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Problems after bowel resection
This discussion is related to Problems after bowel resection.
In February 2006 I had an emergency bowel resection. For no apparent reason, a large portion of my small intestine had twisted and the blood supply to my intestine had been cut off and died. About 40% of my small intestine (ileum and ileocecal valve) had to be removed. For the next 2-3 months I had horrible diarrhea after everything I ate. Within one week I went from 135 lbs. to 115 lbs. I followed a very low-fiber, low-fat, bland diet. My surgeon told me that I would suffer from diarrhea for the rest of my life and would have to control it with medication. My doctor told me that things would get better in time, it just takes awhile for the remaining intestine to adapt. It took about 6 months for me to maintain a weight of 120 lbs. (I am 5' 4").
It's been almost 2 years now and I have problems every day with digestion. I have diarrhea every morning that lasts sometimes until about noon (some days are worse than others), and the rest of the day I have digestive pain, cramps, sometimes bloating and gas from whatever I eat. I have tried cutting out certain foods but there doesnt seem to be any rhyme or reason to what causes my discomfort. I know I am now lactose intolerant and cannot break down fats because of my ileum being removed but sometimes even just a piece of toast will not sit well. I've recently started taking digestive enzymes to help break down fat, carbs, proteins, milk sugar, and fiber. The suggested use is 1 capsule before each meal but I take 2 with regular meals and 1 with snacks. The enzymes have helped considerably with the digestive discomfort (bloating and gas) but I still have diarrhea which I dont expect to every go away.
I've spent the last 2 years trying to find information on life after a bowel resection but I havent had any luck. I went to see a nutrionist through my medical provider but ended up teaching her a few things about malabsorption. I get monthly B-12 injections, take a multi-vitam, calcium, magnesium, and probiotics daily, and drink about a gallon of water everyday. I've had to go to the emergency room a few times for intravenous fluid due to dehydration.
I'm a stay-at-home mom of a very handsome 1 year old so I am always near the bathroom but on the days I am away from home I usually dont eat for fear that my tummy will act up. Food is no longer a joy, it is a complete hassle. Anyone out there with the same kind of problem? I would love to get some advice on how to cope and what things that have helped you to suffer less.
In February 2006 I had an emergency bowel resection. For no apparent reason, a large portion of my small intestine had twisted and the blood supply to my intestine had been cut off and died. About 40% of my small intestine (ileum and ileocecal valve) had to be removed. For the next 2-3 months I had horrible diarrhea after everything I ate. Within one week I went from 135 lbs. to 115 lbs. I followed a very low-fiber, low-fat, bland diet. My surgeon told me that I would suffer from diarrhea for the rest of my life and would have to control it with medication. My doctor told me that things would get better in time, it just takes awhile for the remaining intestine to adapt. It took about 6 months for me to maintain a weight of 120 lbs. (I am 5' 4").
It's been almost 2 years now and I have problems every day with digestion. I have diarrhea every morning that lasts sometimes until about noon (some days are worse than others), and the rest of the day I have digestive pain, cramps, sometimes bloating and gas from whatever I eat. I have tried cutting out certain foods but there doesnt seem to be any rhyme or reason to what causes my discomfort. I know I am now lactose intolerant and cannot break down fats because of my ileum being removed but sometimes even just a piece of toast will not sit well. I've recently started taking digestive enzymes to help break down fat, carbs, proteins, milk sugar, and fiber. The suggested use is 1 capsule before each meal but I take 2 with regular meals and 1 with snacks. The enzymes have helped considerably with the digestive discomfort (bloating and gas) but I still have diarrhea which I dont expect to every go away.
I've spent the last 2 years trying to find information on life after a bowel resection but I havent had any luck. I went to see a nutrionist through my medical provider but ended up teaching her a few things about malabsorption. I get monthly B-12 injections, take a multi-vitam, calcium, magnesium, and probiotics daily, and drink about a gallon of water everyday. I've had to go to the emergency room a few times for intravenous fluid due to dehydration.
I'm a stay-at-home mom of a very handsome 1 year old so I am always near the bathroom but on the days I am away from home I usually dont eat for fear that my tummy will act up. Food is no longer a joy, it is a complete hassle. Anyone out there with the same kind of problem? I would love to get some advice on how to cope and what things that have helped you to suffer less.
Hi,
After 7 bouts of Diverticulitis I had elective surgery on Jan. 25, 2016. Let me just say that I have Grave's Disease and Micro Colitis, and have managed very well for 7 years. I started living the Paleo Diet way and had my Grave's in remission. My colitis was manageable for me.....3-5 times in the morning. I was a very active 48 yr. old mom. I had an active social calendar, with rarely any problems.
After hearing from some friends of successful surgeries, I made the choice to have the resection of my lower sigmond colon.
I am feeling like I made the biggest mistake of my life!!! My right side feels tight all the time, becoming really unbearable by night. MY bm's are frequent and small....always feeling like I need to finish. I am not taking any pain medications and have not in 12 days.
I am eating : mashed potatoes, squash - no skins, jello, pudding, almond milk. I am bloated and in pain by end of day.
Any advice?
After 7 bouts of Diverticulitis I had elective surgery on Jan. 25, 2016. Let me just say that I have Grave's Disease and Micro Colitis, and have managed very well for 7 years. I started living the Paleo Diet way and had my Grave's in remission. My colitis was manageable for me.....3-5 times in the morning. I was a very active 48 yr. old mom. I had an active social calendar, with rarely any problems.
After hearing from some friends of successful surgeries, I made the choice to have the resection of my lower sigmond colon.
I am feeling like I made the biggest mistake of my life!!! My right side feels tight all the time, becoming really unbearable by night. MY bm's are frequent and small....always feeling like I need to finish. I am not taking any pain medications and have not in 12 days.
I am eating : mashed potatoes, squash - no skins, jello, pudding, almond milk. I am bloated and in pain by end of day.
Any advice?
Same. I go 10 to 15 hrs. a day for a 40 plus hr. work week for 9 years, to be able to work a full time job. The worst foods, bad carbs, hold be together a little better but now my body stores fat. I've gained 50 pounds. My life is shattered. I cannot socialize any more. Why can't they come up with a drug to stop this. Nothing has worked. Ruined my life.
Same. I go 10 to 15 hrs. a day for a 40 plus hr. work week for 9 years, to be able to work a full time job. The worst foods, bad carbs, hold be together a little better but now my body stores fat. I've gained 50 pounds. My life is shattered. I cannot socialize any more. Why can't they come up with a drug to stop this. Nothing has worked. Ruined my life.
By tappler | 1 minute
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I had a small bowel resection 18 months ago and have been very constipated since. I use Movical every day.
Before my operation, I used to eat oats with whole linseeds every morning. I am afraid to eat the whole linseeds now. Has anyone else eaten normally again and eaten linseeds? The powdered linseeds seems to make me more constipated now (not sure why). Also, can I eat potato skins (jackets) again and tomato skins etc. I wasn't given much advice on diet. It would be nice to be able to not use the Movical every day.
Thanks
Hi, I had 40 cm small bowel removed 20 months ago and have been constipated since. I have to take Movical every day, this keeps things moving.
Hi everyone I hope this board is still being used by people. I've just recently had a quarter of my colon removed (I'm 23). It's only been 2 weeks post surgery but I'm kind of freaking out. I have bowel movements in the morning (6-7 times) afternoon (not as much because I try not to eat) and evening (all the time.) the gas is horrendous and explosive.. I'm very embarrassed :( but I'm supposed to be back at work in about 4 weeks. Is there anything you guys can fill me in on? I have metimucil but I'm scared to use it because I don't want to poop more :'( please help me
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