Sigmoid Volvulus

[Camomi]

My husband suddenly had sigmoid volvulus this week. Seems to occur more often in Parkinson's patients. Is anyone familiar with this?

[kaypeeoh]

Oh my, this is high on my list of conditions to fear. . The Sigmoid colon is the "Bend in the River" just ahead of the rectum. I call feel it by pushing hard into my belly on the lower left side, just above the brim of the pelvis. When I'm constipated I feel it bulging with fecal material. So far my abdominal muscle has been strong enough to push everything into the rectum, as I grit my teeth. As a veterinarian I dealt with this now-and-then in horses. Obstruction of the pelvic flexure could lead to rupture, peritonitis and ultimately death. In horses the treatment was surgery, using one's hands to massage and milk the contents into the rectum. I imagine real doctors have a better method.

[SuuSuu in reply to kaypeeoh]

Interesting insights. A friend had twisted intestines (volvulus?) and I sat in on a follow-up appointment where the surgeon said, "people with redundant and torturous intestines and more likely to have this happen." That's me! according to my colonoscopy report. PWP are also good candidates!

I faithfully do strength training for leg/arm muscles, (helps balance, and fall/fracture prevention) but I have developed the flabby poochy abdomen so common in older women. I have a theory that if I strengthen my core, and tighten up my abdominal muscles it will provide a smaller, more "rigid" framework for my intestines and they would be less likely to twist. My core routine also strengthens the pelvic floor which makes it a win/win. Plus as you mentioned, stronger abdominals have greater push power.

This is a personal hypothesis, no research, no data -- but a powerful motivator to impel me to do exercises I'd rather skip! Any thoughts on this?

[kaypeeoh in reply to SuuSuu]

It was suggested I get a child's 'playground' ball, about 9 inches, Squeezing it between my knees or between my ankles is a great exercise for the pelvic floor.

[fnedorez70]

Watch this youtube.com/watch?v=bOnkPjm...(Not working as expected?)

for real gastroenterologist who is specializing in PD talk about constipation treatment

Search for dr. El-Nachef other presentations for useful insight

[kaypeeoh in reply to fnedorez70]

Excellent discussion, thorough and up-to-date.

[beehive23]

all sphincter muscles depend on dopamine. hang tough..... do your kegels

[kaypeeoh in reply to beehive23]

I do them while squeezing the rubber ball between my ankles.

[beehive23 in reply to kaypeeoh]

a bowl of borscht also does amazing things for constipation...beet soup...Ukrainian .....delish too!

[kaypeeoh in reply to beehive23]

Cold Beet soup?

[beehive23 in reply to kaypeeoh]

it works like a champ.....