Constipation- hoping to avoid a colostomy

[brazelt]

I have been doing pretty well overall and am still farming full time. Constipation has been my biggest challenge. My constipation is caused by a lost recto-inhibitory response in my internal anal sphincter (basically a sphincter under involuntary muscle control that needs to receive a nerve impulse to dilate) to allow one to have a BM. So my internal anal sphincter is now always fully constricted and can't open up to allow stool to pass. This is unfortunately not one that can be reached with a finger. GI docs are saying the only option at this point is a permanent colostomy. Since I'm only 42 and still physically active I'm reluctant to get a colostomy. So I'm looking for suggestions on how to keep my bowels loose and moving. My daily regimen consists of Amitiza (48 mg), Senacot-S (4 pills), Miralax (6 Tbs), Metamucil (4 Tbs), 6 cups of coffee in the AM along with a mostly fruit & vegetable diet. I use Fleet enemas when I get into trouble. I can only pass very loose stools (I love diarrhea) but I am having trouble maintaining them because my overall bowel motility is also poor. I've read through many posts on constipation and seen lots of helpful suggestions but it seems that I've gone beyond most of these. Has anybody had success with other supplements/meds in this situation? I greatly appreciate any help. Thanks, Tim

[rdmc]

Wow, that sounds like a tough situation. Sorry for your problem.

I use Miralax with good success, but my sphincter problems are much lower.

I mention these products because they were too harsh for me, but did work, just toooo effectively.

They do nothing for peristalsis, or for your problem, but it looks like your just treating the symptom and keeping the stool loose whatever you can throw at it, and not the cause.

First is a capsule, easily obtained online and it contains aloe leaf. It says it's a mild laxative, but it sure wasn't mild in my case.

The other remedy, is a powder called CALM...it's a magnesium powder, has a citrus flavor and you mix it in water. You control the dose, so you'd have to ask your docs about the safety of adding either to your regimen. Just thought I'd pass on the info.

Sure hope you find a way to get your problem resolved without the colostomy. And not to make light but, "some of my best friends have colostomy bags"...and that's the truth. One friend has had an ileostomy since she was 19 (and is now in her mid 50's)...the other friend has had a colostomy for years, and plays golf, and participates in sports on a weekly basis. (neither have MS) Not that there hasn't been problems or hassles with the procedure and subsequent situation, but it saved their lives.

It's not a pleasant option, it's not the option you would choose, but if it preserves your health, especially if it prevents a bowel blockage and subsequent surgery, then I understand the need.

Hang in there.

[lemstar]

I had a colostomy for 10 months (it has been reversed). Have you seen a colo-rectal specialist? I am just wondering if maybe there is another way, some other reconstructive surgery, if you have the very best in progressive medicine?
Yes, people live long healthy lives with a colostomy, but it is far from problem free.....

[mtnwillow]

I have a colostomy and still suffer chronic constipation. My routine is Colace 300 mg daily, Magnesium 1Gm at bedtime, a high fiber diet. I still resort to laxatives 2-3 times every month.
You need to see a colorectal surgeon for sure. If gastric motility is your problem, a colostomy will not help.

[dennissr]

When I hear constipation the first thing I think of is what prescriptions and supplements are being taken. I assume that angle has been addressed in your situation. In my case, the prescriptions were the culprits.