New routine, new...GAS?

Hi all, hope everyone is doing well. I have been very busy so I haven't checked in lately but I am catching up tonight.

I had some struggles adjusting after my surgery (total colectomy w/ileorectal anastomosis) but I recently felt like I could deal with things well enough to really get things going with my life. I also turn 26 in a few months so I need to be working full-time so I will have health insurance when that time comes.

So I had my first interview last week, and I got the job. My first day was Monday, and I also worked today. I work about 10 hours a day, 5 days a week...so I have been adjusting to getting up MUCH earlier than I had been, and I am very active on my feet all day, so much so - that the only time I get to sit down is when I go to the bathroom!!!

Anyways, one thing has really been bothering me since Monday morning - GAS! I was not very gassy prior to monday, usually just in the evening or after eating a meal, and it didn't really have a smell. But these past 2 days, and even right now...I seriously have had stomach noises and gas ALL DAY LONG...and sorry for the info but it does not smell pleasant. I have not changed anything I am eating so I can't figure out for the life of me what it could be??!

I don't know if it's nerves (i don't really feel anxious though)...or if walking and standing a lot make you more gassy...I just don't know what to do. I can't let it out around people and I can't keep holding it in...so does anyone have any tips on what could be causing it or how to get it to ease up? I would appreciate ANYTHING.

Hugs to you all,
Ali

Hi Rosemary! So great to hear from you. The gas was better today, but I did take your advice and let it out when I can, it definitely helps with the discomfort. Luckily the place I work in has loud music playing all the time so no one knows! I am in a training program to manage an upscale clothing store in Charlotte...it is exhausting, but has helped keep my mind off my stomach - which surprised me. I didn't realize how focused I was on how I felt, and being busy really takes my mind off of it. Of course I still have hard days, and I get so jealous of other people I see on my lunch break eating chinese food and burgers and all kinds of good stuff. A bunch of my coworkers went out for lunch the other day, to a burrito place...I had to make up an excuse for why I couldn't go.

I have been reading your posts - so sorry to hear you're having some troubles! But it sounds like you are taking the right steps to get it figured out, hopefully your stoma nurse will step it up and help you out! If not - just keep trying, someone WILL help you, you just haven't found the right doctor yet. But I have the feeling you will soon, I will say a prayer for you. I hope you feel better soon! Can you eat ice cream? I know you like that stuff :)

Hugs,
Ali

Congrats on getting the job! Is the gas any better? To go from recovery to 50 hour weeks is huge, and it makes sense that your body would be "off" in one way or another (not to minimize, just not surprising, and I hope you figure it out; what Nanci said makes sense to me).