Thanks guys. Not going great - lots of stomach pain. Eating makes it worse. I felt better when my colon was completely packed...is that normal? I'm getting cramps and the feeling that I can't pass gas. Maybe it's still the after effect of the prep but worried it's the old stomach problems back to haunt me. Maybe too quick going off the morphine, but I have no option.

Frustrated that I just can't be pain free ever.

Your intestines are probably still trying to figure out what to do with all the laxatives you took. What is plan for checking in with doctor? And do you have a gastroenterologist as well?

I hope so...but I've felt like this before with my ibs for months at a time, so It's hard to say.

I call the surgeons office on Monday to update them and get a referral to the colorectal specialist unit at another hospital. Then I have a follow up in 3 weeks with the surgeon to assess things again.

I do have a gastroenterologist, and an appointment with him on may 2nd. But he is really not a nice guy...have recently had some horrible appointments with him that were difficult to get through, he's disrespectful and I don't feel he is interested in helping me. I'm trying to get a different one but it's been impossible. No one will see me, as in my situation it is considered a "second opinion" since I've had many tests done already.

I'm just wondering if you may be suffering from acidity because of all the painkillers that you've been taking. Perhaps an OTC antacid might help calm things down and help you eat? When I have an acidic stomach it gives me cramps, gas, and makes it difficult to eat much.

Hmm thanks patience and healing - didn't know that the pain meds could increase acidity. But, I'm not taking them anymore besides Tylenol, so I'm not sure that's it...I am feeling a little better today but not 100%. Have been take gas x soft gels twice a day, maybe that's helping.

Butt pain is pretty good. Managed a walk around the block - although that was a little depressing. This time last year I ran a 10 k in 58 minutes...now I'm out of breath after a 5 min walk...ugh.

Have not had bm since the diarrhea stopped Friday morning but will continue daily full dose of miralax and try and exercise a little. Getting worried already though, would love to just go easily.

A lot of what ails you seems to be something that a gastro should be dealing with, now that your fissure has been dealt with. This may sound really odd, but is there any way that your father or mother could advocate for you? Do you all have the same family doctor? Oftentimes, people are more likely to do things for "older" adults and pay less heed to adults as young as you are, and "older" adults often know what to say and how to say it better, to get action. I think that they may have better luck if they speak up for you to get you in to see a more sympathetic gastro. And on the second opinion front, second opinions are common, especially if the first specialist can't diagnose and treat your ailments properly, so I wonder why they are stonewalling you on that front?

Thanks chachacha - I agree. My parents have both spoken on my behalf and even made calls to family friends who work at the hospital and who personally know some of the gastros, but no luck.

I can't remember - are you also in Canada? The impression I get is that, at least in my area, gastros are few and in very high demand - they are literally all booked up, so second opinions are frowned upon. I will try and make it work with my gastro, but I'm not sure it will. My next step will probably be to get a new family doctor - mine seems not to advocate very well for me.

I do think the colorectal unit may also help - I do seem to have some pelvic floor issues, and there is possibly a rectocoele as well as hemorrhoids that I would like an opinion on. If I could sort some of that, I think I would find it easier to go.

Thanks for your reply - it's such a difficult situation. And I'm not sure I can wait months to see someone new..i want to get back to my life.

Yes, I'm in Toronto. You're in Ottawa, I believe?

Good to hear that your parents have already tried to help.

Hopefully, your appointment with the colorectal unit will provide some answers and some relief!

Yes! We're practically neighbours.
Three hospitals near-ish, you think it would be easier. Part of the problem I think is that my gastro is quite senior at his hospital, so no one else at his hospital will take me - they don't want to step on toes

The soreness has calmed down a little, although it's a little worse now as I just had a few small mushy bms...difficult to pass completely - definitely easier when formed a little more. Glad that things are moving at least. Not sure if I should back off the miralax a little - maybe this is still left over from the peglyte. Really don't want to get backed up again.

Wish this could just be easy, my dream would literally be to wake up, sit on the toilet, go, and go about my day not worrying about gas or pain or bms. Doesn't seem like a possibility for me