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Just come home from Proctocolectomy + loop ileostomy

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Posted 4/19/2011 9:14 AM (GMT 0)
I came home from hospital yesterday...and I feel horrendous. I had my surgery 10 days ago and they've let me go. But I had an absolutely awful nights sleep last night, I feel so nauseous, and I'm so uncomfortable in whatever position I try to sit or lie in. My appetite has gone completely even though it had kind of started to come back when I was in hospital.

The output from my stoma was starting to get thicker a few days ago but its now completely liquid and keeps changing in colour.

I guess I'm just feeling paranoid about everything and I feel so down cos I feel so awful. :(

Posted 4/19/2011 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
I am so sorry you are feeling so terrible. It will get better. Are you taking Imodium? That will help the liquid output. Also, can you get something for the nausea? Probably taking pain medication and not being able to eat aren't helping with that. Maybe you could get some zofran? I was very uncomfortable, too, it seemed I could never get comfortable. I am a stomach sleeper so it was miserable. Each week it will get better. Ten days isn't that long ago. I also think it's normal to feel down and paranoid. Don't worry about the color changing...it all depends on what you have eaten.

Hang in there...we are here for you.
Posted 4/19/2011 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
It could be the start of an Ileus. It's where your intestine go back to sleep mad It can happen any time you have surgery like ours but hang in there it is temporary and should clear up within a few days. During that time if you start to vomit call your doctor and let them know about it. Take it easy on food until you don't have the nauseous feeling anymore and if you can tolerate ginger ale (but be careful of the bubbles) that might help.

If you start to run a fever call your doc, too, since that could mean other things.

Things WILL get better. Keep walking and get your rest!
Posted 4/19/2011 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
qwerty, its early still and things will get better and its very normal to feel paranoid, I know I did for some time. I found when sleeping I bought a body pillow and keep that on my stomach and can lay anyway I like apart from on my tummy, but now I am comfortable and that didn't take me long. You output will change color and depending on what you eat it can be watery output as well, things like pasta, rice, mashed potatoes will help thicken your output. I have had my ileostomy for 2 years and still have those days where my output is mostly watery. As for the nausea I would call the doc and have a chat to him about it it could be due to your pain meds or just that its not that long since your surgery, your body needs to repair now so take it easy and as each day goes by you will feel better. We are here to help with any questions you may have. Take care and sending some ((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) your way
Doreen
Posted 4/19/2011 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
I just thought about this driving to work...if you are dehydrating you'll have high liquid output and can feel nauseous, too. Drinks with a lot of sugar/artificial sugar can do that. Make sure you try to increase your salt intake and eat, even a few crackers, when drinking.

I hope you are feeling better smurf
Posted 4/19/2011 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
I agree about being dehydrated. I always keep saltine type crackers next to my bed. Helps nausea and dehydration.
Posted 4/19/2011 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
I had thicker stools that turned back to liquid in my 2nd week too. I take an immodium 30 minutes before i eat a meal and before I go to bed and now its much much better. Sometimes I also take one in the afternoon. You can take up to 8 in a 24 hour period.
you could try getting a wedge pillow or making a wedge out of pillows you have at home. That was what I did for the first 2 weeks at home to make it easier on me to sleep. the elevation may help the nausea too.
A trick to help with dehydration drink V8. The real stuff not the splashes they have now. You want to avoid sugar right now. you're lacking electrolytes and drinking V8 helps get them back. Or if you can find them, electrolyte salts. I got some from my naturopath and they taste gross but really made a difference. And its better than just adding salt and baking soda to your water, which will also do the trick. Talk to your doc about a prescription to help with the nausea. I didn't have any so I got no help for that one. ALso if you have no appetite, just drink beef or chicken broth. that way you still get some nutrition and electrolytes. And yes crackers or pretzels help, and they'll thicken everything up too.
oh and stool changes color all the time. Don't worry about that too much. Mines green in the morning because its mostly stomach bile from not eating, then yellow in the early afternoon and by 2 its back to brown.
Hope you feel better!!
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