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Total Colectomy - absorption questions

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Posted 6/26/2011 8:22 AM (GMT 0)
I had a total colectomy at the end of 2009. Great news is that all is well. I got my 1 year clean bill of health months ago.
I eat anything I want and do suffer through having more bathroom trips than most, but it is a small price to pay. I always have loose stools. Again, my Dr. says that isn't a problem.
I have noticed that when I take meds like a probiotic or even meds for allergies or antibiotics on occasion, that I think sometimes the pills or capsules go right through me without being digested.
Does anybody know anything about this?
Thanks much!
Posted 6/26/2011 8:47 AM (GMT 0)
it happens to many ppl who had a total colectomy. maybe you should try immodium or metamucil (sp?) to slow things down a bit.
Posted 6/26/2011 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thank 2b. I do Imodium on and off. Guess I should just
make it a routine.
Still wondering about the pills and capsules and how to determine
if they work, or just pass on through.
Posted 6/26/2011 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
I grind pills and mix with water.
So far I haven't had to take any capsules.
I read somewhere that after a collectomy, pretty much all pills and capsels will land in the bag or in the toilet. All I can think of suggesting, at a time when I am not taking any medication at all, is to speak with the doctor and ask for liquid forms whenever possible.
Posted 6/26/2011 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
TeeGee
I have the same exact issue as you. I had mine in 2008. I can't even take powders or anything because it goes right through and even causes my system to push through too quickly. I have to order all my medications in liquid form. I have been having issues with Fibromyalgia, as well, so my problems are a lot worse. I have food itolerances such as gluten, wheat, lactose, dairy. My doctor who performed my surgery said that it was possible that my slow transit constipation was caused by food intolerances. But because constipation was not often mentioned when I was younger as a food intolerance issue, I never knew to avoid such things. But unfortunately, for me, even after I did okay for a while avoiding such foods, my G.I. symptoms and diarrhea have gotten worse. Now I have been eating baby food to avoid fiber, as well. It is somewhat working, but I am starting to see that my system is getting used to it and is starting to pull the same stuff as it had before where things would work, than stop. I have been to so many G.I. doctors who found nothing after so many test. Now we think it is a functional issue. Good Luck with everything.
Posted 6/26/2011 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I have had colonremoved due to CD and have had much of small bowel removed as well and so most things shoot though me but a combination of immodium and codeine slows things down and as for tablets, as long as they are not enteric coated or slow release then they tend to be ok.
Posted 6/26/2011 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Tee Gee,

You need to avoid time released pills and enteric coated pills because they do not have time to digest. Take your meds in liquid or chewable form.

Rosemary
Posted 6/27/2011 10:44 AM (GMT 0)
I totally agree with Rosemary. Enteric and/or time released tablets are NOT for ileostomates - they are designed to be released in the colon. Since we don't have a colon, they'll just come out the other end.

A word of warning too: PLEASE don't grind tablets down/cut them in half etc unless you have the doctor or pharmacist's permission. Some tablets are designed to be time released, hence the enteric coating. If you grind them down you lose the protective coating and, consequently, get the entire dosage all at once in a section of your body it was never intended to be released in (and sometimes can even overdose because of it).
Posted 6/27/2011 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Great stuff people. Thanks much. Wonder how much
$$ I've pooped away the last year? :-)
You people are true survivors. I'm lucky I only had FAP
and no other GI issues or surgeries and the Doc was able to save
my rectum.
Posted 6/27/2011 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Great stuff people. Thanks much. Wonder how much
$$ I've pooped away the last year? :-)
You people are true survivors. I'm lucky I only had FAP
and no other GI issues or surgeries and the Doc was able to save
my rectum.
Posted 6/27/2011 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I hear you TeeGee. I remember how much money i spent, as well. Then also the money I spent on all of those creams because of my rectum being bloody and in pain. I still use Vitamin D cream because the loose stools can be acidic and that could prevent the skin for becoming rare. I get the Equate (Wal-Mart) brand. Works excellent and only costs $1.67.
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