Had APR/permanent colostomy seven weeks out suddenly can't eat

Helen321
Helen321 Member Posts: 1,459 Member

Hi all, I've had the surgery, colostomy is functioning and I was doing okay, moving in the right direction but suddenly these past few days, I have a complete lack of energy, no appetite and water is a turnoff.  I'm not feeling generally well.  Sleep cycle is very broken.  Napping even feels horrible because I know I'll wake up feeling crappy.  I've been trying to force down water but I don't have a desire for that either.  At this point I am forcing myself to eat small meals and munching on pretzels and drinking orangeade snapples which is sugar but I just need to drink something and it goes down easily and isn't making me queasy.  Did anyone take a big step backwards this far after surgery?

Comments

  • steveandnat
    steveandnat Member Posts: 886
    Don't like

    I don't like the fact you feel so bad...did you call the onc? I pray it is just a small bump in the road.  I'd make sure there isn't any infection.  Jeff

  • tachilders
    tachilders Member Posts: 313
    I would contact your onc

    I would contact your onc and/or colorectal surgeon right away and make sure nothing is wrong. 

    Tedd

  • tommycat
    tommycat Member Posts: 790 Member
    That was a big surgery you

    That was a big surgery you had Helen, and I know after mine it was sometimes one step forward, two steps backs. However with that being said, you really should go be checked out. You might have an infection  or perhaps be deydrated but it's your health you're talking about here.

    You've come this far so please get it checked out. I hope it's an easy fix.

    Hugs from California,

    tommycat

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    Agree with others to contact your doctor asap...

    I think blood work especially should be checked, for infection or anemia.  That feeling so crappy not even a nap helps reminds me of when I was severely anemic.  Keep us posted!  AA

  • dmj101
    dmj101 Member Posts: 527 Member
    I am in agreement

    Call the Dr.. that sounds like possibly you have an infections somewhere.. thou the fact that the colostomy is working is good..

    I would get off the snapple and maybe try something with electrolytes.. flavored...

    try some chicken broth..

    as I am writing this.. you know I do recall having some trouble eating back then.. I am 2 yr out of my surger next month. and i was living on chicken broth and special K(dry) for about 4 months..

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    sorry

    ahhh so sorry Helen that you are feeling so crappy.....I think the desire for NOT eating after surgery is quite common ....so the diet should be very nutrient rich and contain protein.  It took me at least three months and one dietian after my big liver resection.....I wanted to eat fruit only.....not good enough.

    Water is  sometimes hard to stomach but the Snapple could be the thing that is disturbing your sleep....especially if you have one in the evening....the sugar is going to call for insulin and there goes your nice restful sleep cycle....

    how about a nice protein smoothie or some lightly scambled eggs? a little peanut butter? Maybe you could see if there is any dietary help available to you Helen.....and yes I agree with everyone....have it checked out.....

    good luck.....mags

  • dmj101
    dmj101 Member Posts: 527 Member
    maglets said:

    sorry

    ahhh so sorry Helen that you are feeling so crappy.....I think the desire for NOT eating after surgery is quite common ....so the diet should be very nutrient rich and contain protein.  It took me at least three months and one dietian after my big liver resection.....I wanted to eat fruit only.....not good enough.

    Water is  sometimes hard to stomach but the Snapple could be the thing that is disturbing your sleep....especially if you have one in the evening....the sugar is going to call for insulin and there goes your nice restful sleep cycle....

    how about a nice protein smoothie or some lightly scambled eggs? a little peanut butter? Maybe you could see if there is any dietary help available to you Helen.....and yes I agree with everyone....have it checked out.....

    good luck.....mags

    Great advice

    Great advice

  • Helen321
    Helen321 Member Posts: 1,459 Member
    Thanks for the advice, it was

    Thanks for the advice, it was on point.  After another not so great day, I just called the on call doctor and was told I should come in for bloodwork tomorrow to make sure I'm not having issues with anemia or anything else.  I laughed and said hey that's what the group said!  I had potassium and magnesium issues while in the hospital.  I also had to have a blood transfusion.  I have a feeling the bloodwork is going to resolve whatever it is.  I'll also pick up a gatorade tomorrow in case it's electrolytes.  I have low blood pressure so that could be the extreme dizziness so gatorade will resolve that. 

