Diarrhea after resection

[bandbmom]

My son had a resection surgery on March 21. They took out about 6 - 8 inches of his terminal ileum. He was doing ok until last night when he had a severe case of diarrhea. He was feeling pretty good, so he ate a lot of pepperoni pizza and then the diarrhea hit. He has ate some today, but still feels like it might hit again. I feel so sorry for him because I can see him worrying about something like this happening when he's not at home. Is this normal for this type of surgery and should it get better soon? I worry so much about this disease taking normal activities away from him. I hope and pray this isn't something he will have to live with also. We are praying that this surgery will give him years and years of remission. Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom you can offer us!

 

[Jim (POPS)]

Hi bandbmom,
After my resection i did have some"D", like that but in time it went away. He will have a new "normal". sometimes thats 5 BM's a day, sometimes 8, sometimes 1 or 2, no one can tell you how it will be, but things should settle down soon. How long till they settle down , it could take 2 weeks, 1 month or even 3 months, no one can tell you that eather. But one thing is for sure, he will get better. After a resection or any surgery on you intestine it will take some time to get to a "new normal" it could be just like it was when he was well, then again it just might be a "new normal. All we can do is wait and see. If you think he is going to the bathroom to much I would contact your GI, but I would think that you have an appt. with them already since he just had surgery.

I hope this helps.
Jim (Pops)

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Not to scare you but I have mainly had diarrhea post-resection. If he had normal stools he may just have a bug. He is still fresh out of surgery. I wouldn't worry too much unless it continues. Even so there are treatments for chronic diarrhea.

 

[DustyKat]

As Pops has said, it does vary greatly from person to person. :hug:

My two have had ileocaecal resections and they both have had issues with bile salt malabsorption diarrhoea since then. My daughter had 68cm of ileum removed and my son 28cm.

If it does prove that your son suffers with this problem as well there is medication that can help and they are the bile sequestrants like Questran or Colestid. Another alternative is psyllium husks, my children use psyllium with great effect. Just be aware that if your son does commence use any of these products that you must not take any medications or supplements with them as it can affect their absorption. I do believe that both of my kids have had some natural take up over time too.

My children have had a great response to surgery Mum. My daughter had surgery in July 2006 and my son two years ago today! They have both been in remission since that time.

Good luck to you and your lad! :heart:

Dusty. xxx