Surgery Frustration - Update

about 20 days ago, I had my second resection surgery. The first one was a hemicolectomy whereas this time was mainly removal of my small bowel (about 40 cm). The connection point between my colon and small bowel had a severe stricture, thus the second surgery. This most recent surgery was lap-assisted and planned. Since the surgery, I was admitted twice to the hospital for severe abdomen pain and the other was for a high fever. The abdomen pain was due to some inflammation at the surgical area. After two CT scans, the inflamed area appears to have subsided. I am on antibiotics just in case I had an infection.

Why I am frustrated is the frequent watery diarrhea. It's basically like a hose gushing water. I go about 5 to 6 times a day and some are so urgent that I only have a few seconds before heading to the restroom. I am currently on leave from work, but I need to return to work in two weeks. I was hoping this surgery would have overall positive results, but the frequent diarrhea is awfully frustrating. I am on a soft diet, mainly purees.

I expressed my concern to my surgeon and the response was give it time. I am hoping that this won't be a life-long issue. Before my second surgery, I had no diarrhea issues and had regular formed stools. Anyways, I wanted to vent. I feel like I won't have a normal life again.

Post Edited (sejinro) : 7/31/2017 3:10:51 PM (GMT-6)

I am so frustrated. I continue to have watery and loose bowel movements about 3 to 4 times a day. I am about 4 weeks out from my surgery. My doctor recommended that I take Imodium, which I did, but it doesn't seem to help. I don't want to leave the house and I don't feel like eating anything because I know it will come out a diarrhea. What's even worse is that I have to return to work next week. Thankfully my office has restrooms.

I have been taking Culturelle and Florastor, but that doesn't seem to be working.

I am wondering if I should take Metamucil?

I was also going to recommend trying a bile acid binding medication, I preferred Welchol to the cholestryamine powder. After my resection I had to take Welchol for several months before the diarrhea I was having slowed down. I hope you find something that helps.

Before my resection I never used to get D. Then after it I had it kind of similar to what you describe for a couple of months. It eventually subsided. I noticed lactose such as milk was making it worse. I am fine now, probably had D only a handful of times in the last year and I am fine with lactose now.

Well, after 3 days of not eating dairy, I continue to have the D. I'm taking Imodium, so frequency is about two times a day (versus 3 to 5 times when not on Imodium). I am praying that this won't be a life-long ordeal. I don't think I have short-bowel syndrome, which results in D, but I'm thinking I might have it. This is so frustrating because prior to the surgery, I had obstruction pain every 3 months or so, but now I deal with daily D. I am beginning to wonder whether I made the right decision. Argh!

Well, it's been almost 7 weeks now since my resection surgery and I continue to have issues. I am now back at work and it's been quite frustrating. Yesterday I had to leave a meeting early because of D. Per my surgeon, I am taking Immodium and one glass of Metamucil per day. I also take Culturelle and Florastor. It's been a week on this regiment and I still do have diarrhea, but it's gone down to about 2 to 3 times a day. No formed stool, just watery and loose stool. Sometimes it's yellow and other times green. Also, I see stringy stuff which I think it's mucus. Plus, some of the stuff floats.

I can live with the loose stool (I suppose), but it's uncomfortable (especially with wiping - TMI). What's frustrating is the urgency as I once I feel it then I have about 10 minutes or so before it's coming out.

I pray everyday that things will get better for me. Emotionally it's hard. Prior to this second surgery, I had normal bowel movements, but I got partial obstructions every other month or so that lasted a few hours. Still this is not as frequent as multiple urgent diarrhea per day. Before, I ate out, traveled, ran 10ks, laughed with my family, and went to the gym almost everyday. Now, I feel very confined to home or anywhere with a clean restroom.

Sad today.

hey there. I am 4 weeks past from my second resection. I had about the same amount removed from the TI. i too have had few normal BMs. most are very loss and watery at times. My Gi and surgeon have not given me anything to take, as they say it will take time. however, they suggested i eat no raw foods, no high fiber. eat bananas, peanut butter, potatoes, pasta, chicken...i have noticed this is helping to slow things down and get more formed bm. maybe ask about diet. one thing is for sure, i am not gaining weight back, but i am not losing weight anymore. so, i take that as a positive.

i also agree with the meds playing havoc with your symptoms. I am on methotrexate injections weekly along with entyvio. everytime after the injection for methotrexate, i have several bouts of D. and of course the day after Entyvio, my system is just a mess with D.

i hate this disease.....and I hate taking the meds, but i am running out of bowels to remove so we must keep trying

good luck.