure to stop. I am taking A, D, E, K1,K2 biotin in morning another batch of D with mag-glycinate midday another batch of A with C at noon and B12 before bed. I change around how i was taking my vites since stopping the calcium keep the same schedule.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jan 4, 2015 19:58:25 GMT -5
Are you getting 150g protein every day?
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Post by louteg on Jan 4, 2015 20:23:11 GMT -5
Are you getting 150g protein every day? No I average 120g a day, I struggle with getting protein, that explains why its low. I get so busy at work I do not get enough time in 8 hours to eat everyday. I created a weekly meal plan with specific time and added my meal time in my work calender. I am leaving my office for lunch everyday by going into my car and actually eating, no lunch time meeting or appointments. I am going to put myself first at work and at home; I hire someone to come help with cleaning and laundry and I cook for the house today for the week. This will give me more time for myself, to cook food I need and go back to the gym. I had a long talk with my husband while I was in the hospital we all have to change or lose everything. I told him if he was not willing to adjust than we could end it all. He said he will try. |
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