1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Diverticula

Diarrhea still 10 months post colon resection ! Any suggestions

Posted , 5 users are following.

Katealso
Katealso

I'm 10 months post op and still have freq bouts of diarrhea. I have tried various forms of fiber that had left me with painful bloating. I now take 1 fiber wafer( instead of 2 . I had robotic surgery 4/2018. I had 12-18 inches removed from the sigmoid and descending colon due to mod to severe diverticula and diverticulitis that would not go away.

I'm becoming a prisoner in my own house. I'm afraid of having an accident. Still glad I had the surgery as that pain is gone!

ANY suggestions?

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

Next
  • laura10524
    laura10524 Katealso

    Posted

    Hello,

    I am so sorry! I havent had that issue. But have had it twice 😣 what do your doctor's suggest?

  • Rhiannon_5000
    Rhiannon_5000 Katealso

    Posted

    I had a bowel resection also, last may, bag for 3 months, and them reversal. had a few issues with this but only really when i eat too much fibre. i can cope with a normal amount. It can take quite a while to settle, i do know that. Have you asked your specialist, they sometimes have some strategies to try. My surgeon is wonderful. its horrible you are going through this.

    • Katealso
      Katealso Rhiannon_5000

      Posted

      I havent had much luck .. I've tried food journals,every type of fiber. Small meals, bigger meals etc. MY Llist of foods that I cant eat is getting bigger. Presently I have eliminated sugar. I still have pain almost daily on my right side. UGH!

    • laura10524
      laura10524 Katealso

      Posted

      Hello,

      I am going through partial knee replacement and now diverticulitis! I understand and so SORRY for what you are going through . In it all we can do what doctors say , follow meal plans take meds as directed and if at home Not getting better go to hospital. My first time hospital sent me home with meds suffered 24 days NOT getting better had to get admitted to the hospital. After suffering high levels at home for almost a month! Sorry hope this helps or helps someone else ! 😬**

    • Rhiannon_5000
      Rhiannon_5000 Katealso

      Posted

      You poor thing. I've had other issues but must admit my bowel been ok. I have a weird peripheral neuropathy ( pins and needles all over body) that no one can work out. Started when my iron was very low, but now my iron showing fine after transfusion but still got those symptoms. And a painful bladder because i had an abscess stuck to it. Hoping that gets better. Maybe none of us come off scott free. Hope you sort it out.

    • Katealso
      Katealso Rhiannon_5000

      Posted

      I too had neuropathy in my hands, feet , and inside my mouth ! I t was thought to be caused by prolonged antibiotic use! It took about 8 months to go away. Still have numbness around my lips but inside my mouth.

  • Rhiannon_5000
    Rhiannon_5000 Katealso

    Posted

    That's interesting. Ihaven't heard of anyone else with this after bowel resection. that sets my mind at ease a bit. it is worrying. I was very fit before all,of this, now everything has gone haywire. But i must admit the neuropathy seems a bit better. My blood sugar has been a bit high too, because of the inactivity. I'm back to excercising now though. It is a huge surgery and our bodies take a while to recover and I am 63 now so takes even longer. It's a shame your problem is still with you. When i had the bag, the surgeon had me try a few medications to slow things down, because i was dehydrated, things like codeine and immodium, have you tried that? It generally causes constipation , but in your case, it could " firm things up" There are a few different drugs that do it. Thanks for your reply. Its comforting to talk to other people that have been through this .

    • Katealso
      Katealso laura10524

      Posted

      I too was very active! Yesterday I tried to wash the bathroom floor and vacuum 4 rooms and was exhausted after!

      The Metamucil is supposed to be a bulking agent and seems to not cause much bloating. The other drugs I'm allergic to.

      I'm going to try not drinking liquids with my meals and small frequent meals to see if its better.

      I think I have given myself plenty of time to heal . I have heard others say give it a year. I just am frustrated!

      Thanks for listening!

    • Rhiannon_5000
      Rhiannon_5000 Katealso

      Posted

      No wonder you are fed up.So frustrating. We just want to be well . I too was told a year. I had 2 ops. My first op was last May, second in August. I'm here any time you want a chat. 😊

  • Katealso
    Katealso

    Posted

    YES just hoping I can find the answers

  • vic_07103
    vic_07103 Katealso

    Posted

    suggestions not mentioned:

    1. since you kept a food diary was there a problem with dairy? are u lactose intolerant? Dairy is a trigger for diarrhea
    2. Eat bananas, rice, whole grains REGULARLY to combat diarrhea
    3. it may not be food related at all!since you mentioned "you're a prisoner" and "you're afraid to leave the house". it could be stress that causes it. Either way manage your stress or manage getting out of the house and prepare for an accident. You need to change this attitude!. Try exercise, meditation, yoga. Deep Breathing techniques easily reduce stress. Walk. Walk, walking! It is the best....because exercise combats diarrhea . Drink water.
    4. You mentioned you still have pain! Are u on pain meds? They cause constipation, If you take senna to combat constipation- they in turn may cause diarrhea.
    5. The good news is this does all go away in time❤️
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.