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.

[Katique13]

Hello,

   I just had a redo of my interior bowell resection of 2005, on June 6, 2011. My mom (RN retired ) was able to help during the last two weeks after this surgey to dress my wounds and stiches. Mom did an EXCELLENT JOB!!!. I have the stiches out, eat no lettuce, and have lactaid free milk, take Citracil. I was also prescribed to take a medication called pasaclemean? 3 times  before meals-1 half hour.. I also eat a lot for fruit in my diet., bm's normal. I still have to see the same surgeon in a few weeks again.At times it is sore I cannot lift anything over 15 lbs. I have a bikini cut at the same place, this time the  Dr. put in a pesser or net in there. I can't walk too much either or do any housewoork to help my mom, for a a couple of months. I also have to worry about getting an infection as usual, take my temperature, beware of becomming nuseauted again..     Befoer this 2nd operation, I was having what I though was a Hemmoriads no, my DR. and his Associate said my rectum  had signs of comming out. So I had to go through this operation again. I had a paid also on either side,of my rears. I though it was gas no it was starting to come out. Now everything is okay so far.....I am recuperating after this ordeal. In the weeks ahead I will tell how my  progress is going. Thank you.

[kotigln2755]

I have the same stomach twitching in my abdomen, stomach area, just recently these last 2 days due to medications, mobile bike recumbent & walking exercising. My diet is good, after 5 years of my interior bowel resection, nausea also. I am surprised to find others who like me had an operation like mine. I will be seeing my surgeon dr, family physician also and psyche, dr. also. My mom is a retired RN and took care of my  wounds after the op in 2005.
Take Citrical to help me have normal bm's. Please keep me informed.

Kathy,kotigln2755

[kitnkate]

We have all been there to a degree where you are at. Where is your hernia and how big is it. I have had two colon resections and 1 adhesion surgery. Sue is a wonderful source of information and very compassionate person. I am on meds for depression and it has helped a lot. Please talk to your dr. about that. Nearly all people who have a major surgery suffer from depression to some degree. You can read my posts to know what I am about.
Good luck, Hi Sue!
Nancy

[Sue357]

Hi.  Sorry you are having so much pain.  Having the colon resection once I understand how you feel.  I don't understand why your docs are not doing more for you.  Have they done another CT on you since the last surgery to check the surgery site? Or a colonoscopy?  I never developed C-diff but I have heard it is awful.  Just wanted to let you know I am a big baby too.  I can not take pain.  I had the surgery in Jan. of 08 and still get pain sometimes depending on what I eat or do.  Being so far from docs is bad too, I'm sure.  As for mental issues, I have suffered from depression all of my life and have been on meds for years.  I also have an anxiety disorder that reared it's ugly head after the surgery.  I would suggest, if you can, trying to see someone who can help with the depression.  I am not a good writer, but I hope this helps.  Know that the others here on this forum are great.  Also, I never developed a hernia but RX did.  Please let us know how you do.  Sue

[katak]

I have never done this sort of thing before.  It has been a very trying year for me.  after being hospitalized for a large abcess on my colon, several CAT scans and numerous antibiotics, it was determined I needed surgery for severe diverticulitis.  I had the surgery in April 07, infection in the hospital and I left the hospital with an infection in my incision that took about 7 weeks to heal.  I must tell you that I live in a small town in Alaska and live 300 miles from my surgeon and have no health insurance. I am a single mom with a teenager at home.  No one told me how serious or how extensive this surgery would be.  I was anxious to get back to work and was finally cleared after 8 weeks.  After about 6 weeks back at work I lifted something wrong and got a rather large hernia by the incision site.  My boss wouldn't let me work until I got the hernia surgery.  So in October 07 I had yet another surgery.  Again not realizing how extensive it would be.  About three weeks after the surgery I woke to horrible diarrhea and violent vomiting, I was so afraid I would rip something open.  After another 3 days in the hospital, I was diagnosed with c-diff (Idon't know the proper spelling) it is when all the good bacteria are dead and only the bad bacteria remain. I had to eat a lot of yogart and more antibiotics ($750.00 for this one) I am still in such pain in the lower abdomin area.  Sometimes all I want to do is lay on the couch and not move.  how long will this last.  i feel like such a baby.  My doctor and surgeon also don't understand the pain and make me feel like a addict.  "you gotta get off those pills"  Well I don't want them nor do I want the pain.  It has affected the quality of my life.  I have had to quit my job because of the physical problems and now feel like I'm having mental problems as well.  I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.  Just knowing that others still feel the pain helps, although I'm so sorry anyone has to live with this.  Maybe just talking to others who understand will help.  Thank you

[RxGirl95]

Thank you for the advise and the concern.  However, there are/were other underlying factors that contributed to the failure of the reconnect surgery.  My surgeon is working closely with my GI doctor to ensure that I do not have the same problem again when the reconnect takes place in September.
I am well-versed in the medical field, and if I felt uncomfortable or apprehensive, you can trust that I would seek a different surgeon.

My surgeon follows the condition of my hernia very closely.  I see him every 3-4 weeks.  He also knows that if anything changes, that I will call him immediately.  The relationship you build with a surgeon when you have chronic problems is amazing.  He does not want to repair my hernia with the mesh because of all the scar tissue and adhesions that I have.  He wants to wait until they take down my colostomy again and then remove the damaged abdominal muscle and sew the healthy muscle back together.  I prefer to call it my free tummy-tuck! lol  As long as I wear the hernia belt to support the weight of it, I seem to be ok.  

I will post again soon!

Suzanne