I can totally relate! I was always constipated growing up but it was manageable. When I was in college it took over my life and I was miserable. I also did the bowel training routine and would spend...
I don't know your whole story, why are you taking metamucil and ducosate? Have you tried going very low-residue and drinking lots of liquids? I had a total colectomy and find that when things get too...
Hello! You've found a great place for answers and support. It has been quite a while since I posted here but I check back frequently to see how things are going. I had a total colectomy with...
Hi there, I had a total colectomy about 4 years ago, and for the first several weeks I had a lot of bladder discomfort, very similar to what you describe. It does go away! Do your best to relax...
Hi all, It has been so long since I've posted here. I still check in to read from time to time, lately it has been more often. I had my total colectomy w/ileorectal anastomosis November of 2011. I...
Have you ever looked into the possibility of having an ulcer? I have numerous stomach issues...been on these boards for years, but had the beginning of an ulcer a few years ago and had similar...
Hi, I had my surgery about on year ago, last November. I was very weak for a month or so after the surgery, and took things very slowly. I started feeling better, and 4 months later I started a...
Sending good thoughts your way!!!...
I really liked what you said about how things that would have been crisis for you in the past are less of an issue now. I have noticed this too but I didn't really understand it until you explained...
My situation is not the norm - but I was one of those people who woke up in a lot of pain. I had an epidural placed before my surgery, so ideally I would've woken up with hardly any pain....
I would say, even though you get the "go ahead"...to take it slowly with solid foods. I started out with things like cottage cheese, frozen yogurt, jello, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes etc. and I...
Sarah, you gave me such inspiration and support through all of my struggles - I wanted to let you know I will be saying a prayer, and sending good thoughts your way....
Saying a prayer and sending good thoughts your way! I agree with other posters, watch lots of tv - it's a great way to keep your mind occupied and pass the time!...
Go for the 3rd opinion...you may be worried about confusing yourself but you'll feel a lot better when you get as many opinions as you can out on the table, and it is totally worth it to have a...
Thanks! I actually don't have a stoma - they reconnected everything during my surgery. So far I have not had really any issues...I have been eating low-residue foods but have been adding in things...
Well the title says it all...today is my birthday and I spent it in the emergency room. Here is the rundown: I went out last night with some friends to watch a football game. Had less than 2 drinks,...
Most likely it is irritation from the catheter, but going to the doctor is always a good idea. I couldn't pee for several days after my surgery due to a combination of anesthesia and irritation from...
I had the same problem. I had my colon removed in November and just within the last month did my hair FINALLY stop falling out and started growing back. I have long hair and was always proud of it,...
When I had my colectomy I had an epidural with a pain pump attached, and a catheter. The epidural only worked on one side of my body, so the pain pump helped dull the pain on the other side...but if...
Also - I had the terrible gas/pains after surgery...would get gas almost constantly and it was painful. Has subsided tremendously since then. And about the staple - my surgeon told me not to be...
It sounds somewhat normal...I had some swelling after surgery and felt a LOT like that. I ate TINY amounts for a few weeks after and very slowly started to eat more. Sometimes just a bite or two and...
Hi all, it has been some time since I have posted but I check in occasionally when I can. I'll sum it up quick: had a colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in November for colonic inertia. Have been...
So glad to read this. I have been secretly freaking out for the past month or two due to hair loss myself. I had a colectomy in November and started noticing more than usual hair loss around...
Hi! I had a total colectomy in November of last year and was reconnected...I just wanted to let you know I also feel much better when I have diarrhea-like stools...and lots of foods seem to bother...
Hey Nanci, When you say you are having trouble going, in what way to you mean? Are things not moving through, or is it hard to "push" it out?...
How did you take the sea kelp? Was it a supplement in a pill form? I would be interested in trying it......
P.S. Does anyone have a good recommendation for a shampoo or conditioner??...
Thank you SO much everyone, I feel much better. I have noticed lots of little "baby" hairs growing in around my face, but it is still very troubling to see SO much hair when I do normal things like...
Had a colectomy in November. I've always lost some hair when styling it, but in the past couple of months it has been noticeably more. I have to sweep my bathroom floor every time I do my hair, pull...
Hi Rosemary! So great to hear from you. The gas was better today, but I did take your advice and let it out when I can, it definitely helps with the discomfort. Luckily the place I work in has loud...
I had a colectomy in November and my belly was pretty swollen for several weeks after surgery. It was also VERY sensitive and would bloat with even a tiny sip of water or bite of food, or stress. It...
Hi all, hope everyone is doing well. I have been very busy so I haven't checked in lately but I am catching up tonight. I had some struggles adjusting after my surgery (total colectomy w/ileorectal...
Hi all, hope everyone is doing alright. It has been about 5 months since my total colectomy and I'm doing pretty well. I still get bloated after eating but I manage it by eating tiny meals throughout...
SO glad to read this...I am about 5 months out from my surgery and still adjusting to my new life...so it's great to read such an inspirational post :) So glad you're doing great! Ali...
tom21, Thank you so much for your post. I am so glad my posts can help someone else see the light at the end of the tunnel. I still have my days when I don't feel perfect, but overall I feel MUCH...
Hi, I am 25 and 5 months ago I had my entire colon removed due to lack of motility. Of course stools are liquidy at first but after a couple of weeks everything normalized. Now my stools are looser...
Hi All, I hope everyone is doing well. I have not posted in a long time but I still check the boards often to keep up with that is going on. It has now been about 5 months since I had my total...
Sarah that is awesome, I am so happy and excited for you!!!...
I am 25 and had my colon removed almost 5 months ago. I was very weak and exhausted feeling, and it took about 4 to 5 weeks until I didn't feel like I needed to lay down and rest after showering. I...
I was lucky that the ward I was in was all single rooms...BUT, I almost wasn't so lucky! After my surgery I woke up in post-op and none of my family was there. They were still trying to wake me up...
When I was early out from my colectomy I had good luck with things like pudding and low-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt. I also had some muffins and a cinnamon bun and did well with those. I would...
Hahahahahaha ok that is funny! Got my laugh for today, thank you!...
Hi Montana...I also had a colectomy for colonic inertia. I am about 4 months post-op now. I can definitely relate the the "explosive" episodes you describe. I still never figured out what causes it,...
I had surgery and had everything connected right away...so no wait and no official takedown. I know what an adjustment it can be, I had TERRIBLE gas at first, it seemed to come randomly no matter...
I also would like to eat vegan but simply cannot eat enough different foods to be healthy enough. I already have to give myself weekly B12 shots because my doctor was shocked at how low my levels...
Hi all, I had a TC in november and was reconnected, so no bag. I am not a big red wine drinker - I usually stick to clear things like vodka. However, I have noticed on a few occasions since my...
Karen - yep! The "valve" thing sounds like me. I either don't have to go, or I have to GO. I love the feeling after that happens but when you're so full of food/prune juice/MOM/water...that sure is a...
Jackie, I agree with everyone else. Just figure out the easiest way to get some peace and quiet as soon as possible and get some rest. Sleep, watch some tv, read some magazines...just relax. If you...
Karen, you sound exactly like me! I had a total colectomy and had everything reconnected. I still get bloated after eating, everything you described. I can see food in a couple of hours, but I can...
Hi Rosemary, still haven't figured out the increased urination thing yet but I have a hunch it is because I drink so much water when I take the MOM. I drink a full 16oz. bottle when I take my dose,...