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A ? for those that had their large intestine completely removed

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Posted 9/6/2008 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
A friend brought this up to me the other day.  Her mother had Uc and had her large intestine removed many years ago.  She mentioned that her mother now has to go in for B12 injections.  So the question is, by having the large intestine removed, does that mean you have to be placed on any sort of supplement to compensate what was lost?
Posted 9/6/2008 5:48 PM (GMT 0)

No, if your colon is removed you don't necessarily need B-12 shots.  You only would need them if the surgeon took a portion of your terminal ileum or if it was damaged.  Not many jpouchers need B-12 shots.  As a precaution, though, I get my B-12 levels measured once per year through an annual CBC.

Sue

Posted 9/6/2008 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sue :) What about other supplements such as Biotin? I already take that right now so it wouldn't matter if I still had to take it. Biotin is primarily produced in the large intestine. But would a regular multi-vitamin be sufficient? I know now, especially if someone has chronic D, that you lose much of the Biotin that is stored in the LI. But obviously if the LI is removed then you don't have the chronic D anymore. (sorry, I'm sort of wondering aloud here lol) I see my GI next Wednesday so I want to go in and be as well as informed as possible. I don't know if he is a surgeon or not (I think he is) because I've never really asked him about it. But if he is, then I want to go in armed with questions and knowledge as best as I possibly can.
Posted 9/6/2008 8:23 PM (GMT 0)

Sherry,

I don't take anything special in the absence of my colon.  I take a multivitamin, calcium, and a probiotic.

Sue

Posted 9/6/2008 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
i take a Bvitamin complex, just because they are good for you, help wtih lots of things! anyway, i also just take a flintstones and calcium. the major thing you have to worry abotu as far as absobrtion is water, and getting dehydrated. But that is easy to keep from happening you just increase your daily fluid intake.
Posted 9/7/2008 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
I have an ileo and have had my colon and several feet of my small intestine removed. So, I give myself a B12 injection once every 2 weeks, 1 cc. Without it, my B12 levels would drop. Been doing it for 24 years now and have had good levels - mine are checked 2 times a year.

Good to be prepared and have good questions. If your doctor doesn't know the answers to those questions - he should offer to get you that answer. Good luck with your appt.

p.s. I still take a multi vitamin daily as well.
Posted 9/7/2008 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
I only take a Vitamin C tablet (cos I tend to catch any colds going around - like the head cold I have right now!), but that's all I take :)
Posted 9/9/2008 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
I just take a multi and calcuim. One of the BIG perks of the surgery for me was no med's. Like you, I refused to do remicade. I had bad reaction to imuran and 6mp and was steriod dependent. I think that it is great that you have not done prednsione. I have had alot, alot and alot of joint pain since I was taken off prednsione (like totally off 2 weeks after surgery) so I have somewhat regretted ever taking it b/c I have been told that joint pain is a side effect of prednisone. Anyhow, I am really happy that I did the surgery.....no regrets. Quality of life is 1000% better. You do get use the bag. It is not ideal but, somehow, you manage and you are happy with it. The bag is a fair exchange for feeling good. I am doing the pouch but 3 step. I didn't think I could tolerate the bag for 6 mths and it has been fine. good luck on your decision. By the way, Red, do you live in Michigan? If yes, I do too. I live in ONsted, mi (close to ann arbor). I had my surgery done at the clevelenad clinic,.
Posted 9/9/2008 10:55 AM (GMT 0)
Chili, I remember you saying that you were in MI from the UC forum :) I'm west of the Detroit border.
Posted 9/12/2008 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
after 15 major surgeries, al of my lg intestine at 21 and then subsequently a little more small intestine each time, i am amazed at how much my body has been able to restore and the only b-12 i ever take is usually sublingual. 35 years from the beginning of my journey with crohns.
Posted 9/12/2008 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I'm new to this forum but had a total collectomy in July 1988 (Independence Day in more ways than one). UC for 9 years.
I've been very lucky in not having to change pre op diet whatsoever. Am taking vitamin supplements on a more regular basis but as I am nearing 58 yrs of age it only seems appropriate.
Will be going in for 3rd hernia repair surgery in 3 days.
First one switched sides, second added mesh but it blew out in short order, probably somewhat self induced by my recurring delusion of being 30 and bulletproof. Wrong again!
I've retired my first surgeon and am working on the second but he's a pretty energetic feller, even has a gold mine in western Alaska although past 70 himself.
Just back from the Arctic Ocean north of Prudhoe Bay after 91 days, was on an island w/17 polar bears just last week; speaking of bears I wish there was some bulletproof form of peristomal repair that would hold me back long enough to stay away from the pastry tray but when you're at sea for months on end food takes the place of a number of things not readily available on the beach.
Am going to discuss laparoscopy with doc on Monday.
Sorry about being long on words but as previously stated I was fortunate in not having to change diet or really need to take supplements for over 20 yrs now.
Best wishes.....
Posted 9/13/2008 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, that's some trip! I traveled around Alaska one summer and absolutely loved it! smilewinkgrin
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