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Had a bowel resection and iliostomy 5 weeks ago

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Posted 6/16/2018 9:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hope I'm on the correct page. Had a bowel resection and iliostomy 5 weeks ago due to complications with diverticulitis. Surgeon said I had an abscess and it was a mess in there. It's a temporary iliostomy. I'm still struggling with recovery. I'm still taking pain meds and struggling with dehydration. I can't take the Immodium they suggest. I'm normally really fit so maybe I'm impatient. Does this sound normal to still feel pretty crappy, especially in the mornings. I eating all the foods suggested to thicken up output, doing all the right things. The pain meds improve my appetite and help me move a bit better, but I probably shouldn't be relying on them? Can anyone that has had both give me some advice and reassurance. ? Thank you.
Posted 6/17/2018 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Not easy,seems the most common side effect is dehydration.Imodium has helped me.Im in between surgery 2-3.Finally said I'm eating what i want bc eating bananas,potatoes etc etc etc got old.I deal with loose stool but use imodium as needed.Dr said no more then 8 on 24 hr period.Never use that many.Im not someone who likes pain meds and only use them if i want to scream/pain.The dehydration usually get better,could be 2- 4-6 weeks for it to get better
Posted 6/17/2018 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Potatoes and applesauce are my "go to" thickeners.

The temporary ileo is a bear. I think I felt crappy for at least 3 weeks. I did best by eating tiny meals/snacks throughout the day. Any time I tried to eat a normal meal's worth of food, I was in pain.

It's major surgery, so your insides need to heal. I'm sure that's difficult for someone who is accustomed to being fit! Hang in there.
Posted 6/18/2018 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your replies. 3timechamp I can't tolerate Immodium at all unfortunately, and the foods recommended don't seem to make much difference. Song lady it sure is major surgery! I am still struggling after 5 weeks, with weakness, nausea etc. I thought I would feel so much better by now. But we are all different and heal in different ways. I have just had blood results and they are not too bad considering. A bit dehydrated but not too bad. Sodium is low but not dangerously. I am also 62 by the way. Am seeing surgeon on Friday for follow up and will mention to him I still feel " fluey like I did before op. But temp normal . He is very good.
Posted 6/27/2018 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
It's not linear healing with these kinds of surgeries, that is to say healing comes, but not as you may expect it. The difference between a week or two can be surprising, so try to be patient and know every week you are healing.

The longer you go with the ileostomy the more fluids your body learns to absorb, so it does get better in time. Lomotil is an alternative to Immodium and there are a few other drugs known to slow things down. Drinking a lot of fluids is the job you have to focus on.

You could try an electrolyte drink, also don't be afraid to add more sodium to your diet since your body is not absorbing it like it had before.

Post Edited (Virdent) : 6/26/2018 6:41:00 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/27/2018 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Virdent. I am 7 weeks down the track. Still struggling but this kind of advice really helps . I have just said in another post I want to be more mobile but struggling with that even at this stage. And that's hard for someone that is usually really fit. Please feel free to give any more advice. Am very flat today.
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