Problems after bowel resection

[aross123]

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.

[kimwilly]

Oh my gosh, I've spent months trying to find someone with the same issues as myself.  I had emergency bowel resection in Nov 2007 and my life has been miserable since. I am in the bathroom 10 to 20 times a day and today it has been at least 30.  My doctor also told me it would take time because the ileum, (which is a crucial section), was removed.  
This is the result of the radiation treatments I had 23 years ago for cervical cancer.  The treatments have caused so much scar tisue that I had been having bowel obstructions more frequently.  
This sucks because you give up being invited to someone's house for fear of having to go to the bathroom.  And shopping, well you really have to know where the bathroom is or you may be in trouble.
I want my life back.  
It sounds like from what you are saying, this is going to take longer than what I was told.  Oh gosh, someone give us some advice!!        

[Sue357]

Hi.  I am 3 months post op from an elective colon resection.  They removed about 7 inches of my sigmoid due to multiple episodes of diverticulitis that would not respond to the antibiotics.  Since then, my bowel movements have resumed what I guess is "normal".  I go about 3 or 4 times a day, usually in the morning, which is when I would go before the surgery.  As mine was elective ( did not rupture or stricture) it may be different for me.  But I can tell you that sometimes, at work, I get the urge and go as quickly as I can...lol.  I am a teacher but my students are aware of my surgery, etc.  I have gotten some great advice on this site from others who have gone through this and similar surgeries.  What I am being told is that the colon does not like to be "messed with" and can take awhile to get back to normal.  I also know my surgeon told me "3-6 months and even up to a year" before I "forget I had the surgery".  Hope this helps.

[kimwilly]

So many people out there with so many stories.  I would have never known had I not found this site. My initial post probably sounded like a a state of panic.  I had a very rough night.  But most days are like that and I am trying to find the pattern.  My gastroenterologist has me on a powder called Cholestyramine that you mix with water or juice two times a day.  If this is suppose to help, I hate to think of what life would be without it.  I just saw her last week and she tells me that there is nothing else and I should continue to take this every day.  She stated again that it is just going to take time for my system to heal. I lost over 20 pounds and have not been back to work since early November.  I know the foods to stay away from but does anyone know of foods that help this?  
  

[aross123]

Hi there, I just saw your post and wanted to let you know that I have some new information to share that I will post tomorrow.  It's late and my little one gets up very early.

Take care.

[aross123]

Good morning,

First of all, I'm so sorry to hear that you are going through this horrible ordeal but at the same time it's so nice to finally be in touch with someone who can relate to my situation.  I remember what you are going through right now...going to the bathroom so much and crying when I felt it coming because my behind was so sore from the acidity of the diarrhea (because the bile acid in your system isnt being absorbed).  A couple of things that helped me get through this phase is lots of baby diaper rash cream and Tucks pads (just tuck one between your cheeks for a little while and frequently...lol).  I took 4 months off from work to get through this part of the recovery and to regain my strength and even then was only able to go back to work 4 hours a day.  Although the diarrhea has not gone away for me (and never will apparently) it has become manageable.  I usually only need the bathroom the first part of the day and if I'm out and about and feel the urge coming, Ive been able to make it to a bathroom.

My recovery has been in phases.  Acidic diarrhea the first few months, then "normal" diarrhea with horrible gas and bloating (we're talking open all the windows, spray some lysol, and light some candles gas...just awful!), and now "normal" diarrhea with less lethal gas and bloating.

The diarhhea I can handle, its the gas and bloating that are my main complaint.  I went to see another gastro specialist recently who was very knowledgeable and helpful.  She suggested that I cut out all complex-carbohydrates from my diet because they are difficult for the intestines to break down.  The intestines produces enzymes that break down complex-carbs into simple-carbs in order to be absorbed.  Since I only have half of my intestines, it made sense that I just don't have enough enzymes to do the job (and taking enzyme supplements with my meals wasn't working well enough).  So the food is just sitting in there, undigested, fermenting and causing me a lot of discomfort (and embarrassment).  Since I've cut out complex-carbs (dairy, bread, rice, starches, etc.) I've had no gas or bloating and feel like I finally have control over my body again.  

Another complaint I have is being so tired every day.  She said that I need to replenish the electrolytes in my body by drinking a couple servings of pedia-lyte everday in addition to lots of water.  Pedia-lyte is too sugary sweet for me so I drink Smartwater instead (most grocery stores carry this).  Also, she said to exercise everyday...a 30 minute walk is good enough and get plenty of rest (both obvious suggestions).

If you are interested in the simple-carbohydrate diet, here is a book that will give you more information about it (just copy and paste the links):

http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Vicious-Cycle-Intestinal-Through/dp/0969276818/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/102-4768561-2300140

And there are a couple of cookbooks that I am using right now that are helping me to figure out this new way of eating