After muddling through 40 years of "IBS" I recently had multiple scopes to locate the cause of PR bleeding. Last procedure was a Pill Cam - it got stuck against an obstruction that appeared to be an ulcer. Emergency surgery (open) followed and half my small intestine and quarter of my large intestine were removed - apparently Crohns. After a couple of days of post op hell, I started on a fluid, then full diet, but could only eat a few mouthfuls at a time. Since coming home I been plagued by caustic diahorrea (12 times a day) upset stomach etc. and OMG! haemorrhoids and pain like you wouldn't believe after going to the toilet. I was prescribed Questran 3 times a day and this worked except for uncomfortable, violent flatulance. This was reduced to once a day with 1 Immodium and 1/2 codiene morning and night to slow down peristalsis. I have good and bad days, but don't seem to be moving forward. Any tips - especially for rectal pain?:yrolleyes:
Short Bowel Syndrome
- Thread starter Twiggy
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mikeyarmo
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Hi Twiggy,
I am sory to hear about your experiences so far. How long have you been home for? I know that it took a few months until after my surgery (removal of about 10cm of small intestine) until my bathroom visits returned to a more normal frequency. The removal of a greater amount of intestine can have a more permanent impact on your digestion, but you might go through something similar to my experience where your frequency of bathroom visits will begin to decrease after a few months
In addition to speaking to your doctor about your bathroom difficulties, have you also mentioned the rectal pain? I am sorry that I also do not have any useful advice for you there, but hopefully some others here will.
I am sory to hear about your experiences so far. How long have you been home for? I know that it took a few months until after my surgery (removal of about 10cm of small intestine) until my bathroom visits returned to a more normal frequency. The removal of a greater amount of intestine can have a more permanent impact on your digestion, but you might go through something similar to my experience where your frequency of bathroom visits will begin to decrease after a few months
In addition to speaking to your doctor about your bathroom difficulties, have you also mentioned the rectal pain? I am sorry that I also do not have any useful advice for you there, but hopefully some others here will.
ameslouise
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Hi Twiggy and welcome!
Wow! That sounds like a shocker to have so much intestine removed at once! Are you on any Crohn's maintenance drugs to keep things at bay? What do the docs recommend for the hemmies?
You might want to try a cream like Calmoseptine or a diaper rash cream to create a skin barrier to keep the diahrea from burning your skin down there. For many years (before my bag) I used a bidet or a cleansing bottle to clean my bottom and then just blotted dry. It really helped keep my skin intact during bad bouts of D.
Be sure to talk to your doc or nurse and let them know all you are dealing with so they can guide you. Especially the rectal pain - that could be sign of something more serious.
- Amy
Wow! That sounds like a shocker to have so much intestine removed at once! Are you on any Crohn's maintenance drugs to keep things at bay? What do the docs recommend for the hemmies?
You might want to try a cream like Calmoseptine or a diaper rash cream to create a skin barrier to keep the diahrea from burning your skin down there. For many years (before my bag) I used a bidet or a cleansing bottle to clean my bottom and then just blotted dry. It really helped keep my skin intact during bad bouts of D.
Be sure to talk to your doc or nurse and let them know all you are dealing with so they can guide you. Especially the rectal pain - that could be sign of something more serious.
- Amy
xJillx
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Welcome Twiggy! I am so sorry you are suffering so much right now. You've been through a lot and I sure hope you get relief soon.
As for the rectal pain, I would certainly mention it to your GI. As Amy suggested, it could be a sign of something serious, especially if it persists. I have been having on going rectal pain and will most likely soon be having a pelvic MRI to investigate.
As for the rectal pain, I would certainly mention it to your GI. As Amy suggested, it could be a sign of something serious, especially if it persists. I have been having on going rectal pain and will most likely soon be having a pelvic MRI to investigate.
Thanks for your advice. I have my first Post Op visit to the specialist in two days and will get all the pathology results and details then. The various treatments I've tried thus far have been on the advice of my GP, so hopefully the specialist will have something more to offer. Meanwhile, I'll give the bidet a go - a little more convenient than running a bath several times a day.
Hi Twiggy! There is a lot of discussion on here about psyllium husk for the diarrhea. It is found in otc fiber supplements like metamucil but can also be found as a natural supplement. You can do a search for it at the top of the page and get many results. Good luck!!
my bowels are just now getting somewhat normal. its been 5 weeks since surgery. surgeon told me it would take about a month after surgery, i have 2/3 of colon removed.. dont remember what else because i was pretty out of it when he talked to me after surgery. it does get better. eat small portions, and bland food. i was told pb and crackers, pb and jelly etc helped make it better.
