colon resection

[michele2]

I had a colon resection about 5 weeks ago. They had to remove the ileo-caecal valve. The cause of the problem was endometriosis which had grown into my appendix (was removed) and caused septacaemia resulting in the resectionof about 6 inches.
I have read up all the questions and answers you have on this issue and the communal or general problem seems to be constant stools with cramps. I have had one episode of that which lasted 3 days and was probabaly an infection.
My issue is that i have no urge to stool? This can go on for a week. Eventually i have to use a dulcolax suppository and my stomach then works normally, with normal stools.(no constipation).I have tried putting fibre back into my diet but this causes bloating and wind.I am not sure what would happen if i just left it to go for more than a week? I find this situation very stressful as i am constantly sitting on the toilet (due to the wind) but nothing happens.
I think perhaps my situation is favourable to the alternative-but healthwise it is toxic to have stool sitting in ones colon for days on end.What can you suggest diet wise? and can one live on dulcolax supps every other day?


This discussion is related to Continual problems following colon surgery.

[CalGal]

This is something that you should bring to the attention of your doctor. More frequent bowel habits are - as you stated - the typical result of removal of the valve. If that is not what you're experiencing, it's possible there may be an anatomical problem within the bowel as a result of the surgery that's causing the lack of bowel movement.

[michele2]

I have reported it to him and he said that as long as the bowel is moving, albeit slowly,there is no blockage. he said he would be worried if i was in terrible pain or had a fever. I think maybe i should consult a dietician?

[CalGal]

It might not be a bad idea. But you could also track what you eat and see if some foods make things better or worse. In some cases, people find that dairy - which is often thought to cause diarrhea - can also cause constipation (just a thought).

You may also want to consider taking some probiotics - good bacteria you should have in your GI tract that can be skewed due to meds, surgery, etc. The appendix is reportedly the 'home' or storage compartment within our GI tract. It's possible when that 'pouch' is gone some people might have trouble. The bacteria in our GI tracts play a lot of important functions, so it's worth considering.

Some decent brands that I know work are: Culturelle, Digestive Advantage-IBS and FloraQ among others.

[michele2]

Thanks so much. xxx