desperate for anything to help
#142455 - 01/25/05 11:07 AM
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taroh73
Reged: 12/28/04
Posts: 184
Loc: chicago, il
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I've been fighting this IBS since childhood (am 32 now) but the past 10 years has been excruciating as far as running and it sure feels like ruining my life. I'm just wondering if anyone on the boards here has known anyone or heard of anyone who has had surgical procedures that may have been helpful. The last doctor I visited spoke briefly with me about removing part of my colon. It sounds scary and drastic, but I'm sure you all would agree that if it means having a life again, anything is worth it. Anyone know anything? I've tried researching but haven't found much. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Hope everyone is feeling well today!
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As far as I know, surgical colon removal will not help IBS at all and could make it alot worse. I would be VERY sceptical of that last doctor.
You haven't been on this diet long, have you? It took me about 6 months to stabilize, but I did and at one point I thought I was dying from IBS!
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I personally have not heard of anything- There are alot more people on this board who have more experience and knowledge than myself though.
I was diagnosed in January 2004 (roughly) and all I was ever told about was diet, sfs, antispasmodics, and anti depressants. never any surgical procedures. I got initally diagnosed by one GI then went to another one for a second opinion and neither doctor mentioned anything of the sort.
What did the doctor say this removing a portion of the colon would do- Will tha piece coming out make all your pain go away?
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Melissa
Pain predominant w/occasional C.
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I don't know if I'm replying correctly?? Still trying to figure this out. The doctor I spoke with didn't really tell me much about what surgery could do- he just brought it up but we didn't discuss it much. I don't have too much pain thank god, but my bloating/distension is severe (hurts to take a breath in a lot) and I feel like my colon seizes up with huge airpockets that just get stuck in the middle of my belly and are agonizing.
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I have only been on the diet a few weeks, although I'm having trouble with eating much of anything other than bananas, pasta, and cakes. Really any fruits, veggies or meats are too much. I've also been taking a 1/4 tsp of acacia a day for about 3 weeks and I think it is causing me major gas. So i'm a little frustrated. I didn't realize it could take so many months to stabilize on the diet. How do you know what is/isn't working after that long. Sorry I am so negative right now, just really frustrated! But thank you for all of your advice.
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The next time you see him make it a point to discuss this again, in more detail. I myself am not in tremendous pain- I have cramps ALL THE TIME- especially after I eat. The cramps make me feel like I have to pass a BM and I usually don't - Once I go in the morning I am usually done- Although sometimes I will go again during the day. I have alot of gas too- My belly becomes so distended and bloated I look like I am 4 months pregnant by the middle of the day. The only time I feel okay/normal is first thing when I wake up- No distention, no cramps. WONDEFUL- then once my body "wakes up" and I get that first bit of food in me- the cycle begins. Sound like yourself?
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Melissa
Pain predominant w/occasional C.
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I think you need to try to start getting some other foods into you- That doesn't sound very healthy. As for knowing if something is working- I don't know myself. I eat what I should, I take SFS and I still have pain/discomfort so I am somewhat in the same boat. I am frustrated myself- I am not social anymore- I don't want to go out with my friends- I used to go out to eat with my husband at least 2ce a week- I haven't been in a restaraunt in over a year. And I miss it- Then I worry that my husband will get bored with me because I am so "down"- which brings on the depression etc.. It is a vicious cycle.
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Melissa
Pain predominant w/occasional C.
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I actually have gotten to the point over the last 2 years where I'd told my Dr's I'd consider surgery if it would help my bloating, pain, and C. I'm being repeatedly told I have a "tortuous colon" and then it's just blown off like, well, live with it. Drives me crazy. However, I think surgery for our conditions is WAY out in left field - the specialist I saw at UNC said I'd basically have to be dying for him to even consider it. Some days I feel like I am dying and feel like BEGGING to die ... but I am not dying. And I have had surgery before (different kind)... it aint no picnic. Recovery stinks, too. Anyway, with all that said, here is something I found online about it and my mother in law keeps wishing they would do it to me but it doesn't seem the wise choice right now and any doctor I've even brought it up to has looked at me like I've lost my mind. I am NOT advocating this, I don't even know a thing about who put this link up (it's from Russia, I just noticed, interesting)... I'm just saying this is the only thing I've personally ever seen on it at all: http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijs/vol3n2/hemicolect.xml
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Take care,
Michelle
...the greatest of these is LOVE. (I Cor 13)
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Oh my gosh girl...... I totally know how you feel. Don't get down! We can still laugh right!! One thing about bodily functions..... they cause us so much misery but they are still funny and gross. I feel for you about not wanting your husband to be bored w/you. I'm 32 now and I really haven't dated much for the past 10 years b/c I cannot function normally on a social level. And I worry that if I did find someone it's too much to ask of them to be a social pariah. We should all move to an island together where everyone just knows and understands. Does your husband ever read the boards to get more of an understanding? Feel better 
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Yes, we definitely have some similarities. Morning (first thing) is usually okay, but not always. But like you, as soon as anything passes my lips it's like Russian roulette. What's gonna happen. And the pregnant belly- is probably one of the most frustrating things for me. If you are like me you feel soooooo fat inside that looking in the mirror and seeing that makes me want to cry. As if being a woman isn't a big enough bit*h- add IBS. Since moving into this diet I have gained about 7-8 pounds in a few months which is only making all of that worse. Are you able to lead a fairly normal life?
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