Aa
Large Intestine Removal
Has anyone ever had their entire large intestine removed? Doctors are planning to remove mine, and rehook the end of the small intestine to the rectum. I suffer from colonic inertia. Whats life like without a large intestine? Will I lose a lot of weight, will I have to change my diet around? Any details would be helpful. So far I know that I'll be going to the bathroom a lot.
And for curiosity, I'm 18 -- so I'm quite young.
And for curiosity, I'm 18 -- so I'm quite young.
Amanda,
I had my large intestine removed as a child. I don't remember life with it so it's hard to comment for what to expect. I do use the restroom more frequent then anyone I know. in fact, it seems once I eat a meal shortly there after I have to use the restroom. I eat about 5 meals a day, not because I have to, but because I'm a triathlete and try to maintain a steady source of nutrients flowing through my body. I guess the one thing I know different about it amongst other, is since your large intestine is responsible for absorbing / maintaining the fluid balance in your body, you may dehydrate a little easier & you'll find that your BM's are no longer solid. they're very much comparable to diarrhea - but like I said, this is all I've ever known & I don't know anything different. I'm 24 in case you're curious.
I had my large intestine removed as a child. I don't remember life with it so it's hard to comment for what to expect. I do use the restroom more frequent then anyone I know. in fact, it seems once I eat a meal shortly there after I have to use the restroom. I eat about 5 meals a day, not because I have to, but because I'm a triathlete and try to maintain a steady source of nutrients flowing through my body. I guess the one thing I know different about it amongst other, is since your large intestine is responsible for absorbing / maintaining the fluid balance in your body, you may dehydrate a little easier & you'll find that your BM's are no longer solid. they're very much comparable to diarrhea - but like I said, this is all I've ever known & I don't know anything different. I'm 24 in case you're curious.
Hi Amanda,
I also had surgery as a child to get my large intestine removed and dont know a lot about life with large intestine. However, i have pretty much learnt to live with it. I cant seem to be able to eat a lot at one time, get a lots of gas easily and get dehydrated a bit easy. However, i dont have to use washroom more than twice a day. I am always low in iron though and have to take iron orally. Amount of fiber you take daily should defintely make things a bit easier for you :)
I also had surgery as a child to get my large intestine removed and dont know a lot about life with large intestine. However, i have pretty much learnt to live with it. I cant seem to be able to eat a lot at one time, get a lots of gas easily and get dehydrated a bit easy. However, i dont have to use washroom more than twice a day. I am always low in iron though and have to take iron orally. Amount of fiber you take daily should defintely make things a bit easier for you :)
Can anyone comment on good/bad experiences they had with the surgery part and if a bag was used temporarily and for how long.
Is there any other known techniques that can be used to help get your large intestine to start working again. My neice (15 yrs old) had a mobility test done and found no movement at all and so the doctor is recommending to remove the entire large intestine.
Also, if anyone can share a great doctor or hospital where they had the surgery done. We are also looking for a second opinion.
Thank you so much.
Is there any other known techniques that can be used to help get your large intestine to start working again. My neice (15 yrs old) had a mobility test done and found no movement at all and so the doctor is recommending to remove the entire large intestine.
Also, if anyone can share a great doctor or hospital where they had the surgery done. We are also looking for a second opinion.
Thank you so much.
My name is Stephanie and I had my Large Intestine removed at age 9 (14 years ago, I am currently 23). I have had no problems, No foods hold me bad, seeds dont bother me. I ussually have a BM every time I use the bathroom. Alcohol isnt always the best thing, the next day it is usually pure water like.
But I have a question for all of you that have already had this surgery. I havent had any extreme weight gain in the past 13 years and now my weight went from 140-188 in about 8 months. Doctors say im just at that age, and that I just need to exercise more, but I already do. I am just wondering if anyone else has had this problem or may know whats causing it.
Thanks
Stephanie
But I have a question for all of you that have already had this surgery. I havent had any extreme weight gain in the past 13 years and now my weight went from 140-188 in about 8 months. Doctors say im just at that age, and that I just need to exercise more, but I already do. I am just wondering if anyone else has had this problem or may know whats causing it.
Thanks
Stephanie
I am 36 and had my large intestine removed due to colon cancer about a month ago. A week after the surgery I got an infection and they had to open my incision. I have to pack the wound with gauze twice a day, and has really slowed down my recovery, has anyone else had this problem, also I love to eat salads, will I be able to have these again?
Thanks,
Jen
Thanks,
Jen
Hi Jen,
I am 27 and had surgery to remove my large intestine due to Ulcerative Colitis about 9 months ago. At the time I was really ill - v. underweight and on loads of steroids - so my wound got infected early on too. I was pretty upset about the infection initially cos I know it looks yuk - but don't worry! It takes a while to heal but because you're packing it and cleaning it it will gradually heal from the bottom of the wound up... it's a bit like watching paint dry but you get there in the end!
I was initially scared about reintroducing potentially 'problem' foods and took things slowly... they give you so many leaflets warning you about things! I have gradually reintroduced many of these foods - including salads - over the last few months and and it all seems to be fine. Just remember to chew!
I've got the ileostomy bag now but hoping to have the operation for an internal pouch sometime in the future... fingers crossed.
Hope that helps,
Sally.
I am 27 and had surgery to remove my large intestine due to Ulcerative Colitis about 9 months ago. At the time I was really ill - v. underweight and on loads of steroids - so my wound got infected early on too. I was pretty upset about the infection initially cos I know it looks yuk - but don't worry! It takes a while to heal but because you're packing it and cleaning it it will gradually heal from the bottom of the wound up... it's a bit like watching paint dry but you get there in the end!
I was initially scared about reintroducing potentially 'problem' foods and took things slowly... they give you so many leaflets warning you about things! I have gradually reintroduced many of these foods - including salads - over the last few months and and it all seems to be fine. Just remember to chew!
I've got the ileostomy bag now but hoping to have the operation for an internal pouch sometime in the future... fingers crossed.
Hope that helps,
Sally.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem
