Ileostomy reversal and stool

Hello, I'm new here, but had my reconnective surgery in mid-Aug.  Problem is, I'm having diarrhea and still do.  I was told by my surgeon to EAT MEAT and no fiber, so no veggies.  Trouble is, I HATE meat - well, maybe that's a strong word to use - but I don't like it.  I'm having trouble eating at all due to the limited menu and have lost electrolites (I'm sure) due to the ongoing diarrhea.  I "go" many times during the day and a few at night.

Anyone else have this trouble or can offer some help?

gaia10

That is precisely what I would have suggested - the brat diet or low residue diet. Google both and you will see that these foods will be easy on your gut and GI tract. And will help end the D.

After my temporary colostomy reversal my doctor said - eat possibly small meals, not too spicey but other than that, eat anything you want, enjoy life, take Immodium!

Worse advice I ever received in MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!

If not for the internet and colon cancer message boards, I wouldn't have known what to do. I was having 3 bm's during one meal, living feet from the bathroom.

Until I read about low residue diets on a message board, recommended for someone with severe D, after receiving chemo treatments. Her symptoms were mine, minus the chemo. I was skeptical at first but within 48 hours I was a new person. I could venture out into my family room, actually leave the house and drive somewhere. I felt on top of the world.

I was on the LRD for 2 full years, I was diligent about it and kept a food diary. My surgeon? I told him and he paused for at least 2 minutes to ponder this new way of eating. I had pretty much decided then and there had he said - go off that diet, it's not safe for you! I was going to say - oh okay, lying thru my teeth and agree to eat high fiber. And ignore his advice. But he actually said - you know what, that makes complete sense to me. As if a light bulb had come in his head. Why would someone want high fiber and foods that irritate the colon lining as they travel thru? After MAJOR SURGERY? That is just crazy if you ask me.

I'm still on this diet about 75% of the time, it's been 11 years and it hasn't killed me yet. I do have wheat bread occasionally and more fresh fruit than I initially could.

You'll likely find what works for you and what doesn't. Writing it all down in a food journal/diary is helpful.

One final note, I also didn't eat after dinner back then, to give my colon a 12 hour break from solids. My primary reason was so I could sleep at night. But later I realized I felt so much better if I didn't eat after 7 pm. So I'd eat 4 - 6 small meals for 12 hours, then only water after dinner until 11 pm.

But, kids, I had NO COLON.  I have had diarrhea since Aug 11.  I go 20 or more times a day!  I have to go several times at night.  I have to give a stool sample to see if the C-Diff has returned or spread - in which case, I dunno what happens next.  I'm going to start injections Monday to see if I can get this diarrhea under control.  This is horrible.  I never eat the wrong foods but don't eat a lot because I hate meat and must eat peanut butter or a little meat once in awhile.  I don't even want to eat - no appetite.  I'm at a loss.

gaia10(Betsy)