total colectomy and dehydration and also breastfeeding

Hi Everyone,
I have just found your site. I had a total colectomy 7 years ago. I have diarreah bowel movement at least 10 times each day. I have been breastfeeding my baby who is now 2. I am about to have another baby who I plan to breastfeed. I feel 'wiped out' a lot and need 9-10 hours sleep every night. Is that common?
Also I am worried about dehdration. Could anyone recommend what I can take as a supplement/s to help the dehydration?
Also any tips for reducing the diarreah?
Thanks very much
Mammajj
Back to Top

You really need to work on reducing the diarrhea and if so you might not need hydrating drinks regularly. What was your reason for surgery? Do you have an ostomy or colostomy? Permanent or loop?

To reduce diarrhea you might try eating Metamucil wafers. People swear by these. They absorb excess fluids and increase bulk. Start with 2 in the am and if needed you can have more in the evening. Also, stay away from anything with sugar in it including juices, sodas, canned fruit, etc. Sugar tends to loosen stool. Stick to bulking foods like pasta, rice, potatoes. Diet tips are different for everyone so what some of us find bulking others find loosening. You will need to experiment. Are you taking imodium or lomotil? If not you could try this. They both work by slowing down the transit system and allowing excess water to be absorbed. Both can be taken long term but do check with your doctor because you are breast feeding.

I only drink hydrating beverages when I am engaged in excessive physical exercise. I like Vitalyte, www.vitalyte.com It was formulated by a chemist/Olympic runner and best mimics the body's hydration.

Are you eating enough calories? Breast feeding uses a lot of calories so women need to be sure they are eating more than non-breast feeding women. If you find you can't eat more but need more calories try Benecalorie. It's a 1.5oz tasteless fluid that is added to meals or beverages. It packs 350 calories without adding bulk and putting more work on your ostomy. It's available online from Nestle Foods. You can Google it to find out how to purchase it.

Sue