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colonic inertia and 8 years after total colectomy

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Posted 1/16/2008 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hello

I wonder if there is anyone who can tell me if they are experiencing excessive gas and bloating several years out from a total colectomy for colonic inertia. I have no real abdominal pain just lots of gas and bloating. The gas is so bad sometimes it feels like it is in my chest. I do not really get constipated but do have " explosive" stools at times. They are usually mud like or somewhat loose. I do not have problems with incontinence or accidents. Just miserable gas and sometimes it seems no matter what I eat I just feel awful. mad I still would not trade the surgery for what I went through before so I just wonder if anyone has any ideas.

I tried fiber but I did have cramping with that.  yeah  I have not had to use a laxative for over 8 yrs. after a life time of enemas and laxatives that is a relief.

Thanks

Posted 1/16/2008 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried taking probiotics to reduce gas? I have a jpouch (totalsubcolectomy due to UC) and most of us take a probiotic (friendly bacteria) every day to put good bacteria back in our gut. You might be suffering from a bacteria inbalance due to your colon being gone. It's fairly inexpensive but not all probiotics are the same. Brands I would recommend are PB-8, Culturelle, or FloraQ. PB-8 and Culturelle are the least expensive and you can find them in your local health food stores or purchase them online. Don't be surprised if you start taking one per day and find the gas gets worse, that's common but once things balance out you might feel better.

Sue
Posted 1/17/2008 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you I will try it. I have been on Protonix and sometimes I take gas pills. I feel like a balloon so I will try anything at this moment.
Posted 1/17/2008 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
We have this surgery scheduled for monday jan 21> we would love to chat with you reguarding you satisfaction with the surgery, long term side effect,what to expect, ect... We would be forever grateful if you could read our posts and give us some real answers. Thank You
Posted 1/17/2008 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
kbhb,

I had a TC for CI in 2001. However, the surgery did not work for me and left me in a continuously constipated state. Since, I have had 3 other surgeries attempting to help me have BMs without laxatives. I am so glad to hear that you can have BMs regularly without having to take a handful of agents. My surgeon told me the two major complaints with the TC are bloating and gas. In a study, they found that 80% of woman suffered from bloating and gas after the surgery. The best thing you can do is try to find remedies that may offer some relief. Have you looked into Digestive Enzymes? You can also research foods that "reduce gas" and try eating those foods for a couple days to see if it makes a difference. Gas is usually a build-up of air in the gut. Try to reduce ways that air may be getting into your system...do not use a straw, chew with your mouth closed, take small bites, chew your food well, and so on. Your local health store may be a great place for you to visit for digestive help. You may even want to attempt a colon cleanse of some sort to help clean out any bateria build-up in your system. There are many things you can explore, just go to a health store and find someone who is knowledgeable.

Good Luck.
Posted 1/21/2008 6:05 PM (GMT 0)

oilenz said...
We have this surgery scheduled for monday jan 21> we would love to chat with you reguarding you satisfaction with the surgery, long term side effect,what to expect, ect... We would be forever grateful if you could read our posts and give us some real answers. Thank You

 Let me apologize for not answering sooner I have not been on the site for several days.

Even though this is late let me say for me that this was a surgery I would not have traded anything for. It has been successful for me and it is going on 8 years. My only complaint which lately is constant bloating and gas. I do not have problems with incontinence or problems with constant diarrhea. I did have problems at first for approx 3 months with irregular pattern of stools. It takes a while for the body to adjust to the change. I don't have a colostomy either. It takes a while to get used to having more stools than just one or two daily although I never had them anyway. Overall I am glad that I made that choice because the alternative was worse than anything I feel now. I can eat anything edible and ususally do well with everything except beef.  My appetite is good and I had to actually go to Weight watchers to lose excess weight. I did well with that. I wish you well and hope the surgeon is good. Mine was excellent!!!!!!!!!!! yeah   If I can be of more assistance let me know.

Posted 3/26/2012 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi KBHB,
Thank you for the encouraging detail of how you are doing. I am also considering a total colectomy, my colon just stopped functioning after my second c-section. I was wondering if you had issues with weight gain and what has worked well for you in terms of health. I have heard that many struggle with weight gain and that they cannot eat many foods. What happens when you eat meat? Also, how well do you absorb medicines?
8 years is a long time, I think you are the only one I know educating the rest of us after 8 years. Thank you.
Posted 3/26/2012 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
Subtotalconfused -- welcome! I don't know much about your situation, but just wanted to mention that the post you responded to is 4 years old. You might want to start a new thread with your questions.
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