Post-Ostomy Take-down problems

I've had both a Colostomy (after colon resection) and also a temporary Ileostomy during J Pouch surgery. Have you had your Thyroid checked? Hypothyroidism can cause chronic constipation.

yes... "A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is used to check for thyroid gland problems. TSH is produced when the hypothalamus releases a substance called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then triggers the pituitary gland to release TSH."


"There are many different causes of chronic constipation. It can be due to structural lesions of the colon (e.g., colon cancer, colon stricture or narrowing), medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease, or pregnancy, or due to medications such as pain medications (narcotics), blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers), anti-seizure medication, and antispasmodics. In these cases, switching to a new medication can improve the symptoms. In people over 50, a more serious bowel disease or a structural disorder could cause the onset of constipation, so it is important to see a health professional to rule out any serious causes.

Chronic constipation that is not due to “secondary” causes, such as other medical conditions or medications, is referred to as “functional constipation.” The three main causes of functional constipation are normal transit constipation, slow transit constipation, and defecatory or evacuation disorders. In normal-transit constipation, the rate of stool passage through the colon and stool frequency are normal, but patients perceive that they are constipated. Changes in the water content of the colon may also play a role in this type of constipation. In slow-transit constipation, passage of stool through the colon is slower than normal. Defectory disorders that can cause constipation include dyssynergic defecation, rectal prolapse (protrusion of rectal tissue through the anal opening), and rectocele (outpouching of the rectum). In dyssynergic dysfunction, also referred to as pelvic floor dysfunction or anismus, there is ineffective coordination of the pelvic floor, abdominal, rectal, and anal sphincter musculature in the evacuation mechanism."

PromisedaRainbow, you seemed really happy with your stoma in August of 2013. Now you're averaging a blockage every two months and 2/3 of them put you in the hospital. Seems like you've had a huge dip in quality of life. Is there any chance of going back, and just living with a permanent ostomy?

Also, as a temporary relief from constipation, have you considered juicing? You can get 80% of your daily nutrition from homemade fruit/veg juice.

https://www.amazon.com/Omega-J8004-Nutrition-Commercial-Masticating/dp/B001RLYOEE

You can plug your diet into Cronometer and see what you're lacking:

https://cronometer.com/

Typically juice + some sardines will get you to 100% of your RDAs, and none of this should exacerbate diverticulitis. Juice is fairly low residue but should be easier to pass than doctor-recommended low residue foods like white bread, which are full of gluten and yeast (and offer zero nutrition).