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Cramping After a Colectomy

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/18/2012 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
My son (now 15) was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2010. After 2 years of taking various meds (which did not work), he had a colectomy (on Aug 1). 18 days post-op, my son continues to have cramping daily. Some days are worse than others. His GI did a endoscopy on him 4 days ago to make sure that his small intestine was fine; he found nothing wrong. He's been trying to stick to a low residue diet as well as avoiding gas causing foods (although it's been a challenge finding foods he CAN eat). Can anyone offer advice?
Posted 8/19/2012 6:23 AM (GMT 0)
I have not had surgery yet but plan to soon. There are a couple people who have had surgery who still frequent this site, but you might have better luck asking this question on the ostomies forum:

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=33

They will have much more experience with complications or issues post-surgery.
Posted 8/19/2012 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Bootstrap. I will do that. Good luck and if you have any questions or just need to 'talk' feel free to reach out. Although I do not have an IBD, by I write on behalf of my son who was diagnosed with pancolitis in 2010... and was on many of the same medicines as you (including the Remicade).
Posted 8/19/2012 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Its probably just post op "healing pains". Especially since he has been checked and everything looks fine. His surgery wasn't too long ago and it takes some time to recoup and feel normal again. I remember feeling crampy and sore for a good month. Hope he feels better soon. :)
Posted 8/20/2012 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
You give me hope "ByeByeUC". Thank you.
Posted 8/20/2012 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
You're welcome. Make sure he is eating easy foods like rice, potato, bagels, soup or broth, yogurt, grilled chicken or fish for now just as some examples. Nothing fried or greasy and no carbonated drinks. I would have him stay away from sugar for the time being as well. Just during the healing period. Soon enough he will be able to eat all his favorite foods again. It just takes a bit of time at first.

You may also want to try giving him a digestive enzyme such as Beano. If it's gas cramps that he is having (that's what I had) the Beano stops the gas before it forms. This may help. It's in every grocery store and cheap so it's worth a try.
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