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3 weeks post-resection constipation, nausea and headaches

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/24/2011 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I am 3 weeks out from a resection surgery for 3 high grade strictures ( 1 foot including terminal ileum, valve, cecum, appendix and about 6 in. of colon). I was warned that I would probably have some diarrhea, but I have the complete opposite. I'm so constipated! I've been using senna laxative, a stool softener, eating a ton of fiber (although I really am probably only eating 50% of my normal calories still), water, and walking about 3 miles a day. I really don't have much of an appetite either and have been getting nauseous and having lots of headaches. Can anyone help? Other remedies for constipation? I'm assuming the nausea and lack of appetite have to do with that along with a laxative just makes you feel blah. What about the headaches? Could it still be from anesthesia?

My problem before the surgery was constipation and so much pain with eating from the strictures. The pain is so much better, but I just still feel miserable most of the time.

Please help :)
Thanks!
cmommy
Posted 6/24/2011 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
I just had a resection about the same time as you (2.5 weeks ago.) did your dr tell you to eat a lot of fiber? Mine gave me a low residue diet. Basically suPposed to avoid fiber for at least a month until f/u appt to allow bowel to heal. Perhaps that is source of nausea and headaches?

Is your 3 miles broken up into several shorter walks?
Posted 6/24/2011 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
The dr didn't give me any sort of diet instructions. I can't imagine how constipated I'd be with no fiber! I'm dying now! :)

Yes, walks are broken up into smaller slow paced walks on my treadmill.

Thanks!
Cmommy
Posted 6/24/2011 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe try a liquid diet for a couple of days? Some coffee might help?

Other than that, 3 miles seems like way too much walking only 3 weeks post surgery...but hey, I'm no doc.

Hope your recovery goes well.
Posted 6/25/2011 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Are you still taking pain meds? Most narcotics, after a few days, give me headaches. Just a thought...

Also, after my surgeries, I stayed on a somewhat low residue diet. Maybe cutting the fiber down a bit might help, since some of us have trouble digesting fiber.
Posted 6/25/2011 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks- I really probably haven't doing that much fiber as I feel like I'm not eating that much and certainly still am avoiding all the bulky stuff- fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, etc. I am doing fiber that's supposed to be easily digested. It's just been days and days since a b.m. I did start thinking though that I have added more dairy which could be a problem.

The 3 miles is painfully slow and broken up so I don't feel I'm overdoing it. I was in tremendous shape- an avid runner- going into all of this. Well, until a few months ago, but still really taking care of myself with non-impact stuff to help the recovery. I highly recommend that- if you can :). I know many of us can't bear the thought or handle exercise, but doing what you can pre-surgery really makes it easier. Co
Posted 6/25/2011 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
about the headaches... I only used narcotics for 1 day when I got home and then just went to Tylenol. I was wondering if I have any long term effects from the anesthesia.

Thanks!
Cmommy
Posted 6/25/2011 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
I think you should call your surgeon for advice. Good luck!
Posted 6/25/2011 9:12 AM (GMT 0)
OK so I read all this and so much is wrong.. I can't understand why your doctor didn't tell you NOT to eat fiber for 6 weeks and you are also supposed to be taking it easy.. your body needs A LOT of energy to repair itself right now.. you ARE supposed to remain flexible and sit up straight and walk around but 3 miles seems very excessive right after surgery.

You should be take Milk of Magnesia for constipation as it is very mild.. I was told not to take any of the over the counter laxatives as they are too harsh for Crohn's. I eat a large cup of organic unsweetened apple sauce when I can't go. I am eating the worst "white" diet for the last 18 months or so. I currently have a 20cm stricture and my surgeon told me to stay on the same low residue diet for about 6 weeks after my surgery because the intestines need time to heal and foods high in fiber tax the system too much.

I am also a headache person and have been plagued with Migraines since I was 9... It is possible your nausea is a symptom of a migraine. I don't know what meds you are on so it's hard to give advice.
NY VEGGIE
Posted 6/25/2011 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks NY VEGGIE-
The reason my dr didn't prescribe a low residue diet is that I do not or have never had problems with diarrhea. My strictures exclusively caused excruciating pain and constipation. And, my colon has always been very healthy. My disease was only in the small intestine, valve and cecum. Plus, my bowels resumed bowel sounds within hours of surgery which is apparently a good sign and rare. They told me to use a natural senna laxative that I am certainly not using daily. I'm going to try applesauce though! I'm mostly just frustrated because while I don't have the stricture pain anymore, the bloating and constipation is so bad that it contributes to nausea and lack of appetite.

I am on imuran, entocort, weaning prednisone (5mg), and pentasa. All things that have never caused headaches for me.

Cmommy
Posted 6/25/2011 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
They steroids can also add to headaches, but the headaches could also be caused by not eating enough. Senekot is a gentle laxative and will work generally within a day or two. I suffered with more c than d before this latest flare, and when my stool softners werent enough I added the Senekot and that helped. Hope you get feeling better soon. Hugs!
Posted 6/25/2011 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
It may seem counterintuitive but a no fiber diet isn't prescribed post op because of D. And a high fiber diet isn't helpful with strictures pre or post op.

You have had a BM post op, right? I also had bowel sounds very quickly after surgery...they still progressed slowly w/ clear liquid on day 1, full liquid on day 2, and low residue until next appt (4 weeks.)

They gave me Miralax on Friday (surg was on a Monday) and I took again Sat morning and Sat evening until things got moving again.
Posted 6/28/2011 9:03 AM (GMT 0)
cmommy

the low residue diet is not about diarrhea.. I too have never had diarrhea with my Crohn's and also have a stricture. My surgeon told me it was very important to not tax the bowels after surgery and to remain on the same diet I have been on for the last year and a half for my stricture. They don't want any pieces of anything scraping your insides now. It is also gives your system a break so it has energy to heal

the thing about headaches... they have discovered that our guts have many of the same chemicals as our brains.. like seritonin. Maybe things just need to settle down more. I'm having a very similar operation to yours the beginning of August so I am very interested in how your headaches are doing as I am a headache person and they are the last thing I want to deal with after.. I'm sure you can relate!
NY VEGGIE
Posted 6/29/2011 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I'm certainly learning a lot from this. My surgeon was a general surgeon and apparently doesn't give food advice that is correct. He told me since I've never really had a diarrhea problem that eating a non-residue low fiber diet wouldn't make a difference for me. Guess I should have talked to my GI ahead of time. On a positive note I don't think the type of fibrous foods I'm eating are really damaging anything. Prune juice and soft pumpkin cookies are the most of it with the occasional rice/bean meal. Everything else has been mostly non-residue. The organic senna tea is helping and water, water, water with the constipation. Walking too.

The headaches do seem better too. Not sure why as I haven't changed anything in the past few days except for reduce the prednisone. I'm now at 5 mg a day. And, you're right about not eating much and headaches. My appetite is still pretty low. Oh the joys of all this crap!!

Thanks!
Cmommy
Posted 6/29/2011 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Was your surgery laparoscopic?
Posted 7/1/2011 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, thankfully!
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