what is a colonostomy?
465714
a colonostopy is where they insert a camera on a long tube into your colon (where your bowel movements come from) so doctors can see if there are any problems, such as polyps.  polyps are little growths that form inside your colon that can become cancerous.  kind of like a cyst on a liver, some are benign (not harmful) and some are malignent (harmful).\n\nif they encounter polyps they typically remove them and then biopsy them to determine whether cancerouse or not.\n\nusually people don't start getting colonostopies until their 40's or 50's, of course depending on prevelance of colon cancer in your family.  if there have been cases in your family then consult your physician to determine when to start regular colonostopies.\n\nthey aren't the greatest thing in the world, but they help keep us alive, so it's worth it.\n\nmy grandmother has diverticulitis and she has to get them more frequently than most people.  her polyps aren't cancerous, however, she isn't allowed to eat anything with a hull, like nuts, corn etc.  hulls can get caught in the colon and form polyps.\n\ni hope this was what you were looking for and i didn't gross you out too much!!!\n\nEDIT:\njust so you know you're getting various answers b/c of your spelling.  some think you're asking about a colonostopy and some think you're asking about colostomy.  the first answer describes the latter (colostomy) and my answer describes colonostopy.
585837
A partial meniscectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove a piece of torn cartilage in the knee joint. Arthroscopic surgery is often recommended if the torn meniscus is becoming bothersome to the patient.
102897
Ask your doctor to book you in for a fartectomy.
134135
Colon cancer is a common cancer-related cause of death in the US.  Everyone above 50 years of age should be screened for it.  The standard screening tool is the colonoscopy, where a flexibly scope is inserted into the rectum, and all the way to the other end of the colon.  The physician looks for any polyps along the way.  If polyps are detected, they can be removed at that time for tissue study.  The pathologist will render a diagnosis on the tissue -- cancerous or benign.  Other signs a patient might notice that could signal colon cancer include blood in the stool, weight loss, and anemia.  \n\nThe management of colon cancer depends on the grade (how cancerous the cells are) and the stage (how far they've spread).  Sometimes, a precancerous polyp can be removed with no need for further treatment.  Other times, aggressive regimens of chemotherapy are necessary.  Some unlucky patients even have their entire colon removed.
762654
First the important thing is to talk to your doctor.\n\nNext, don't take laxatives because your intestines (smooth involuntary muscle) will learn to rely on them.\n\nIt is important to increase your fiber intake - soluble and insoluble.  Soluble fiber (like the white/yellow part of an apple) makes your stool soft, and insoluble fiber (the apple peel) irritates the intestines and stimulates movement (peristalsis).\n\nThere are fiber supplements - if you intend to use those be certain to take enough water, otherwise that too can contribute to an obstruction.  There are bran cereals that are easy to eat - for example all bran has half a day's fiber in 1/3 cup of cereal.  Sprinkle that on a salad instead of bacon bits, mix it into muffins for extra fiber...etc.  Increase your intake of vegetables too.\n\nYou could end up with a nasty bout of diverticulosis which may also land you in surgery, and you only have so much bowel that can be removed.  You could also end up with a colostomy bag.  \n\nBest of luck to you.
1097517
My husband had a foot of his colon removed and is doing fine. However, if they remove the entire colon (I'm assuming there's something like hardening of the arteries taking place there) you may have to have a colostromy bag. My brother just had that procedure and is also doing very well. Be sure to find out exactly what your doctor is planning on doing....knowing what to expect will help ease your worry. \n\nSurgey can be frightening and there are always risks involved, but I am sure it is for the best. You won't feel anything during the operation, but you will be sore afterwards. They'll give you medicine to relieve the pain and place you on a special diet until you're healed inside. Today they make smaller incisions and people tend to heal faster. You will probably be allowed to go home after just a few days.\n\nI wish the best and may you make a speedy recovery!
159967
I got rid of my colon problems and can help you get rid of yours. There are a few things that can stop this problem but it would be much better to talk than to type. It is up to you. I am easily reachable.
338522
" Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is a rare disorder of gastrointestinal motility where coordinated contractions (peristalsis) in the intestinal tract become altered and inefficient. When this happens, nutritional requirements cannot be adequately met.\n\n"Motility" is the term used to describe the contraction of muscles in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. To facilitate normal digestion and the absorption of nutrients, food content is propelled through the GI tract by synchronized or coordinated contractions in a process called "peristalsis." Peristalsis is dependent upon the coordination between the muscles, nerves, and hormones in the digestive tract.\n\nIn CIP the intestines react as if there is a true mechanical obstruction or blockage. However, when tests are performed, no physical evidence of blockage is found. There is no unique sign or symptom that allows a positive diagnosis of the pseudo-obstruction. "\n\nthere is more information in that link, too.
