Re: Atonic Colon...How do I know if it's obstructed? Tina Shelby's message 2-25-2002

From: Millie (milliem@citlink.net)
Sat Feb 22 11:27:37 2003


Dear Helen, I had this study done in November. You swallow a capsule that contains tiny radiographic rings. Then every other day, you go for a plain film abdominal xray, which shows how many of those rings are going through, and if any of them are slow-moving. Mine all passed within 3 days, so my study was normal. It's called a Colon Transit Study, or a Sitz Marker Study. No pain involved. Millie.

> ----- Original Message -----
From: Helen Dynda To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2003 1:16 PM Subject: Atonic Colon...How do I know if it's obstructed? Tina Shelby's message 2-25-2002

Atonic Colon...How do I know if it's obstructed?...Tina Shelby (February 25, 2002)

I learned about atonic colon a few years back when I was working for an Gi specialist. When being tested for a possible atonic colon, the patient swallows a capsule with radiographic rings - and abdominal x-rays are taken at certain intervals to see how long it takes for the radiographic rings to pass through the small and large intestine. Anything beyond 3 days is considered abnormal. My surgeon told me that there are many patients, who complain of severe constipation and end up being dagnosed with atonic colon - and have had their large intestine removed because of it. (They usually don't have any pain with bms either. Their main compliant is bloating.) A surgeon would probably be more concerned with week bms - than a regular MD. A GI doc would probably be more concerned about it as well. AT least mine was. Because of my history with obstructions, my doctors don't want me to go any longer than 3 days between bms. If you ever obstruct, it will become more of a concern as well.

Tina


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