Update on my colon stricture/inflammation

Hello friends!  I wanted to post an update about the continuing saga of my colon stricture and inflammation problem.  Dr. Chapman did another flex sig on Tuesday (the 5th one since mid July).  He found that the stricture is open (YEAH!) but the inflammation is still there so I'm doing another round of the enemas twice a day.  I think this will be the last try with them.  Dr. C told my hubby that if this didn't take care of it, he's out of options other than another surgery.  For about 2 weeks now, I've added Miralax to my regimen everyday and that has helped so much.  I understand that it is safe to take on a long term basis.  So, unless there is evidence that the inflammation is harmful in the long term, then I'll try to steer clear of the OR!  I'm waiting for one of our docs who has written a book about Inflammation, to return to the office.  I'm going to discuss this issue with him to see about the effects of inflammation on a  long term basis.  I'm also going to talk with Dr. C again next week when I see him for my ONE YEAR RNY FOLLOWUP!  I can't believe this coming Sunday will be a year! 

I feel so much better and have no more pain so that is definately a plus.  So, thanks to all of you for your support over the past 5 months as I've struggled with these post-op complications!   I try to look on the bright side... the cancer is GONE and I don't have to have any chemo or radiation treatments!  I AM SO BLESSED!  God is GOOD!

Love to all!  Alice 

Hi Alice, I hope this all works out for you. Congrats on your upcoming Anniversary!

Hi Alice,

I'm delighted to hear that you are doing better and want to congratulate you on the wonderful job you have done with your weight loss.

Wishing you continued success,

Barb

Hi Alice!  I'm so glad the stricture is open but darn it about the inflammation.  I hope the next round of enemas do the trick.  I am a daily Miralax gal.  Did you have your doc write you a script for it?  I get it for about half price with a prescription and my $10 prescription card.  There are short periods of time (a few days up to a week) that I actually double my dosage (adding another evening dosage to my typical morning one) if things stop flowing like they should.  (TMI?!)  I honestly have been through hell without the Miralax and I thank my lucky stars to finally have found something that is helping me.  I'll probably be on it for life!  I hope it continues to help you also.  Let us know what the other doc says about the inflammation issue.  No pain and no cancer are both DEFINITE pluses!!!  Look forward to celebrating your surgiversary on Sunday!!!  {{{Hugs!!!}}}

No, I don't have a prescription for it... didn't know you could get one for an over the counter item like that.  hmmmm... will have to ask about that.

I wondered about taking it twice a day instead of the milk of mag at night...  think I'll try that if I need it. 

Thanks for the hugs....  ah

Alice,  I came home with a prescription for "polyethylene glycol 3350" from my gastro and didn't realize it was actually MiraLax until weeks (maybe a few months?) later.  When I found that out, I checked to see if I could get it over-the-counter for cheaper and found that I was getting it for about half the price with my insurance prescription card and the prescription.  I asked my PCP on my last visit if she would continue to prescribe the refills for me due to the money savings and she said it was no problem!  If you could pay less via prescription, I'd definitly ask about it.  Regarding the twice a day, I just listen to my body and I know if I need the double dose for awhile.  :)  I always have milk of mag on hand too but I haven't needed it since I got the PEG 3350!  THAT'S a small miracle!  lol 

Yeah Alice! I'm so glad to hear that things are getting better for you.

God is good ALL the time, babeee!!!  This is excellent news!  I know it's frustrating to have to deal with the enemas again, but they did help so much the last time... who knows, maybe this will be the trick.  I sure hope so.  Inflammation can take such a long time to go down... maybe adding the miralax will help it to decrease gradually...  I can sure understand your apprehension about having surgery again.  I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Congratulations on your surgiversary.  It's amazing, insn't it?

Love you, girl!

I'm glad things are looking up for you Alice.  It was really good to see you today, you look fantastic! 

Take care and we'll get together soon.
Ellen

(((Alice)))
You have been through sooo much with this!! Im so glad the cancer is gone and yes steer clear of that OR!!!!!! Im glad you are feeling better

Darcie