Resection not much help

[Sojourn]

The best thing about it, was that I don't have to change the bandage on my stomach every day for the draining fistula that was there. Other than that, my digestive problems are actually worse, four weeks out now. I've only had mild pain, but I actually would rather have a little pain instead of the big D.

It feels like there's a partial blockage somewhere as I can feel gas moving around on the left side of my stomach, but not the right. So it seems the food is building up there, and then when there's enough, it squeezes through all at once causing the D.

The doctor seems to think that 6mp or Remicade might fix this. To those of you that suggested I try Remicade before the surgery, I may well should have as I may end up on it anyway. But that could have meant a few more months of dealing with the draining fistula. I am still reluctant to go on it considering the cost and the uncertainty of my job situation. With the severity of my digestive problems now, though, if Remicade works, it could help me to keep my job so it's kind of a catch-22. The doctor said it may take a couple of months for the 6mp to take effect.

So I'm just rambling. I need to make a decision soon or start losing a lot of weight. Of course, I would like to lose about 15lbs so that wouldn't hurt.

 

[Kev]

Hey sojourn, sorry to hear that it turned out that way for you. My post op time was literally the best time I've had in the last few years (hmm, not sure what that says about my life in general).. I know it's probably felt like a long 4 weeks or so, but when do you see the surgeon again for a follow-up, and in the interim, what if any dietary restrictions are you on? It does sound like a partial blockage issue or a stricture... But, depending on how much they cut out of the colon (it was a colon resection, right? my memory is the pits these days) then you need to discuss/rule out any possibility of it being short bowel syndrome. I think, but am not sure, a temporary situation mimmicking that can occur in some patients... Anyway, good luck and God bless, and keep posting!

 

[Sojourn]

I only had 15 inches removed, which I understand, was half of my right colon so I wouldn't think that could cause short bowel syndrome, but I don't know. When I had my post-op with the surgeon he seemed a little surprised that I was still having digestive problems and even seemed to take it kind of personally as he was so proud of his laparoscopic handiwork. But he said it was something I would have to sort out with the GI.

I've been avoiding the foods I usually avoid, raw fruits and veggies for the most part, but have a hard time eating real healthy being on the road all the time. Meaning I end up eating a lot of processed foods. This could be part of the culprit as well as coffee. But after hearing so many success stories after resections I thought I'd be in the clear for awhile.

 

[Kev]

Me? I was too much of a coward... I maintained my diet post surgery. I was just getting to the point where I dared to dream about eating normally again when the proverbial shit hit the fan. Anyway, I wasn't so much thinking of your diet in terms of post op... more as in response to the blockage issue and the big "D".

 

[D Bergy]

Yeah, Coffee is not good at all if you are having problems. Just to acidic. I had to give it up for a while when the guts were not working right. I started drinking Green Tea, which actually seemed to help me out a bit.

I can do Coffee now, but I still drink mostly Green Tea.

Dan Bergman