    I felt like I was back to myself for weeks and now I'm not thinking straight at all.  I'm having trouble with common sense, dizziness, hot and cold flashes and night sweats.  Thankfully I don't have any of the signs of infection.  I'm so sick of medications that antibiotics would be a turn off right now.

    The Snapple would definitely explain the lack of sleep especially since I have been drinking 3-4 a day to stay hydrated including one before bed.  I actually know that because I've always had trouble with sugar and sleeping.  I don't know why I didn't think of it.  It's too late for today but tomorrow I will drink less sugar. I used to limit my sugar after 5. I'll just find something with no sugar to put in the water.  I did try lemonade but that made me have cramping.  Maybe a powdered lemonade instead.  I tried protein shakes but those are just too filling and I only drink a quarter of a can.  My thought processes are so off lately, I'm going to have to go to the supermarket and make some better choices, eggs are a good one, those are pretty light.  I was eating those when I first came home but I rarely eat them so I stopped.  I guess at the moment, I should just keep going with some basics instead of trying to eat small portions of heavier things. 

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,792 Member
    Helen321 said:

    Thanks for the advice, it was

    Thanks for the advice, it was on point.  After another not so great day, I just called the on call doctor and was told I should come in for bloodwork tomorrow to make sure I'm not having issues with anemia or anything else.  I laughed and said hey that's what the group said!  I had potassium and magnesium issues while in the hospital.  I also had to have a blood transfusion.  I have a feeling the bloodwork is going to resolve whatever it is.  I'll also pick up a gatorade tomorrow in case it's electrolytes.  I have low blood pressure so that could be the extreme dizziness so gatorade will resolve that. 

    I felt like I was back to myself for weeks and now I'm not thinking straight at all.  I'm having trouble with common sense, dizziness, hot and cold flashes and night sweats.  Thankfully I don't have any of the signs of infection.  I'm so sick of medications that antibiotics would be a turn off right now.

    The Snapple would definitely explain the lack of sleep especially since I have been drinking 3-4 a day to stay hydrated including one before bed.  I actually know that because I've always had trouble with sugar and sleeping.  I don't know why I didn't think of it.  It's too late for today but tomorrow I will drink less sugar. I used to limit my sugar after 5. I'll just find something with no sugar to put in the water.  I did try lemonade but that made me have cramping.  Maybe a powdered lemonade instead.  I tried protein shakes but those are just too filling and I only drink a quarter of a can.  My thought processes are so off lately, I'm going to have to go to the supermarket and make some better choices, eggs are a good one, those are pretty light.  I was eating those when I first came home but I rarely eat them so I stopped.  I guess at the moment, I should just keep going with some basics instead of trying to eat small portions of heavier things. 

    Make your own

    I looked up home made electrolites when I needed a boost. Very easy to make, and I'm sure healthier. 

    Good luck with your blood work, I bet it will all get sorted. Though I know what you mean about 'more' medicaton.  I NEVER took any kind of meds before and now Im on several, not including the goup they fill me up with on infusion days. 

    We're here for you, and look forward to a message and pdate. 

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    Trubrit said:

    Make your own

    I looked up home made electrolites when I needed a boost. Very easy to make, and I'm sure healthier. 

    Good luck with your blood work, I bet it will all get sorted. Though I know what you mean about 'more' medicaton.  I NEVER took any kind of meds before and now Im on several, not including the goup they fill me up with on infusion days. 

    We're here for you, and look forward to a message and pdate. 

    good good

    Helen I really hope the blood tests give you some answers.  Another thought on things to drink....have you tried a fizzy water like a mineral water.  now the problem with these is they often have a lot of salt but if you read the labels you can find one that isn't too saline.  The bubbles just seem to help with that..."i don;t want to drink water thing"  A little fresh lime juice or a bit of cranberry juice some ice and yum.......good drink.....or even if you take the sparkling water and add a touch of your sweet soda.....way less sugar and lots of fluid. Oh and sometimes a straw will help....

    yes very light but nutritious food for you.....I really hope you will let us know how you make out.

    So sorry you have hit this rough spot......take best care

    mags