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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.
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533376 tn?1226065071
Kit:  Hi, I am glad that things are going well for you.  Yes, the hernia does hurt.  My surgeon and myself are convinced that all of the pain that I have left in my abdomen is due to the hernia.  This thing is huge!  It actually makes my back hurt because it throws off my center of gravity!  lol

Sue: I am glad that I was able to remind you of something, even though it is a mammogram.

Cough: I have to wait until September for my next round of surgeries because I had a failed reconnect surgery in September of 2008 and they wanted to wait until I have fully healed and recovered from all of the "trauma" that I went through last year.

I will post again soon!

Suzanne
Helpful - 0
433485 tn?1321813390
Hi.  Welcome to the forum.  My name is Sue but RXgirl is the one who is having surgery in September.  If you scroll up you can read her story as well as mine.  I am glad to hear that you are doing well.  I am one year out and they only took 7 inches from me, but it has not been a good year.  Well, yes it has, as my first grandchild was born, a beautiful little girl born last June.  My pain recedes then comes back depending on things I do, eat, I think.  Anyway, God bless and welcome again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sue and all
Hi, my bowel resection was in July 07.  However, unlike most of you at present I am doing well.  I do have a lot of diahrrea but that is expected with about 3 feet of colon gone.  

Sue, just wondering why they were waiting until Sept. to do your surgery.

Hope all of you have a much better year this year.
Helpful - 0
433485 tn?1321813390
Hi.  So glad to hear from everybody.  Kit, I guess you are right.  This never goes away.  I was feeling pretty good and then....wham.  I guess I need to be ready for the highs and the lows.  I am so impatient.  I thought maybe I was to the point my surgeon said" where you forget you had the surgery"  
RX:  you are always in my prayers.  I hope all goes well with your mammogram.  You reminded me that  I am due for mine. The last one, last year, they used a new type of equipment that can get better views so I was relieved as I am fibro cystic and have been called back to get a closer look.  God bless all.
Helpful - 0
552394 tn?1224298283
I too have not been on to post but have thoughts going out to all of you! I am glad that you are better Rx girl.Does the hernia hurt? My last incision is terrible. I have bad scar tissue that poochs out! Its not a hernia yet, but dr says it may be! What next! Anyway, I think of all of you and pray for all of us. We are really being tested. I hope the mammogram is clear for you rx. You don't need any more trouble.
Sue, I have issues with constipation too. I dont think what happened to you is to worry about. Frankly with my 2 resections I can feel the food or gas travel through them and sometimes its painful or crampy there. Its not ever going to feel the same! I know the dr. says its going to get better, but I think we just have to find a new normal I guess!
Happy Valentines Day to all!
Nancy
Helpful - 0
533376 tn?1226065071
I too am sorry that I have not posted anything recently.  I guess that is good news though; my life is getting somewhat back to normal!  I have been working 40 hours per week, it is sooo nice to have a full paycheck again!  I have been wiped out by the time I get home at the end of the day.  I manage to eat, watch a little TV, write in my journal and read a little bit before it is time to sleep and get up to do it all over again! lol  Beleive me, I am not complaining.  
I saw my surgeon yesterday.  He has ordered a motility test to see how long it takes for "things" to travel from point A to point B.  At least this test won't be painful!  My hernia has gotten bigger, it is now the size of a grapefruit.  The hernia repair is still scheduled for September along with the bowel reconnect and hysterectomy.  I go for a mammogram on Feb. 25 because my OB/GYN confirmed a palpable mass at my last visit to him.  I am confident that it is probably just a cyst. But, I would rather have it checked out.
My seven year wedding anniversary is next Tuesday.  It seems hard to believe that it has been that long!  
Even though I haven't been in touch on posting, you all are not far from my thoughts and prayers!  I need to go work on my taxes while I have a little bit of free time.

God bless all of you!

Suzanne
Helpful - 0
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