Another issue….constipated and tons of cramps.

Hi All,

Sorry for posting so much lately. For those who don't know, I had a colostomy surgery (plus hysterectomy and bladder sling) on Jan. 27th after a lifetime of severe constipation and bowel incontinence.

This recovery from surgery has not been the easiest thing. Of course, it could be so much worse, so I am thankful it's going ok. First was the UTI and Ileus, then open wound that has to be packed for another 4 weeks or so. Also have quite a bit of leakage from my urethra (doc says we have to wait and then run urodynamics test to see what exact problem is and then we have lots of options to fix it).

Then I was having double and triple the output from my ostomy than the doc wanted, so we cut back on my Linzess (for constipation). Now, no output at all and lots of cramping in upper abdomen and nausea. Started back on the Linzess this morning, but feeling super uncomfortable and the nausea and cramps are awful. I am taking Zofran but not sure how to deal w/ cramps. I was told the oxy wouldn't help cramps, but what will? Do I want to get rid of them or are they actually working to move the stool out of me? So confused.

I have been back n forth w/ my surgeon's assistant today several times, she is wonderful. I just thought I'd try getting info here before bugging her again!

Any ideas/thoughts????


One last question…anyone w/ a colostomy or ileostomy ever feel like you have to pass gas and it still feels like it will come out of your butt? I have felt like that several times since surgery--is it just my mind playing tricks on me?

Thanks,

Sunny.

narcotic pain killers can slow everything down too :(

hope things get better soon!!!

Hi sunny!
I am in the hospital right now from my jpouch/ ileostomy reversal surgery that I had yesterday! Still on pain pump and having effects of anesthesia so hopefully this post makes sense haha. Oh my gosh, I know exactly what you mean! I didn't have constipation or ileus though. But had severe cramping, nausea, and a uti as well. Antibiotic helped uti and wasn't a big deal. I also took zofran for nausea and it would work. I was on Percocet for pain and was also told they wouldn't help cramping but hey we're SO BAD! I just powered through them and they went away after a while. Maybe a few days I think. I took Percocet anyway just cause it would make me sleep and I at least wouldnt think about the cramping. But DONT overdue the Percocet! I think thats what made me really nauseous anyway was the painkillers. And make sure you eat and drink even if you are nauseous and don't feel good. Just start food bland and slow. I didn't cause I felt so horrible that I didn't want food and went to the emergency room about 3 weeks after my first surgery due to some dehydration and they found my sodium level was dangerously low. Had to stay overnight with a central line! So after that I drank drank drank and ate as much as I was able without feeling worse. Gatorade was awesome for hydration and sodium if you like it and get tired of water. So try that! I also felt the feeling of passing gas and pooping through the back. Are you getting jpouch or is bag permanent? Did the close/ sew your butt up? If not, I also had a lot of mucous pass through my butt after surgery. It's normal! Anyway, sorry you are in pain. It sounds very similar to the pain I was in once I got home from the hospital, which I know sucks. Hope this helps and that you feel better soon!