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Large colon removed--chronic diarrhea

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 6/27/2016 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
Five years ago, I had to have my large colon removed (two colonoscopies/year couldn't keep up with the pre-cancerous polyps). Since then, I've had constant diarrhea. My surgeon says it's not IBS, but many of the symptoms are similar. I've had five separate prescriptions for diarrhea (OTC diarrhea meds don't help at all), and each of the prescription ones give me minimal help.

I have some success when I eat a low-fiber diet. All fruits and veggies have to be well cooked or canned. All meat (beef, chicken, turkey) and "soft" fish (flounder and others of that ilk) have to be grilled or baked. I can't drink or eat anything with caffeine in it, and I have to avoid artificial sweeteners and sugar. I try to keep carbs to an absolute minimum, but I must admit that I have a sweet tooth. I pay a high price when I indulge in sweets.

When I go into any store, I immediately locate the bathrooms. I drive on roads where I know I can stop at places with public bathrooms. Oddly, no matter what I order when I eat in a restaurant, I immediately have diarrhea.

My surgeon is perplexed, but he is sticking with me as we try to figure out what I can do. Any suggestions you have would be carefully considered.

Many thanks,
Guadalupe (I'm not Latino; all my other names were taken.)
Posted 6/28/2016 10:33 AM (GMT 0)
I have an ileostomy and it's been over a year now. I experience liquid output sometimes mixed with bile. I've discovered that bile is very corrosive on the base and consequently the bags don't last long. I also have had a vagotomy, antrectomy with a Bilroth II. My doctor has me on Welchol 625MG tablets. Because of my other surgeries, what I have left does not break down the meds so I have to melt them in water and then mix with juice. I take up to 6 in 24 hours. Most times it is effective but does not help me to know what causes the constant diarrhea. By the way, Welchol is a treatment for cholesterol so the doctor has to be creative with the coding in order for insurance to pay for it (out of pocket cost $600/mo). Still in search of causes for constant diarrhea.
Posted 7/16/2016 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
Guadalupe, My DH had 18 inches of his intestine removed(perforated colon/diverticulitis). His surgeon warned there would be diarrhea/frequent trips to the bathroom until his system adjusted. It took a few years, but it is much better now. Too bad fiber doesn't work for you, we found Metamucil and a low fat,high fiber diet helped.

I was also wondering if your doctor could prescribe Welchol. It was too constipating for me, but it may work for you?
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