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A few more rookie questions

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Posted 9/14/2009 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

Thanks for the welcoming comments on my earlier (first) post !!   It's been almost 2 months since I got my temp Ileo; 4 more months to the reversal.  I'm going to plead for an earlier date when I see the surgeon on Sept 29th. 

I'm hoping you will be able to offer some more advice:

- I drink a ton of liquids but it goes right to the bag.  Why does it not go to the "right" place and come out as urine? 

- Is making vegie puree the only way to get vitamins?  I've asked my GP and nurse for a referral to a nutritionist re smoothies or something I can take to get some energy; still waiting for someone to answer me.  What about protein drinks?  I need energy !!  On the other hand, why bother?  Nothing stays in me for more than 30 minutes anyway.  Is that long enough to grap any nutrients anyway?    Seems I can eat whatever crap I want except fruits/veg and still not gain weight.  I'm down 35 lbs since the surgery.  That's ok but I'd like to maintain for a while and get stronger. 

- what's up with the big belly?  Is that a swollen colon or surgery trauma?  I look pregnant!  That + the bag and I look really pregnant !!!  

ps - the waterproof tape recommended by one of the forum members is working well - thanks!  I'm getting better wear time now.   LOL..can't believe I am now using words like wear time.  I don't want to get too good at this; I want it GONE!!  Respect to all of you who are in this situation permanently and have such great attitudes.  Mine slips sometimes...

 

Posted 9/14/2009 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
try some thickening foods, like bananas, or fries
for vitamins, get chewable or the kind that dissolve under your tongue
you can also take some immodium
Posted 9/14/2009 11:00 AM (GMT 0)
Ditto to the thickening foods...you need to slow down your transit time, if possible. Did your doc mention fiber supplements? Also, if you increase your salt, you can help your body retain some fluids...chances are that the lack of energy is related to being dehydrated. Ileo-ostomates can dehydrate very quickly...even when drinking what you think is a lot...because it is going right into your pouch!

At two months post op, you should be off your low-residue diet, and can eat real fruits and veggies...take it slow, chew well but you should be able to eat what you want (no popcorn/nuts)...peel skins on apples and the like and take the seeds out of anything, but you should be okay...just chew:) If in doubt, eat the canned versions until you know how your body reacts.
Posted 9/14/2009 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
YOu already got all the good advice, but hope things slow down. Protien drinks work great when on the run.

I didn't have a swollen stomach at all. Let us know what you find out about that.

I find when I walk lots my body absorbs the water and I don't seem to have to urinate so much. Still I like enough water in bag so everything comes out easy. Keep looking at the bright side.
Posted 9/14/2009 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
YOu already got all the good advice, but hope things slow down. Protien drinks work great when on the run.

I didn't have a swollen stomach at all. Let us know what you find out about that.

I find when I walk lots my body absorbs the water and I don't seem to have to urinate so much. Still I like enough water in bag so everything comes out easy. Keep looking at the bright side.
Posted 9/15/2009 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Wow!!  Thanks guys for all the advice.  I see the surgeon on the 29th of Sept so I will ask a lot of questions.  I assumed the low residue diet was needed for as long as I have the temp ileo.  I would love to at least try some veggies (well cooked).  And the swelling is most likely from my total hysterectomy moreso than from the ileo surgery.  My bowel was clipped in surgery so the ileo is due to the infection which ensued.     Anyway, today I did my first long road trip (6 hours for a distance which normally takes 4 hours).  I had to stop often to empty the darn bag; the last time I didn't make it and had a leak.  What a drag.   I hope I don't have problems during the night since I'm in a hotel.  I'll add some extra tape and watch the drinking.   Anyway, it's a victory just to be travelling for work again.  Normally I would be all over the map (literally) at this time of year but I have learned to be patient and take time to heal.   I have to take the risks associated with working full time while dealing with the bag.  Or just curl up and hide, which is boring.  

Thanks again !!!  

Posted 9/15/2009 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
you can have some raw veggies too, just start slow with them, like eat a tiny bit of carrot or something, and chew it well, have some bread with it andlots of water. If that goes well, try lettuce later.
BUT sometimes fresh veggies, esp broccoli, give you lots of gas,lol
Posted 9/15/2009 5:06 AM (GMT 0)
I have to agree...eat whatever you want, but PLEASE CHEW CHEW CHEW!!!!!!! 

I actually prefer the watery/liquidy output.  However, what I find that thickens mine more than anything is a baked potato.  Yum...I'm so hungry right now.  

My sister had a hystorectomy (I totally butchered the word) and her tummy was swollen for quite some time.  She too looked pregnant...her body even acted pregnant, as her breasts leaked!  shocked     It was really funny!!!!

I'm glad to hear you're doing okay.  I am so sorry you have joined our club under the circumstances you did...but I'm glad you're okay. 

I'm also glad the tape works for you...it really is my favorite for showering.  :-)

smurf  

Posted 9/15/2009 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
I am 6 months post op a hysterectomy - and my belly has just started to look more normal! I am heading next month for a sub-total colectomy, and soooo happy to hear that the swelly belly is not a common part of this surgery. :)
Posted 9/17/2009 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
I'm also about 2 months out of surgery with a temp ileostomy and I also had problems with my bag wanting to come off all the time. I'd have to say that using an ileostomy belt is the best thing I've done as far as bag security goes. I've had no problems whatsoever since I started using it.

Also, what brand/type of waterproof tape is everyone referring to?
Posted 9/22/2009 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Preach it! I was looking forward to an ealry date and got bumped back b/c of a tiny leak. Now I don't know when I'm gonna have my reversal. I also hated it in the beginning and had a puffy belly. I can fit in my skinny jeans now but i'm still a little bit under weight.

I hope everything works out. When I feel pissed off I just remember how bad it was with UC and am glad to have the new problems instead of the pain.

Good luck :)
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