Ileostomy reversal

[mom2twogr8tkids]

I had a ileostomy reversal in 09' and I have diarrhea non stop (sometimes 15x's a day). My dr says it's normal after the reversal and that I'll pretty much be stuck with those side effects. So I was just curious if anybody else has to deal with this too??? It's so annoying!! oo:

 

[Jennifer]

As far as I'm aware whether or not you have diarrhea after your ileostomy reversal goes by a case by case basis because from what I've read it depends on how much of the colon has been removed since that's where a large portion of the fluids are absorbed or it could also depend on the amount of good flora in your colon being too low. It's common to have diarrhea after a ileostomy reversal but for many people things do go back to normal. For some people the diarrhea lasts for weeks and others have mentioned months to years yet some people have said that its never gone back to normal. It's been a while since I've seen this type of issue mentioned on the forum but I have seen it in the past so I know you're not alone at least. Have you tried medications like Lomotil to help with the diarrhea?

 

[mom2twogr8tkids]

Mine has yet to go back to normal. But it's ok...I'm dealing with it. lol I do know that I've had a pretty good bit removed. I haven't tried Lomotil. Is it over the counter or Rx? I do take Questran packets. They helped at first but I think I've been on them so long that maybe my body is needing something new.

 

[Jennifer]

Lomotil is by prescription. It's a stronger version of Imodium. My GI prescribed it to me because I tend to have diarrhea often after having a portion of my ileum removed. The Lomotil does help for me and it may or may not work for you. I don't see any harm in trying it out though.

 

[mom2twogr8tkids]

I'm not a big liquid person. lol I have a very hard time getting things like that down...even immodium lol I have a very bad gag reflex lol

 

[Jennifer]

LOL then you'll LOVE Lomotil. This pill is smaller than my birth control pill. It's smaller than a 5mg tablet of Prednisone. I can't even feel it hit my mouth when I take it and it doesn't taste like anything.