post-surgical problems

Posted By liz on September 09, 1998 at 09:25:40:







I am 31 and last year had an emergency colectomy with the ileal pouch reconstruction.
(no external pouch) I had very few intestinal problems in the past and
only showed signs of the ulcerative colitis 3 months prior to my surgery.
Now I am feeling pretty good, but I have been experiencing a lot of discomfort
where the internal pouch was created-in my rectum area. Two months ago I had a flexable sig and
my GI doctor said that I did not have any signs of pouchitis. Currently I am taking
simethicone because I am assuming much of my problem is gas, but I am nervous
about having to rely on this for my whole life. I wonder if there are any
more 'natural' ways to help with the gas and other ways to deal with the
discomfort of the internal pouch. (By the way, I cannot expel gas in a 'normal' way, my stool
is still too soft) Any suggestions? I am also looking for a support group for this
type of surgery. Thanks for any suggestions.