flatulence!

libris
libris Member Posts: 23
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
It's a good thing my dignity went right out the door after my cancer diagnosis.
I had my ileostomy reversed on 9/15 (after removal of rectum and sigmoid colon in Feb)and things have gone pretty smoothly and seem to get better all the time except for this very humiliating problem. My coworkers and family member suffer in polite silence on those occasions when I can't make it out the door in time. Has anyone experienced similar difficulty? And more importantly, is there a solution?
I (and many others!) will be eternally grateful for any help you can offer.

Comments

  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #2
    Hi,

    I'm sure others will chime in (hey KathiM) but it was just posted recently that some have been trying the yogurt called Activa with some good results. It helps put back in the good bacteria in the bowels that is killed by chemo and other things. There is also a healthfood cousin but I can't remember the name. This has less sugar in it. Good Luck.

    Lisa F.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #4
    I drink a probiotic drink called Kefir (like a liquid yogurt). It does have sugar in it but it's natural sugars instead of high fructose corn syrup (the man made sweetener that is causing all the obesity in the US). I sure can tell when I don't drink it.

    Lisa P.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #5
    Yes, I conducted my own private clinical trial!!! I, too, am missing my rectum and sig colon (sniff, if somebody sees them, could you send them home, please???). I NEVER had gas before (except in the bathroom...lol). I was a great skeptic on trying this yogurt, because another 'gift' from the beast was lactose intollerance...BUT, for ME, IT WORKS!!! And, (sorry, my dear scouty)I feel REAL naughty when I sin and eat it once every other day....rofl!

    My flatulence is WAY less!!!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #6
    KathiM said:

    Yes, I conducted my own private clinical trial!!! I, too, am missing my rectum and sig colon (sniff, if somebody sees them, could you send them home, please???). I NEVER had gas before (except in the bathroom...lol). I was a great skeptic on trying this yogurt, because another 'gift' from the beast was lactose intollerance...BUT, for ME, IT WORKS!!! And, (sorry, my dear scouty)I feel REAL naughty when I sin and eat it once every other day....rofl!

    My flatulence is WAY less!!!

    Hugs, Kathi

    Naughty is one of Kanort's favorite words so if that is how you feel, it has got to be good!!!!!!

    Lisa P.
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #7
    Hey there -
    I use Chlorella - a blue green algae that helps stimulate the flora (good bacteria that is in yogurt and in our intestines) growth. And right after chemo I used Bio-K, a super-concentrated probiotic along with the Chlorella -- and I reallyt hink that the Chlorella helped A LOT with the process of rebuilding my system's natural balance.
    The other thing is this...The junkier the diet, the more flatulence you will have. Lord knows I am not judging anyone's diet, but the more veggies, the more whole grains, the more fresh fruits --and the fewer examples of refined sugars and flours in your diet -- the less flatulence. I will bet on it. Also, any good, plain yogurt will help too...Okay, hope this has helped a little and all the best to you - Maura
  • libris
    libris Member Posts: 23
    #8
    CAMaura said:

    Hey there -
    I use Chlorella - a blue green algae that helps stimulate the flora (good bacteria that is in yogurt and in our intestines) growth. And right after chemo I used Bio-K, a super-concentrated probiotic along with the Chlorella -- and I reallyt hink that the Chlorella helped A LOT with the process of rebuilding my system's natural balance.
    The other thing is this...The junkier the diet, the more flatulence you will have. Lord knows I am not judging anyone's diet, but the more veggies, the more whole grains, the more fresh fruits --and the fewer examples of refined sugars and flours in your diet -- the less flatulence. I will bet on it. Also, any good, plain yogurt will help too...Okay, hope this has helped a little and all the best to you - Maura

    Thank you all for the advice. I ran out last night and bought the activia yogurt. One of the most frustrating aspects of this problem has been that it doesn't seem to matter what I eat. I am very conscientious about my diet, sticking to whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, juicing several times a week. I am encouraged that others have found solutions. I'll be shopping for some blue green algae product this weekend.
    Thanks again to all of you!
    Cynthia
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #9
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #10
    libris said:

    Thank you all for the advice. I ran out last night and bought the activia yogurt. One of the most frustrating aspects of this problem has been that it doesn't seem to matter what I eat. I am very conscientious about my diet, sticking to whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, juicing several times a week. I am encouraged that others have found solutions. I'll be shopping for some blue green algae product this weekend.
    Thanks again to all of you!
    Cynthia

    Glad to hear you are starting on a yogurt regimen. It does sound like a little more good bacteria would help a lot in your system.
    I'm not sure where you are located, but I have found Chlorella in both a good health food store and Whole Foods Market. The brand i like the best (I have only tried two) is SUN Chlorella. I guess it is the chlorophyl in it that is so good for us...And is does have a lot of Vit A (beta-carotene) which is also good. If you find the product, I'd love to hear if it helped you.
    Also...Maybe take a look at your juicing mixture and see if anything could be upsetting your system? I can't use Granny Smith apples in the concoction - while Red Delicious apples are just fine for me. Cucumber is really calming and tastes really good juiced. Maybe that might be an idea; sometimes a little change can make a huge difference.
    I didn't mean that you have a horrible diet; I just know that just about anything super-refined doesn't agree with me anymore.
    Wishing you the best - Maura

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