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.  I had the surgery in Jan. 2008.  I feel for you as it took me quite a wile to recover as I am a baby for pain.  I would get constipated or diarrhea.  I don't understand why your doc says it can't be fixed.  I had the surgery for multiple episodes of Diverticulitis, about 6, that would not respond to oral antibiotics.  I ended up in the hospital Christmas Eve of 07, for a week to monitor me for rupture.  I went home with a picc line and had to infuse myself with levaquin and flagyl for a month to get the inflammation down.  Then, in Jan., I had the surgery.  I was seeing my surgeon for 4 months after surgery then released to my GI, who I ended up firing ( long story).  Now, I am doing okay but have other issues: degenerative disc disease, which I am in pain management for and take percoset.  I know there were a few times I had to digitally remove hard stool.  Also, don't wish for a colostomy bag as that was one of my biggest fears.  I was lucky I didn't have to have one.  I work full time and swore I wouldn't go to work with one.

[distrought]

Hi I am looking for anyone out there with similar issues.had a sigmoid rejection in Sept of 2011,since then, lots if issues, however, main thing is now since the surgery I can no longer have a normal bm. It is humiliating and embarrassing as to my normal way of going.I must digitally remove stool several times a day.this is causing me great emotional distress.I believe a mistake occurred during surgery.now. new docs will not get involved and help, they just say,"it" can't be fixed , and there is nothing that can be done for you.almost as if they are covering for the surgeon.plans are to go out of state for new opinion.anyone out there encountered this complication? I chose the surgery after 2 cases of Diverticulitis and to prevent an emergency colostomy. Now, a colostomy would almost be a relief than going thru this daily.any thoughts? I have tried everything, diet,etc.thank you so much!  From distraught

[sherberry]

I am SO glad I stumbled upon this forum! I had lower colon resecection after necrosis in 2008. In 98, I had the Nissen wrap for I hiatal hernia. Over the yrs, I've had to be stretched due ttotto dysphagia
. I think the dr made it too tight because food and liquids get stuck and I end regurgitating what little I get down. What goes down , starts the dumping marathon.  I find it worse  the am. It starts as soon as I   take a,drink of something and can last for 4-5 hrs. I even started taking Imodium preventively! No help. Right now I'm living on Gatorade, bananas (the leg cramps are killing me), applesaucy, a little plain chicken sometimes. I lost 14 lbs in 3 wks. My GI dr is scoping both ends on Wed so hopefully we can figure this out. I have no energy. I get heart palps walking around the house. I just feel like crap! I'm so glad I'm not alone. I told my doc yesterday that I'm 49 & I'm gonna have to wear Depends! I was dead dog serious. That's when he said he would come to the hospital on his day off to do the scopes. Good doctor :)



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[sherberry]

I am SO glad I stumbled upon this forum! I had lower colon resecection after necrosis in 2008. In 98, I had the Nissen wrap for I hiatal hernia. Over the yrs, I've had to be stretched due ttotto dysphagia
. I think the dr mmade it too tight bwecaus
tched

[Zsabra]

I am considering surgery to repair my tortuous colon. i have some questions I hope you can answer. From 1 to 10, how would you rate the pain? How long after surgery did it take to feel strong? Would you say it was worth it? Take care and feel well.
Z

[glo1017]

Hello all, I am glad I found this forum. First of all. I would like to wish everyone well. And a recovery to the fullest. I wonder if anyone could share their thoughts and experiences with me.

2 months ago I had my bowel perforated during a colonoscopy/endoscopy. I checked myself into the hospital in severe pain that same night. After 2 days of x-rays and ct scans they couldn't see the perf. The 3rd night it hit me like a wave. Unbareable knifing pain in my upper right side. 6 hours later I had emergency exploratory surgery to repair bowel and I also had peritonitis.

I was wondering if anyone had some similar experiences with the post-op pains. I still have pain in my guts in all different locations. I get real bad pain on the right side from lower and sometimes under the right rib cage. Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.

God Bless to all...