Which doc would you go to?

I've had constipation issues all my life, and it's evidently genetic.  So did my mom and my grandmother.  I found out I have a redundant colon, which complicates my sleeve issues with constipation.

I'm thinking I need to go to a gastrointerologist rather than a surgeon for this particular issue.  I have a family doctor, but think this probably needs more.

Is there any specialist more appropriate?

Hi Louisamay

Wow -- coincidences do happen!  I saw my surgeon for my 3 month post-op check-up today and I asked him about this constipation crap (pun FULLY intended LOL).  He advised the usual of Miralax, etc., but said to ask my PCP for her preferred gastro guy if things got worse.  So, looks like I'd vote with you for the gastroenterologist.

Sure hope you can get some help.  I know if I skip even one day of Miralax, I'm NOT a happy camper.

Good luck...........

Ree

Thanks, the Miralax and Benefiber combination didn't work for me.  Using colace daily (max dose) worked for awhile but stopped.  I hope you have better luck!

Putting this out there for you:
 Nothing worked for me until I put Colace and Miralax together for a most magnificent "Poop-tail". It works for me and I've been using it now for several months.
I take a colace morning and night and a half dose of Miralax in my morning protein coffee.
I do hope you find something that works.

my gastro referred me to a colo-rectal guy who helped me get right fixed up on a protocol that works great.


GL

Colo-rectal, the guy who does the colonoscopy?  I have one of those.

no the gastro does the colonoscopy. colo-rectal surgeon actually...used to be called a proctologist. they do everything from the anus back up the colon. they are experts on stool issues,fissures,which you might get if you don't get your constipation under control.  I did get a fissure and we were considering a surgical repair but his colon protocol helped me trememdously and I avoided surgery.

I still follow that protocol 10 months later and I have had little to no constipation issuuuuuuues.

I would guess a gastro would be a good start. Luckily Miralax has worked fine for me so far so I don't have much helpful to add, but good luck!

I'm glad the Miralax works for you!

Hey Lady,

It's been awhile since I posted.  But I've had the same issue my entire life and so do my lil boys, 4 and 7... Miralax helps them, me not so much.

I do take 1 cap in the morning and 1 cap at night, but thats after I've had to flush my system.  And crazy enough I can still not go for 4 or 5 days!

I went to gastro through out the years, I've had a transit study, upper and lower gi, colonoscopy, barium enema (yukky)...  They just come back with IBS!

My PCM said if I stopped eating I wouldn't have the problem, jokingly of course, well I don't eat a whole lot and it hasnt changed!

I wish you luck in your journey!!!