Ileostomy reversal - REALLY STRUGGLING

Hi everyone,

I had an ileostomy reversed on the 16 June so I'm now 3 weeks post op. I had the operation done on the Tuesday and was out on Monday, so 6 days in hospital. I had ileus so it took a couple of extra days than they expected for things to get going. The surgeon told me to try get back to normal asap, eat what you like, when you like and you'll be back to normal within a week. Im starting to really hate him!!

I came home from hospital, had dinner and have been in pain since. In the first week out of hospital (last week) i was having severely painful cramping, stinging, burning pains in my stomach every 5 minutes lasting about 20 seconds. Eventually went to the Dr's this time last week and he gave me an antacid, Omeprazole for acid indigestion. Took this twice a day (40mg) Tues - Sun last week and took away the stinging and most of the burning pains but was still getting really bad cramping. Sunday night just gone i went to A&E, waited for 4 hours and got sent home with some co-codamol!

The problem i am getting now is the cramping in the top part of my abdomen followed by a pushing down sensation then some quite loud rumbling, almost explosion sounds in my lower abdomen. I was wondering if anyone whos had an ileostomy reversal has experienced this and knows what it is? I seem to think it might be trapped wind but please tell me if you think its anything different. I'm now trying paracetamol, wind-eze, spasmonal which is an anti-spasmodic, peppermint tea and oil.

Please, if theres anyone who can help me please get back to me. I havent slept in two weeks and am starting to get really moody and fed up. Ive also read cramps can be made worse by worrying and stress but i just think if i can get a couple of good nights sleep under my belt id be so less worried.

Also just to add, i had the ileostomy for a different reason to normal. I had a rock climbing fall and had a large trauma wound on my lower back/buttocks, the Dr's didnt want me using my bum while the wound was healing and was eventually closed by a plastic surgeon. Now the wounds all healed ive had the reversal. So in theory there shouldnt be anything wrong with my bowels other than the fact they havent been used for a year.

Please get back to me if you have any advice. Im so tired and annoyed!

Im opening my bowels twice a day, always in the morning then around midday. The stool is quite formed and normal...perhaps a bit too normal. Sounds like ive been overdoing it with food, ive pretty much been eating everything and anything, albeit in small portions. Think its a good idea to start a clean slate with softer foods. Is there any other food you can recommend? When should i start to introduce bulkier foods in to my diet? In a week? 2 weeks? Sorry for the questions, its good to finally talk to someone whos had the same op.

I agree with listening to your body...and it's not happy!! I was on a low residue diet after my reversal many years ago. That lasted for 6 weeks and then I started with "regular" foods in small portions. Remember that your system wasn't working for a while and it has to get used to having food travel through it again.

You can look up "low residue diet" on line and get a good idea of things to try. Good luck, take it easy, but it things don't feel right get to your doctor!

Hey all, i am 5 days post up and have been home for 2 days. I have been eating very small soft food portions and drinking a lot of water and gatorade. I have most of my pain on my right side (same side as ilieostomy) and gas pains. I recomend wrapping your abdomin with a thick ace bandage (ask your doctor first, i did and he said whatever helps) wearing this has helped a lot I can walk more (which helps the bowls) and I'm just more comefortable. I am having small bowl movements a few times a day and gas most of the day. I had my ileo for 6 months, just to give you a reference.

Hey Peter,

Today isn't going as well, not having any BM and not much gas being passed although I do feel it trapped in there. I haven't been eating that great a little nervous about being blocked up, I bought some shredded wheat today but I'm not sure if this is a good choice or not. I Think I will try just a couple of spoonfuls and go from there. It has been 6 days post op, so i'm thinking all this is normal (hoping) and that I will just release everything at once. I will keep you updated!

weiny

Hi everyone

I had my tests done Tuesday have got a significant narrowing, so will have to have balloon dilation again. Last time I had dilation under sedation but it was very painful although I was very inflamed at the time. Does anyone know if it will be less painful this time because I am less inflamed.

Hi Drak22, I am 2 weeks post op reversal and food is not my friend yet. I eat cautiously and carefully.
I would recommend not to eat too late or near bedtime. Small meals work best and I always work in yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese and soft things. I have trouble with breakfast cereal but I love it. So eventually I guess I'll get there. My bowel knows what to do just expects to do it frequently and not
very much each time. If I could just get it to wait for a decent amount and less frequent I'd be grateful.
From what I have been told that will eventually come but you have to be patient. I've come to hate the word patient but I'm doing it anyway. I am just along for the ride it seems. Good Luck.