constipation after colon resection

[recoup]

I am just recovering from a colon resection. I had several surgery related complications -- bleeding, 3rd spacing, and a collapsed lung. I am home now, after 2 weeks, and am having a great deal of diffuculty with constipation, in spite of using Colace and DSS over the past few days? Anyone have a suggestion?
Is this something to worry about? Thanks.

[luke312]

I had a colon resection performed 01/12/06.  I have been dealing with constripation problems ever since.  I was placed on two tablespoons of metamucil twice a day and 1 tablespoon of mineral oil twice a day.  I also take Kristalose 20 grams once a day.  I had two feet of my colon removed and the surgeon said I would not have enough water stored in my bowels due to the large amount of colon that was removed.  I drink approximately 10 glasses of water a day and lots of fiber, but I still strain to go to the bathroom, but the metalmucil does keep the stool soft.

You need to follow up with you gastrointestinal specialist to work with you on this.  I started to have left lower quadrant pain and had an ultrasound done which showed fecal stenosis.  

[recoup]

Thanks for your comments, Luke. I am finally regulated. I was trying to get back into a high fiber diet too soon, and this is what caused the constipation. I have been on a low residue diet the past few weeks, and taking Colace twice a day. Really seems to be working now. WOW two feet of colon is a lot. I had 13" removed, and I thought that was a lot. It's tough to get back on track, and wish you luck with your problem as well.  

[a_real_fighter]

I feel some relief reading your comment because I am dealing with the same issue.  Two years ago, I had 2 feet of my intestines removed, but afterwards have dealt with a lot of constipation and A LOT of unexplained weight gain.  I drink 80-120 ounces of water daily, eat lots of fruit and as many vegetables as possible, and try to work out.  

I take an all-natural psyllium husk fiber supplement and some cod liver oil gelcaps daily.  (Regular prescriptions medicines, Metamucil, and Citrucel don't work well for me.)

My doctors claim they have no idea what's going on, but I knew I wasn't the first person to experience these issues.  

Next I am trying a new herbal fiber supplement and starting an intense boot camp (fitness) class.

[bugsy121501]

I had colon surgery May 07 and only a small part of the colon was removed. However, it has been more than a year and I am still having trouble with constipation. Metamucil and Citrucel didn't do alot for me except give me a feeling and look of being bloated. I use the all-natural psyllium also and it seems to work better. The only way I can swallow the psyllium is mix it with orange metamucil. Otherwise, I almost vomit trying to drink it. Best of luck to all of you.

My doctors seem to have no idea whats going on and look at me with a confused look when I try to explain how I feel.

[attypie]

I was relieved to see the comment above. I am one month post resection and I lost 2 feet of colon. My weight is through the roof, I can't get comfortable, I am constipated or alternatively have spastic attacks of loose unproductive bowel movements. I feel worse now than with diverticulitis before surgery. The CT Scan shows no stricture. I am very thirsty and hungry, but then feel bloated and uncomfortable after eating. I am not well enough to start working out yet. Anymore ideas, other than feeling miserable?

[jillzo]

I had ten inches of my sigmoid colon removed almost 4 months ago along with a complete hysterectomy that removed almost ten pounds of ovarian cancer tumor (really!). For me, recovering from the resection has been the hardest aspect of this process. I had the most awful sustained spasms that took hours to subside - very painful. Finally, I decided that I should try getting away from stool softeners and stimulant laxatives. It's been five days now and the spasms have decreased in frequency, intensity and duration, thank God. I'd already gotten off the opiate meds and that was the beginning of living again. I make sure I eat whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables everyday, without fail. Chamomile tea helps along with loads of other non-caffeinated drinks. I have to drink extra because I enjoy my morning coffee. Even when my appetite is nonexistent because of chemo, I eat on schedule, setting an alarm because the thought of food doesn't even enter my head. I walk or swim regularly, pacing myself because I've learned that I am not superwoman.
Thanks to all of you for your comments - you've given me some information

[shc53]

I had a right sided hemicolectomy 15 days ago. Constipation has not been a problem. Have been working hard to work back into a healthy balance of food types including vegetables. I lost a lot of weight and find it hard to eat enough calories. Adding a new food each day in small quantities seems to help. Ask your doc to refer you to a nutritionist to help you devise a food plan that will work for you. I did and she came up with many good ideas (avocado, hummus, canned fruit, lowfat sour cream on potatoes, ) which add calories digest well and provide balanced nutrition.  I too have to schedule food like I would medicine because my appetite is limited.
Getting off opiod painkillers, eating dietary fiber, moving around as much as you can, and eating 6-7 times a day instead of only 3 seems to help food "get around "the shortened bowel.  I still can feel food traveling in parts of my bowel but it no longer hurts. Good luck to all.