Normal? Post-operative Diarrhoea and loose stools

[Liam]

Hi guys, I have recently had a small bowel resection. And I'm trying out foods that I previously couldn't tolerate, which has so far been successful.

The only problem, I seem to be having is diarrhoea and very lose stools. I'm going to the toilet, anywhere from 3 times to 9 times a day, depending.

I was wondering if I should introduce fiber into my diet now and try to eat foods that are high fibre? Could that possibly be why it is so loose?

As I used to eat as little fibre as possibly and my diet was very low residue. I found it helped in great deal in controlling the pain.

I would appreciate any comments at all, I have no idea whether to eat fibre and start trying to build up my fibre diet or stick to the fairly low residue foods.

Also, does anyone know of any foods that are good for solidifying stools?

Thanks in advance, Liam

 

[Rebecca85]

The BRAT diet is supposed to help with diarrhoea (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). But I think diarrhoea after a resection is normal. The remaining intestines need to adjust and compensate for the missing part, and this takes time.

 

[Claire617]

Yeah I've pretty much had that since my surgery too however has VERY slowly gotten better, it sucks but it's a trade I'm worth doing if it means no pain. My dietitian said to try and introduce fiber after a month however every time i do try little bits I get really constipated and nauseous... Like Rebecca said it's out of our hands really and I figure it's something that will settle in time.

 

[DustyKat]

Hey Liam,

Some of the problem may be dependent on how much bowel you had removed. Roo had 60cm of bowel removed and has been left with Short Bowel Syndrome so 6 loose stools on average a day is normal for her. As time has passed she been able to manage the inconvenience better and better simply because I think she has become so in tune with her body. There is medication she can take, Questran, that I know would work for her as she tried in early on but found it too unpalatable.

So the loose stools are normal and it is caused primarily by the bowel not taking bile salts back up, the terminal ileum is where this process takes place. It will most likely settle over time and as Rebecca and Claire have said it will take time.

Take care,
Dusty

 

[dustydshook]

I had my surgery in may2010 and have had the D ever since and it is worse now than before the surgery with more urgency. Never had to run for it b4 and now I do.

 

[Liam]

I had my surgery in may2010 and have had the D ever since and it is worse now than before the surgery with more urgency. Never had to run for it b4 and now I do.

Hi Dustydshook, yep, that's how it is for me. Before surgery, I would only go once or twice a day and it was fairly solid. But I would have pain from time to time, which could be quite servere, if I ate the wrong thing.

Post-surgery and I have no pain, and can eat a lot more foods but I'm having to run for it too.

Not sure which is more inconvenient lol.

 

[Liam]

Hey guys, thank you all for the advice and comments, yes hopefully it will settle with time and get into a routine. The doctor did say it could be weeks or months before the bowel develops a reasonable routine.

Liam

 

[MommaDot]

Liam, I had a resection in June 2008 (losing 26") and still have plenty of diarrhea every day (some days 6-8 loose bm). I have found that comfort foods treat me better: mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, breads, chicken sandwiches. The BRAT foods Rebecca mentioned are staples. I also can do pinto beans, black-eye peas and string cheese. The things I stay away from are caffeine (tea), sodas (big no-no), juice, salad greens, and any high-fat, greasy foods. Have traded milk for Silk and take Immodium each morning. I can eat my beloved Mexican food or Chinese if I just make sure I'm close to a bathroom within a hour after dining. I have learned most of the things that cause uncontrollable BMs. Some days I still cannot control it with diet. I've been on a medication like the Questran that DustyKat mentioned, but it caused me much gas (loud) and bloating so I couldn't do it. Eat soluble fibers and that will help some. Good luck on finding what works for you!

 

[kenny]

My surgery was in Oct of 2009 and I got back to normalcy by early Dec. But things still wobble back and forth and always will I expect. Until they get worse again that is.

 

[Liam]

Hi Mommadot and Kenny, thanks for the advice.

It's a difficult one isn't it?

My op was on the 5th August 2010, and it's just over a month now and I have noticed a slight improvement.

What I have found is that it tends to depend on what I have eaten. Baked beans, potato bake, cheese, bread, grapes, chips. I have found these foods are helpfully in solidifying stools.

The best of luck to both of you in the future.

Liam

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi Liam, my first resection, didnt take long as it was a laproscopic resection. The second took a year or more, and was on Questran for about 2 years, now, nothing. Depends on your fitness, your diet and age. Also depends how much and where they took it out. Alot of people go quick on eating foods they couldnt in the past, well,sometimes you have to watch, go it slow, hope you are on track soon, it will come. Time heals!

 

[Liam]

Thanks for the reasurrance, Jettalady.

I have been cautious with what I have tried, and so far, so good. But I'm introducing them little and often and keeping a diary, so I can identify any problem foods or any ones that make me go to the loo a lot.

Thanks, Liam

 

[jazmac]

Have tried slippery elm powder mixed with small amount of warm water and some juice from a coconut.