HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Back home after Reversal~~

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/14/2009 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!    I had my reversal surgery on Monday and come home from hospital on Thursday.  Presently I am so constipated I can't stand it!  So much pain and bloating..hardly passing any gas at all!  I just drank a small amount of prune juice...hope this helps.  I haven't really had a true bowel movement yet!  I passed alot of blood and yuky stuff in hospital and again at home yesterday morning but nothing since then.  Does anyone know if the prune juice will help???....I am only eating very bland foods so far like strained oatmeal, puddings, ice cream, ensure, and lots of water...I tried two scrambled eggs this morning...they were SO good...lol...I hope the prune juice will get things in motion!!.......anyone have experience with severe constipation after reversal??  I have only read of the opposite and was expecting to be "running" all the time.  I think i would prefer that to how awful this feels.....Cheryl
Posted 3/14/2009 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Wow - home quickly - I was in hospital for two weeks after my first stage of reversal surgery! Not got any advice as was not constipated, I'm sure a nurse told me Immodium would help? Not entirely sure, you may have to check that one first?
Posted 3/14/2009 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Cher, did you get my email? I just remembered my surgeon said I could take a small dose of MOM whenever I get constipated but I don't like that (bad memories from before surgery) so she said I can take 2 tsp of Benefiber daily. I like it because you can mix it with any drink that's NOT carbonated and you can NOT taste it I swear!! It helps me to go when I'm constipated and keeps it from being diahrrea.

Let me know if you find something that works for my friend. I'm so glad you are back!!!!

love you tons!
Posted 3/14/2009 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
I bet it must be brilliant to be back home and the fear of the operation all behind you.  How are you feeling and how did it all go (other than the fact you are constipated).  I hope the advice you got will work for you. :-)
Posted 3/15/2009 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Cheryl,

Drink apple juice too...even grape juice. And you are on the right track drinking lots of water. You got home really quick from the hospital. Remember, keep walking and moving. It will help you heal and recover much quicker. Even tho you are feeling very bloated, keep walking. It really will help to move things along and, in the end, you will feel stronger more quickly.
Posted 3/15/2009 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
Coffee is a good "mover along" drink! How are you feeling today?
Posted 3/15/2009 3:49 PM (GMT 0)

Just an update:  The prune juice started working around 8 pm.  I had to run several times...just watery stuff...then was able to get a pretty good nights sleep.  The incision site looks good.  He went in through the stoma site to re-connect and repaired the peristomal hernia at the same time.  The place where the hernia was is much more sore than anything else.  BUT it's getting better!  It's nice just having the one little incision..(my poor belly is scarred and tracked up enough as it is...lol)  This morning I had two scrambled eggs and half a glass of prune juice.  Not sure what I'll have for lunch.  Any suggestions on bland, easy to digest food???   I am having alot of gas pain but so far today, no real action.  I have a beaten trail on my poor carpet from walking back and forth...lol   The pain medication is really helping me.  I can't believe I thought I could do without it!  I'm not so tough......Feeling abit nauseated....Thanks for letting me ramble on and on....Cheryl

Posted 3/15/2009 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
So glad your surgery went well...I know you are glad and looking forward to life without your colostomy.......Your brought up something I never knew.....I will have my reversal in 4 months if it is possible due to my scar tissue.....Anyway, How common is it to only have your stoma site cut during your surgery....Is this common.....I never have heard nobody say......Kimlin...Maggie from tennessee
Posted 3/15/2009 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the good wishes and suggestions!!  I phoned the telehealth nurse yesterday and she suggested that since I am unable to have a warm bath yet, to use a heating pad and lots of warm drinks.  I did that along with the prune juice and it worked...unfortunately, I feel really constipated again today.  Thanks for all the drink suggestions.  I have been drinking apple juice and green tea and LOTS of water.  As to the operation being done through the stoma hole, I think that it is just a preference of the surgeon doing it.  Different strokes for different folks I guess...lol...thank you all so much for being here with me on this journey!!....Cheryl

Posted 3/15/2009 7:15 PM (GMT 0)

Cheryl,

One recommendation for gas pains in the back/shoulders....  lay flat on your bed, or wherever, and roll very slowly from one side to your back to the other side.  Sometimes this really helps to "release" the gas.  My surgeon recommended that when I was having pain in my chest and shoulders from trapped air.

You sound like you are doing wonderfully.  Hang in there.  Glad the warm drinks worked for you.

Bland foods -- Pasta with a bit of olive oil and salt (or butter and salt -mmmm! or other seasonings as you can tolerate), macaroni and cheese, noodle soups, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, rice - rice a roni, chicken, turkey, lean pork loin.   You'll just have to try a little and see what works for you.

Good luck,

Posted 3/15/2009 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Peggy!  Your suggestions sound delicious!  I will try some pasta for supper tonight. I wasn't sure if pasta would be ok so thanks..I'll give it a try!!  I am eating small amounts of food every couple of hours and this seems to work for me.  I can sure tell when the pain meds are due though...it starts to hurt cry ....I am so happy to be feeling as well as I do!!  Happy and blessed!! yeah .......Cheryl
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply