constipation after ileostomy reversal, can I use an enema?

beachballtummy1

Regular Member

Joined : Jan 2014

Posts : 21

Posted 1/14/2014 8:58 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, I am 8 days post surgery. I've had small amounts of stool pass but the last few days has reduced to practically nothing. I have nausea too. I've been using Metamucil and ducosate. I'm bloated like a beachball and very uncomfortable. I called my dr 4 hrs ago and haven't heard back. Tried again 20 minutes ago, still no answer. I'm wondering if I can use an enema to "jump start" my bowel? Or is that typically not recommended? Thanks for any input you have I'm pretty miserable.

answers4me2

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2008

Posts : 1339

Posted 1/14/2014 11:52 PM (GMT 0)

I wouldn't use an enema without the doctors permission. Has he called you back?

Alibee

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2010

Posts : 286

Posted 1/15/2014 1:34 AM (GMT 0)

I don't know your whole story, why are you taking metamucil and ducosate? Have you tried going very low-residue and drinking lots of liquids? I had a total colectomy and find that when things get too slow, low residue and liquids are much gentler.

beachballtummy1

Regular Member

Joined : Jan 2014

Posts : 21

Posted 1/24/2014 1:06 AM (GMT 0)

Hi, As you can imagine I've been pretty preoccupied. I'm feeling better overall but I did lose too much weight. I go back & forth between diarrhea and constipation. The constipation is the one that has my anxiety up. The dr has me taking ducosate sodium and miralax. I'm still told to only eat low residue so I can't overcome this with fiber like normal. This has been the hardest thing I've ever been through. I have no rectum and no sigmoid colon. That was taken out with the cancer 6mo ago. Thanks for any input you might have.
-BBT

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