904651
The National Cancer Institute provides information about Colon Cancer for both patients and healthcare professionals. Includes definition, risks, stages, treatment options, prognostic factors, and resources:\n\n http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/colon\n\nAnd, excellent information from the UK gov site:\n\nhttp://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Cancertype/Bowelcolonrectum
445751
Don't worry about the colonoscopy procedure as you will not be that uncomfortable. You will be lightly sedated and won't remember anything about it. The good news is that if anything is found to be amiss, it can be taken care of before it becomes life threatening. Add a little  humor to the procedure. I put a temporary tattoo of a Tasmanian Devil on my buttock! The surgical staff thought it was hysterical.
799425
Yes, go buy a stool softener.  They come in gel caps.  It will soften the stool so you can empty your colon better.
569579
well, its just the waste that has been stored in your body. dont worry about it, it means that your body is getting cleansed from the inside so soon you will feel great.  it also helps to shed some pounds, as it cleans out all the waste.  and its good that you have fruits and vegetables and a lot of water and that you dont eat a lot of meat.  this is good while you cleanse your colon.  i hope that helped!
344097
The following link is a support page for colostomy users and discusses this issue in some detail. I think it would be really helpful for you given the situation of your partner.\nhttp://www.ostomysupport.info/sex.html
1142736
1. You're pooping more or less often.\nThe presence of a tumor in your bowel throws things off. As your body tries to adjust to its presence, demands, and byproducts, you may experience changes in your bathroom habits. For example, let's say a tumor is slowly growing in your colon, inhibiting the flow of solid waste. You may or may not notice that you're defecating less often.\n\nBut if the tumor gets large enough, it may become very difficult for your poop to get by it and you'll end up constipated. Sound like a crap shoot? (No pun intended.) The tumor may obstruct your bowel. You may notice a difference. You may get constipated.\n\nThat's why, in general, it's best to get regular screenings rather than rely on symptoms to alert you to the presence of the cancer.\n\n\n2. Your stool is thinner than usual.\nImagine a three-lane tunnel full of cars, all driving through with a nice, steady flow. Now imagine that two big rigs decide to block the left lanes in tandem... then they slow to a stop. Both of them. Blocking both left lanes. What do the cars do? They start filing to the right so they can get around the obstruction.\n\nThe same sort of thing happens in the bowel. Everything is flowing fine and dandy until a tumor starts to grow, causing an obstruction. As the obstruction gets bigger, the space around it gets smaller. So, as you might expect, tumors toward the "tunnel exit" tend to cause this effect of narrowed stool.\n\n\n3. You have stomach cramping or bloating.\n\nBloating may be the result of a bowel obstruction. Cramping may be caused by constipation or diarrhea. In more advanced stages of colorectal cancer, severe abdominal cramping may be caused by the tumor perforating (poking through) the bowel wall.\n\n\n4. There's bright red blood in or on your poop.\nTumors tend to bleed. Not a whole lot and not constantly, but they do bleed. As a result, some of that blood may be found in your stool. If the tumor is in the right colon, the blood will most likely be dried and virtually invisible by the time the poop leaves the body. However, if the tumor is in the rectum or toward the end of the left colon, it may still be fresh and therefore, bright red.\n\n\n5. You've experienced unexplained weight loss.\nMany of us wouldn't want to question unexplained weight loss. We'd just be happy to be losing weight! But, even though the prospect of losing weight without even trying may seem a blessing, it really is something to question. It's the old "if it sounds too good to be true..." idea.\n\nSee more at http://coloncancer.about.com/cs/thebasics/a/Top10CCSymptoms.htm
1056501
Just had one done.  The doctor explained to me that when they remove a polyp from the colon they remove it all not just a portion.  After removing it they cauterize the area.  If the polyp is too large to remove all of it, they leave it there and schedule regular surgery to remove it all.  Any growth is dangerous.  Even the benign ones.  I would recommend discussing this with a doctor for the best answer possible.
128711
Do you have a colostomy?  Are you on a special diet?  Are you drinking adequate fluids?  Most of the fecal matter will be liquid...how often you need to change the colostomy bag will depend on you and your diet/fluid intake etc.
884506
If you are taking no prescription medicine and experiencing what you are going through this may be the way that your body is healing itself of body waste by purging itself till you recover to a full healing from the colonoscopy.  As long as there is no blood or black tarry stool to many bowel movements are far better than to few.