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.

[jeaniethetick]

I HAD MY LARGE COLON AND APPENDIX WITH RECETION TO RECTUM IN 1998.  I HAVE DIAHREA EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE UP TO 12 TIMES IN 24 HOURS.  NO MEDICINE HAS HELPED AND I'VE HAD LOTS OVER 14 YEARS.  BY NOW 2012 I AM SO WEAK  I CANT GET OFF THE SOFA.  DEPRESSION LOTS OF IT.  I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THAT IN THIS DAY AND AGE THERE IS STILL NO HELP.  HOPE YOU HAVE BETTER LUCK....JEAN

[Mar6261]

Hi...I had a sigmoid resection (15 cm) on November 15th secondary to a mechanical bowel obstruction (adhesions and redundancy).  I've been bleeding with every BM since.  My surgeon said it was "normal", and even did a flex sigmoidoscopy on December 16th, which showed, "...anastomosis not healed yet..."

Well, I'm now 12 weeks out, and still having maroon-colored bleeding.  The GI doc is doing a colonoscopy on Friday to , "...rule out anything above the anastomosis..."  I started having the left sided-pelvic pain again too.

Could their be a tumor above the anastomosis?  Anyone have a similar experience?

[Sue357]

Sorry you're having problems.  I know what it's like.  That surgery was the first I ever had in my life and it was so traumatic.  My surgery was due to multiple episodes of diverticulitis that would not respond to treatment.  I ended up in the hospital and one month later had the surgery.  I kept complaining about pain to my surgeon, whom I saw for the first 4 months after my surgery. He didn't seem to understand the pain.  My gi was a jerk and I "fired" him.  I ended up switching to the one I met in the hospital who was so compassionate.  I have been to the Er several times since and he says my colon spazzes.  He gave me something call Bentanyl, to slow down the spasms but I hardly ever take it as it slows down bms too.  I would check into the pain on the left side...could be what I had. Good luck

[jbka_kids_grands]

I too have that issue with multiple bowel movements in the morning.  When I get up it starts in and  they are often as you described. I've been trying to find someone or a site to talk about this for a year now. I'm so glad I found you.  You are the first to describe what I'm dealing with.  My surgery was Jan 3, 2011.  I still have pain and have had issues with what appear to be infections. The gastro doc  at times appears to be annoyed with me when I go in due to the pain issues, and he puts me on an antibiotic that is so horribly expensive they have to give me samples as I can't afford it!!  I too worry about being out, because when I feel the need to have a bowel movement, it is right now. There's no waiting.

I have back pain just below my waist and I really feel like I can connect it to bowel movements or at least intestinal issues.  The resection was done to the right side but now the "feelings" of pain and such are on the left.  it scares me because I think something must be  wrong on the left side now.  The doc says nothing is showing up on scans, but there has to be some reason for the pain and the other issues i have.

I obviously don't know what your reason for the surgery was, but I had a carcinoid tumor and it was cancerous. I have a scan and blood tests every 6 months now to monitor for that.  The scan on Nov 16 showed no tumors or lesions, so they say nothing is wrong.  But I know what I feel and it hurts!!

In general, my recovery from the surgery was not too bad. Well, unless you figure in the kidney stone blasting and recovery 6 weeks after the resection surgery!!  Well, that and the infection I got right away and the surgeon ignored me for 3 months!!

I guess I just have to keep insisting they look at things to find out what is still going on in there, right?  i wish you the best for your recovery and again I thank you for posting. I needed to hear from someone with at least similar "events" as a result of all this. The gastro guy did say "normal" (as in before surgery) doesn't exist anymore.  "Abnormal" is my new normal. Try to figure that out!!

[Sue357]

Thanks.  Yes, it went well.  My gi switched to light sedation from general anesthia so I was awake at time.  He found one small polyp that he removed.  I am waiting for the results of the biopsy.  Hope you are doing well.

[ljmd]

Hi Sue,

Thanks for your comments.  I appreciate it. I hope your colonoscopy went well.

ljmd