Hi guys,
this past July I had colon surgery - all of my colon removed and my small intestine connected to my rectum. Besides my wound infection (which is healing very well), I've noticed remarkable improvment - no more blood, no more abdominal pain. I still have diahrrea from time to time, but this is becoming less frequent as my stools become more solid, and frequency is 5-8 bms a day, although I'm told this will improvem in the next 6 months as my small intestine adjusts to the changes.
However, I do still wake up at least twice every night to go to the bathroom, which really disrupts my sleeping habits. Is this normal for those of you who have had my surgery or j-pouch surgery? Does this improve over time? I've tried eating dinner earlier so that I don't have any food in my system several hours before i go to bed, but this doesn't seem to make a difference.
Any suggestions or recommendations? Interestingly enough, when awake, I can sometimes go 8-9 hours without going to the bathroom, but when I sleep, this never happens.
thanks,
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CollegeGrad85
dx with ulcerative colitis 11/2008
tried all mesalamines to no effect; pred helped some
ileorectan anastomosis surgery 7/2010
UC FREE except for mild rectal inflammation