Update, results from gastroenterology, Back to PCP and more.

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Well finally got the call from my gastroenterologist with my test results. Other than a rectal angle issue, puborectalis, and sphincter muscle issue shown on the test I am normal. The big thing is that my GI doctor doe not feel like there is anything else she can do for me except keeping me on my medications to keep my bowels clear. She is against any more surgery (IE artificial sphincter implant or fixing surgery because it may not work due to the angle issue and could cause more issues) So at this point, I will only see her as needed.

She wants me to keep going to physical therapy, keep taking my medications, and go back to my PCP to see what else he could recommend. She said that because from a GI standpoint everything structurally looks okay that there really is not much else she can do.

She said my PCP is my best bet as he will be able to talk with other specialists and find the next step.

As far as pain and the ongoing accidents, she cannot recommend me doing anything other than what I already am.

So right now I am at a standstill until I talk to PCP and physical therapy to see what we can do.

GI did recommend that I get a CT every year or when I get bound up to make sure I don't have diverticulitis again.

So yea not happy that they still don't know what to do to help me in a timely manner so I may get over all of this by the time I am fifty at this rate. I just want this over with.

 

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So basically the real pain meds for real relief and whatever physical therapy can do to keep you moving.
Maybe the PCP will come up with alternative specialists.
The most important thing is for you to adjust your daily life to enjoy what you can when and how you can is what im hearing.

 

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So basically the real pain meds for real relief and whatever physical therapy can do to keep you moving.
Maybe the PCP will come up with alternative specialists.
The most important thing is for you to adjust your daily life to enjoy what you can when and how you can is what im hearing.

Yep. Only Tylenol for pain, Talk to PCP and see what they can recommend... The thing is that I was thinking a few months of therapy and it would be good to go back to work. Now, She feels like it is going to be a long process and I may never be free from the medications and stuff (By stuff I mean having accidents)

I told my GI that I want to do whatever I have to bring up my quality of life.

So back to the drawing board with PCP and see where I get.

 

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I went to a Colorectal doctor who recommended an implant Interstim to help me have bowel movements more easily and addresses my leaking issue. I am declaring a victory. I am not 100% cured but way better.

 

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I went to a Colorectal doctor who recommended an implant Interstim to help me have bowel movements more easily and addresses my leaking issue. I am declaring a victory. I am not 100% cured but way better.

Question, What was the recovery time like? Also, what is the difference between Colorectal and Gastroenterology for this type of issues?

 

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Gastroenterologist deals with intestinal problems.I did have a colonoscopy done by my gastroenterologist. He recommended I see a Urogynecologist since I am a female. This Dr. recommended a high fiber diet which made my problem worse. Then he recommended I do physical therapy to strengthen my pelvic muscles. I went to The Colorectal Institute in Ft. Myers. The Dr believed I would benefit from the Interstim because it would work with the sacral nerve to help me have a bowel movement and not leak. I had the temporary trial unit put in my backside. It required 3 incisions. The wiring is implanted and connected to an external unit which I can adjust to try and achieve the setting best for me. Yes I was sore for several days. No big deal.

 

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Gastroenterologist deals with intestinal problems.I did have a colonoscopy done by my gastroenterologist. He recommended I see a Urogynecologist since I am a female. This Dr. recommended a high fiber diet which made my problem worse. Then he recommended I do physical therapy to strengthen my pelvic muscles. I went to The Colorectal Institute in Ft. Myers. The Dr believed I would benefit from the Interstim because it would work with the sacral nerve to help me have a bowel movement and not leak. I had the temporary trial unit put in my backside. It required 3 incisions. The wiring is implanted and connected to an external unit which I can adjust to try and achieve the setting best for me. Yes I was sore for several days. No big deal.

Another question. My GI doctor said that one of the issues with getting an interstim was my age due to the life of the iterstim devices and needing it replaces from time to time. I am only 36 so she was worried that I would need to many replacements in my life.

 

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I am going with the newest one on the market by MedTronics. It has a 15 yr life. I will need to recharge it one a week. I am 67 yrs old.

 

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Dear That FL Guy,
You have been so persistent in trying to get what you need, and I applaud you for that. I encourage you to keep trying the next steps that are being recommended for you by medical people and those of us on this site, and live your life the best you can with these debilitating conditions. I am praying for you, and hope you will find ease soon.

 

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So, I have taken a few days to truly get my head around everything that was said on the phone call from my Gastroenterologist. First, I understood that we might get to a point where Gastroenterology could not do much more for me. I will be trying to go back to my PCP soon but the weather up here in PA is really crazy. Second, I am going to talk with my physical therapist to see what else we can try. My biggest fear right now is not having any more definitive answers. I know that some of the medical stuff is like that but I also was given a lot of reassurances both before surgery and from current doctors that I would be okay. Never once was any of these side effects mentioned. At this point, I have even questioned if I should get in touch with my doctors back in Florida and mention that I am dealing with these issues this long after surgery. (Just a thought, I don't know that it is really a good idea because of current insurance reasons) The sad fact of life is that I am where I am now. I am always fighting constipation with medication and dealing with pain. Truly all I want is the quality of life to be somewhat better.

I am going to talk to PCP tomorrow and see when I can get in.

 

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All the best in all your efforts for good health.