dehydration etc

I have had most of my large bowel , and some of my small bowel removed, also I have just found out that the valve that is at the end of the small bowel where it goes into the large bowel has also been removed. Im 40, my whole life has come to a grinding halt. Because all this was done as an emergency, as all of what I had removed had died, and then twisted, my body has gone into shock. so many other painful and debilitating conditions have now resulted. I had a very fast acting illiostomy, and now I open my bowels on and off constantly all day. I feel the worse symptom is the severe dehydration that I suffer. I try to sip liquids all day, though this is not always possible. I feel dreadful. My vision is bad, I feel sick and dizzy, my balance is dreadful. I take diorolyte twice a day, plus loperomide, and questrian. IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE WHO CAN HELP? is there anybody who has what I do? what can I do to feel better??? I hope I'm not alone?

[Latelinda]

Sarah, I am 64 now, at your age I had all of my colon and part of my Illeum removed and they accidently ruptured my spleen during surgery.  They reconnected my illeum to my rectum and I had to deal with fecal incontinence for 10 yrs.  They cut out more of my Illeum and did an Illeostomy.  So much better for me.  My body has made many adjustments over the years and I have had 39 surgeries.  Now my Jujunem is attached to my stoma.  You need to carry water bottle with you and continue to drink.  I have been back in hospital for dehydration too.  You need to be on low residue diet so that you do not get blockage also.  I got a small food processor and grind up some things to where is like Jr baby food. No raw fruit or vegetables.  Also have your dr check for Vit B-12, Vit D and electrolytes by blood tests every 3 months.  I was feeling so weak and dizzy and all over pain, found out I was severly low on Vit D.  I think it is wise for us to take supplements anyway with our altered digestive tracts. I drink lots of juices and give myself injections of B-12.  The first yr with my stoma and bag was the most difficult, but now it has been eight yrs.  It gets better.  If you need some advice contact me ***@****

[mammo]

Water is good, but you need to replenish your electrolytes as well.  Dehydration results from a lack of these and it makes you lightheaded, nauseaous, and even pass out.  You need to drink orange juice and Gatorade, either the low sugar kind, or dilute the regular for better absorption.  Try to eat a banana everyday.  You will learn that certain foods will cause more frequent, loose BM's so pay close attention to what you eat and see what it does to you in this respect.  You can also take Immodium Anti-Diarrhea medication to control the BM's.  I have 2 sons who had their colons removed at 12 & 16, and a grandson at 10 due to an hereditary colon disease.  I had to learn how to adjust their diets.  But they ate normal food, I didn't change it's texture at all and they did just fine. Things will get better with time, but diet plays a big role in managing all of this.  It sounds like you're lucky to be alive!  If you are not able to keep yourself hydrated tell your doctors, dehydration is nothing to be taken lightly.  If you ever get a stomach flu where you are going from both ends, go to the ER for IV hydration.  My son has to do this at least once a year during flu season.  He is 39 had a complete colectomy with a J-Pouch.  He is an ultrathoner, marathoner, speed hiker, mountain biker, and competes in jujitsu...so you can have a normal life.  I lost my eldest son and grandson due to other things related to the colon disease.  I know it's frustrating but make the doctors listen to you, and do all they can to help you. We're always here if you want to talk or just vent.  I wish you all the best and hope things improve for you real soon.  Take care.