Aa
Problems after bowel resection
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.
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.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissen_fundoplication
It is a procedure where they take the top of the stomach and wrap around the esophogus so that it is strenthened. You can go to MSN and type in Nissen and it will show you a picture. I also had a hiatial hernia which was repaired at the same time.
I have been very blessed that in both my bowel resection and the Nissen I had a great surgeon. He did the lapo on my resection when most would have cut me open because of the state my small intestine was in. Then he did a loose wrap on the Nissen which is much harder to do and why so many have had problems after having it done.
Glad to know that the inhibitors are working for you.
It is a procedure where they take the top of the stomach and wrap around the esophogus so that it is strenthened. You can go to MSN and type in Nissen and it will show you a picture. I also had a hiatial hernia which was repaired at the same time.
I have been very blessed that in both my bowel resection and the Nissen I had a great surgeon. He did the lapo on my resection when most would have cut me open because of the state my small intestine was in. Then he did a loose wrap on the Nissen which is much harder to do and why so many have had problems after having it done.
Glad to know that the inhibitors are working for you.
Hi. Yes, Prevacid seems to be the drug that works the best for me. I had switched to Aciphex, cheaper, but it didn't work as well. I am curious. What is a Nissan? I never heard of that procedure before. Take care.
Hi all,
Hope this week is going to be better for everyone. At this time, I am doing wonderful.
However, until 2 years ago I had nothing wrong and very seldom was sick. Of course I now know that was because my immune system works overtime, thus I have chrons.
Sue, is the Previcid helping the Gerd.
Last Oct. I had Nissen done for my reflux, I was taking 3 Prilosec each day and still was having terrible cough and reflux. The meds just didn't work for me, I had taken different inhibitors but they just didn't stop the cough and refux. After lots and lots of tests the Nissen was done by the same bariatic surgeon that did my resection. He did a loose wrap and I no longer have to take anything nor do I have reflux.
Have a great day all.
Hope this week is going to be better for everyone. At this time, I am doing wonderful.
However, until 2 years ago I had nothing wrong and very seldom was sick. Of course I now know that was because my immune system works overtime, thus I have chrons.
Sue, is the Previcid helping the Gerd.
Last Oct. I had Nissen done for my reflux, I was taking 3 Prilosec each day and still was having terrible cough and reflux. The meds just didn't work for me, I had taken different inhibitors but they just didn't stop the cough and refux. After lots and lots of tests the Nissen was done by the same bariatic surgeon that did my resection. He did a loose wrap and I no longer have to take anything nor do I have reflux.
Have a great day all.
Hi. I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy done in early December. Thank God the colonoscopy showed that where they did the resection looked good. Mine was in the sigmoid portion of the large intestine. Actually lower than I thought, from what he said. Also, the endoscopy showed gastritis and he biopsied to rule out H. Pylori. That was negative. I also suffer, for years, from GERD, and take Prevacid daily. I was also taking Carafate, to heal the inflammed portion of the stomach. It worked well, but they think it caused this constipation I am suffering with. He took me off of Carafate and I am taking Miralax, once daily. Hope it works. God bless all.
Hi Rx and all
Does the Gastro dr say anything about what the hernia could do if it is not fixed at this time. I would hope that he is keeping a close look at it. I am sorry that you are having so much trouble. Make sure that you have the best bariatric surgeon you can find for future surgery, it sould like your surgeon did not do the best of work.
Good luck and keep me posted.
Sue, has your dr. check for an ulcer? Might have that checked out.
Hope your are better soon. I will be thinking of all of you.
All where was the bowel resections? Small or large intestine?
Mine was in the small intestine and I have loose bowels often. My gastro dr. said this is because I now have a shorter bowel. Otherwise, thank goodness, I have not had problems since my resection. Once again to all, please research and find the best bariatric surgeon you can find - don't just go with the one that the gastro drs suggest.
Does the Gastro dr say anything about what the hernia could do if it is not fixed at this time. I would hope that he is keeping a close look at it. I am sorry that you are having so much trouble. Make sure that you have the best bariatric surgeon you can find for future surgery, it sould like your surgeon did not do the best of work.
Good luck and keep me posted.
Sue, has your dr. check for an ulcer? Might have that checked out.
Hope your are better soon. I will be thinking of all of you.
All where was the bowel resections? Small or large intestine?
Mine was in the small intestine and I have loose bowels often. My gastro dr. said this is because I now have a shorter bowel. Otherwise, thank goodness, I have not had problems since my resection. Once again to all, please research and find the best bariatric surgeon you can find - don't just go with the one that the gastro drs suggest.
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
