Small bowel obstruction due to a Hernia

[BeanieWeenie]

Hi all,
First off I came to this forum not because of any association with Crohn's but because I had a Small bowel obstruction due to a Hernia which ended up twisting my small bowel from the anastamosis to the illium. I lost 3 feet of small bowel and my appendix from strangulation. I have so many question about diet and gas and bloating and absorption and low iron I just don't know where to begin. I have kind of found some relief in following the SBS diet. That has relieved some of the gas. I want to know when I will ever feel good again. Is there life after bowel surgery? I am a month out from my emergency bowel resection and still feel pretty crummy, is that normal? What should normal feel like by now? Help with your feed back please...I am a fish out of water right now

 

[dreamintwilight]

Hi BeanieWeenie.

I am not sure how much our advice on here may be applicable to your specific situation, but maybe some people will have some insight to give you.

My big question is...have you talked with your doctors about all the questions you have? Your GP and/or surgeon should be able to answer a lot of your post-surgery concerns and questions in regards to diet, absorption, etc.

Again...I don't knwo how much recovery is different for someone who had a resection due to an IBD related problem and a non-IBD related problem, but I have read many people on here state that it took a while for their digestive system to sort itself out afterward. Sometimes not for months

Yes, there is life after surgery. You have to remember that it is a very traumatic surgery that you have just gone through. It will take a while for your body to readjust.

If gas and bloating are becoming a problem, I suggest you refer to your surgeon or GP, like I mentioned. You must have a follow-up with a doctor. That would probably be the office to call with your concerns.

With diet...I think you should ask the same doctor or look into a nutritionist or dietician that can tailor a diet specifically to your needs and answer any questions you have about absorption and what you can do to supplement iron (your doc may also prescribe you iron tablets if you show anemia).

Good luck with your recovery.

 

[Jennjenn]

Hi welcome

Yes there is a life after having a resection surgery. It takes time for your body to adjust and heal. Everyones time frame is different. It depends on the person. I am not familiar with the SBS diet but I am sure if you discuss it with your doctor or maybe someone else on here might have some more advice on that. I had a resection and it took a while to start to feel well again. Some people are fast at recovery and some take a little longer.

 

[Crohn's 35]

HI Beenie so sorry you have had the nightmare from hell pain!!!!!!!! That pain is so indescribable. I hope you are better now with not much pain. Did you have a laproscopic or open surgery, they make a difference. Are you on any medication? I had two surgeries the first was lapro and was a breeze the second was open and takes alot longer to heal. Getting good sleep, nutrition helps alot. Your surgery wasnt all that long ago, insides take time to heal. :hang: ask any questions here, alot of good and knowledgable people to help you.

:welcome: to the forum!

 

[Keona]

Hi Beanie

Welcome and I hope you feel better soon

 

[ameslouise]

Hi Beanie - Welcome!

I agree with Marisa that your doc should be able to answer your questions and maybe refer you to a nutritionist for dietary help.

Speaking from experience, it does take a loooong time to heal from abdominal surgery. Your guts need a long time to heal. Take it easy on them! Soft, low-res diet is best for several weeks, then slowly add in more food. It may be months until you feel well enough to eat a salad again!

Good luck and be patient!

- Amy

 

[JetWhite]

Welcome Beanie,

and I hope you find the answers you need and start to obtain some relief.
Take care and I hope you feel better soon

 

[Jer's Girl]

Hi Beanie! I also agree with Marisa that you should talk to your Dr, but here are my two cents...

It took MONTHS for me to feel better after my last surgery! I almost regretted having it to be honest. But then, once I started feeling better, it was like it never happened at all and I am feeling great now (well, going into a mini flair, but that is more Crohns than Surgery)!

Good luck, and you are always welcome here to share in our collective knowledge. We are the Crohns Borg! But don't worry, you will not be assimilated.