3 weeks post op

[mreeve]

Hi all, This is my 1st post.

3 week ago i had Ileocolic Resection
This operation was to remove the terminal ileum, the last part of the small intestine and first part of the colon, im doing ok ish but i just wanted to know if anyone has any suggestions regarding how to deal with bowel movements this is still liquid to porrige consistence but having to go every time i eat food my bottom is becoming extremely sore, i use moist wipes and a E 45 cream,
I have spoken to my doctors and all they say is eat light meals little and often.

 

[Grumbletum]

Hello there
And a very warm welcome to the forum. Glad you found us. I'm also happy to hear that things have gone well with your surgery.
It can take a wee while to feel back to your normal self again. Did you have open or laparoscopic surgery? Mine was the latter and even then, it was a good 6 to 8 weeks to feel completely over it.
It can also take some time for the bowel to adjust and settle down again too. The removal of the IC valve can also affect how your bowel will handle certain foods now. I - and many others who've had the same surgery - find that it's best to avoid oily and fatty foods as they seem to go straight through. I also find that foods with a high sugar content have me running to the loo.
I hope that helps and that you'll let us know how you get on. If the problem persists after some time, there are meds and natural remedies that can help.

 

[mreeve]

Thank you Grumbletum, for the warm welcome,

I had open surgery,they say 6 to 8 weeks even before i can get behind the wheel of me car.The only advice i was given when i was discharged from hospital was to eat light meals little and often, i have yet to find out what is good or bad, i don't have a huge appetite, but tend to go for soft foods like mash, rice soups. within certain periods of time they all go through me just as quick, i have spoken with my doctors regards the soreness to the bottom and they say just use wipes and creams to sooth it. I guess its still early days for me to be getting worried as its only been 3 weeks, but gee it does get sore.

 

[Grumbletum]

Yes, it is still quite early so hopefully things will settle down in time. People here recommend a cream called Calmoseptine for the poor, raw bottom. Also sitz baths or even soaking in a nice warm bath, maybe with a little salt in the water should help ease it a little.
I'm in the UK and they had me on an 'enhanced recovery' programme which basically meant eat what you want. I definitely wasn't ready for that! I asked if I could have Fortisips or similar and the dietician agreed as my appetite wasn't that great. A liquid food/supplement might be an idea for a short time and might give you a break from the liquid stools?

 

[HARVinTX]

i have spoken with my doctors regards the soreness to the bottom and they say just use wipes and creams to sooth it. I guess its still early days for me to be getting worried as its only been 3 weeks, but gee it does get sore.

For me, it starts with the ultra soft toilet tissues and pat more than wipe when I am having the bathroom blues (my way of saying I will be in the bathroom 10+ times). I travel for work and hotel TP gets me sore after 4-5 times at the toilet. Ugh. I also use moist wipes to get that extra clean

When I do get sore I use a bit of triple antibiotic ointment between toileting but it works best when it can stay on for longer periods, like at bedtime.

Having my small bowel resection with ileocecal valve removed 15JUL and will be taking my own TP.

Hope you feel back to your ole self soon!

 

[valleysangel92]

Hi mreeve

As the others have said, you are still in early days, so be patient with yourself.

Many people find that they have liquid stools after a resection and like you I was going every time I ate. I found that eating smaller meals did help, and it helped me get my appetite back too. Try not to eat too much sugar and maybe limit the amount of fruit and veg you are eating for now.

It can take a few months for your bowels to settle down completely after surgery like this, its a big shock to your body and it takes time to adjust.

 

[valleysangel92]

Hello mreeve,

I'm wondering how you are getting along? I hope you are starting to feel more like yourself now?