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sub total colectomy for IBS with constipation

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 11/8/2007 10:16 PM (GMT 0)

I recently had a subtotal colectomy for IBS with constipation.  I do not know what to eat and recently was told that I would always have to take extra fiber to fight constipation.  I am frustrated and angry!  Currently, I am in pain in my left lower abdomen after a bout with constipation.  No one seems to be too worried about that but it isn't getting any better.  I am frightened and don't have anyone to talk to.  Can someone give me some feedback?  I don't know where to get support!

Posted 11/8/2007 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
Oh did you have all the colon removed?

You can go on the Ostomie forum Marie.They also have knowlege about colectomy.

Have you been tested for pelvic floor dysfunction?You know,if the rectum still there,he migth be in "spasm" causing C...
Posted 11/9/2007 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
no, I had the re-attachment. I have the sigmoid colon left. Does anyone else still have to take extra fiber? Does it give you gas? I have not been tested for pelvic floor dysfunction. What is that?
Posted 11/9/2007 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the link. It doesn't sound like that's an issue for me. Right now I'm just under two months since surgery and I'm in pain and finding that I don't know what to eat and taking extra fiber or I get constipated. I'm wondering why I had the surgery at this point!
Posted 11/9/2007 4:54 AM (GMT 0)

Marie3 said...
no, I had the re-attachment. I have the sigmoid colon left. Does anyone else still have to take extra fiber? Does it give you gas? I have not been tested for pelvic floor dysfunction. What is that?

Oh yeah fibers is a problem for IBSers in general...

Explain your surgery please!

 

Posted 11/9/2007 6:28 AM (GMT 0)
Fibre is very necessary for IBS (IBD too), it takes time for the system to adjust to fibre typically causing extra gas and bloating, but once your system adjusts these symptoms will disappear...fibre helps with C and D and it's important for the intestinal tract.

Plenty of water must be taken with fibre supplements, one should drink plenty of water regardless as it has it purpose as well with digestion.

:)
Posted 11/14/2007 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, Fiber never ever worked for me. My doctor said sometimes too much fiber will backfire, who knows. Try Activia, Caltrate D and tons of water- works for me! Good luck
Posted 11/15/2007 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for that info. I am still getting constipated taking 2 Fibercon tablets twice a day! At first, dairy ran through me. Now it seems to give me a stomachache. I am drinking a lot of water and I think that is helping the most. I am so frustrated!!! They just keep telling me that it will take 3-6 months for recovery. I'm just 2 months post surgery. Does time really help?
Posted 11/15/2007 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know much about it but it sounds like pretty extensive surgery that will take a lot of time for all the nerve endings to heal and regenerate.
Posted 11/16/2007 12:42 AM (GMT 0)

MARIA - First let me invite you over to the TOTAL COLECTOMY thread under "OSTOMIES" where you will find a wealth of information.  Please come and join in there!!!

I had my colectomy one year ago on November 9th.  Everything was going well up until April/Mary of this year when I began to slow down considerably on my bm's.  Of course my first thought was "oh great - not this again", however, after seeing my surgeon and running a host of tests to rule out anything serious, he recommended taking MiraLAX "again" daily.  It can be bought OTC now and it has improved my situation.

If I were you I would stay clear of ANY fiber supplements.  It can and does cause the opposite affect in a lot of people, especially since our small intestine is our way of transit now.

I will tell you that you're still very much in the beginning stage of the healing process, even two months post-op.  For me personally I didn't begin feeling "normal" for the first four months post-op. 

I hope you find your way over to the "OSTOMIES" thread and find the "TOTAL COLECTOMY" link. 

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