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I had a reversal of my eliostomy on Sep 9, 2009 and have had diarrhea on a continuous basis. What can I consume to eliminate this problem. Send HELP soon.

Tropper82

I had a temporary colostomy reversed 10 years ago, after a colon resection for cancer. I experienced either D or so many bm's, during a 24 hour period, that I had to go on a low residue diet. I faithfully stayed on this diet for 2 years. After that I could stray slightly from the diet but I'm still on it about 75% of the time. This is for the rest of my life. I've just accepted it. It's also a good thing I like plain foods! Prior to a LRD, I was having 3 bm's during one meal. It was just awful. The minute I began chewing, I had the urge to go. But within about 48 hours of strictly eating only low residue diet foods, I was a new person. I had formed stool. I still went all the time but at least it wasn't D. And I could use any public bathroom, as long as it wasn't messy or D and I could hold it until I got inside a stall.

I like to say my first surgeon saved my life from colorectal cancer. But a LRD also saved my life, I thought I'd never be able to leave my bathroom and bedroom area again. I was only 44 at the time too. I had young children who were bored out of their minds and wanted their mom back.

There are many foods on this diet that work great for me - bananas, applesauce, plain white rice, plain white bread (Sara Lee or bakery bread, not Wonder), plain english muffins, mashed potatoes (instant over from scratch sometimes is even better), turkey, chicken, fish, regular pasta, etc. I avoid whole wheat products, bran, berries (blueberry, red raspberry, strawberry, blackberries - all wreak havoc on my gut), fresh pineapple, spicy foods, a lot of candy at one time (I can have small servings now but 10 years ago I avoided any candy), nuts, seeds, beer.

Organic yogurt is good to try but I am allergic to dairy and milk so I avoid it. I take a daily probiotic pill instead.

I've learned the hard way - you are what you eat.

I also kept a food journal, recording every single thing I ate and drank in a 24 hour period. Record things such as using straws, chewing gum, if you were sick and taking an antibiotic for example. A lot of things such as extra stress, a cold or the flu can induce D or bring it on for me.

I wish you well. Google low residue diet. You will find a lot of links.

Good luck.