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.

[Sue357]

Hi all.  haven't posted in a while and wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing.  I am doing alright, I guess, but having a set back this week. Pain in the surgery area( where the re-section was done).  I have a question for all:  Has anyone dealt with constipation which causes pain after bms?  That is kind of what I am dealing with.  I am going off of the Carafate as my gastritis seems to be better but one of its side effects is constipation.  Thanks all and Happy early Valentine's Day.  

[Sue357]

Hi.  The Carafate seems to be helping a lot.  Plus, I am taking my Prevacid twice a day.  I posted in another forum and a very nice lady recommended honey, first thing in the morning or before bed, as a home remedy.  I have been doing that too.  For me, Gastritis is like a combination of nausea, pressure and burning in my stomach. The hardest thing is having to wait to eat.  Both meds need to be taken an hour before you eat. Carafate coats the stomach so I literally have to wait about 2 hours.  Oh well, it could be worse.  I seems to be getting better.  I researched online and read that it can take a few months to heal.  I really think it was caused by all the Motrin I was taking for pain.  I have always had a problem with it since I was first diagnosed with GERD, back in the mid ninetys.  Take care all.

[kitnkate]

So sorry about your pain and the hernia and your coming due date. Its really hard for you right now I understand that. I know how much you have helped all of us and I am praying for you. I will remember to pray for the baby on Feb. 4th.
Sue, it is hard to believe that one year out is here for you soon! Its been a really long year! How is the Carafate doing to help your gastritis? What does the gastritis feel like, burning pain? I have had my check ups last week, just hate those. I went to a new surgeon because mine was going to retire soon so you know the drill, tests and questions Blah! My regular dr. appoint was meds refill day. I am sick of being sick:)
Well, thought and prayers to you both!
Nancy

[Sue357]

Hi.  So sorry that this is such a hard time for you.  I have never taken a laxative like Miralax so not familiar with it.  Also, the knowing that you have another surgeyr coming up, in Sept., gives much anticipatory anxiety.  I hope that you get some answers as to why the resection didn't work.  I have my 1st anniversary of mine coming up on Jan. 24th and can't believe it has been almost a year.  I still have a little pain but if you saw my earlier posts, my endoscopy showed gastritis so I go back and forth with that.  Some days it seems to be healing and others I suffer.  I am on Carafate now, which seems to constipate me. You are always in my prayers and especially now..  God bless you in 2009 and always.

[RxGirl95]

Sorry that I have not been in touch lately!  My computer was on the fritz and I had to have a friend repair it for me!  It's nice to know people with useful skills! lol
Things have been ok here.  I went to see my surgeon on Tuesday.  He "played" with my hernia for a little bit. (And by played, I mean he pushed on it to the point I was white-knuckling the side of the exam table!)  We still anticipate a surgery date in September!    I saw my GI doctor on Wednesday, he wants to put me on Miralax (laxative).  I don't really agree with his thinking on this, but I will try it for a month, and see what happens.  I think they are grasping at straws as to why my resection failed so horribly.  I don't blame them though.  Murphy's law has a way of messing with me! lol
I have been having a REALLY hard time emotionally.  My due date for the baby girl that I lost is fast approaching (Feb. 4th) and it seems like everyone around me is about to give birth!  My sister-in-law just had her baby on Tuesday.  I am happy for all of them, but it is a sad reminder of what I lost and what I will never have (biologically)!  I know we will check into adoption after my next round of surgeries, but it doesn't stop the hurt right now!  It doesn't help that my hernia makes me look like I am pregnant or have just delivered, so my patients at work are asking me about things!  Uggh!
I have also been experiencing abdominal pain around my incision site, but I have found that if I gently massage the area, it feels better!  At least I found an easy "fix" for something! lol  I also take Lortab for the hernia pain, but not from the incision or surgical area!

I hope 2009 is better for everyone!

Suzanne

[kitnkate]

Hi, Not much news here. Got some check ups next week. I am hoping to talk about some of the nerve pain I have and pray its not something bad! I am just so tired of surgery! Its the surgeon so you always get nervous at that appt. How is everyone else doing? I am sure that you are all very busy! Thinking of you all and hoping we get a better 2009! Thanks for all of your support for me in 2008!
Nancy