ALLABOUTPOOP
Comments
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Sorry guys but this one has my name on it. I feel your pain Ramona, I was in a situation similiar to yours, but mine was worse. I went all day and all night. I had constant but burn and cried daily. 18 mos. after my ileostmy reversal I had a colostomy done. that was in Jan. of this year. I have my life back. If you want to email me through this site, we can talk more. Trust me, I wouldn't have picked any of this, but it's not so bad. i can go anywhere, eat any thing and I work full time. Before i felt like I was tethered to a toilet.
One thing you might want to try is metamucil. Alot of people take that and it helps, it didn't help me though.
Keep us posted.
Maureen0 -
Ramona: Thanks for feeling comfortable enough to bring up what can be an embarrasing topic. My husband has rectal cancer and went through similar treatment except he had his entire rectum removed. Some days he has normal bowel function more or less, but other days he might be in the bathroom lots. I know his colon and rectal surgeon has said there are lots meds that can be given to slow down the urgency and frequency. He has not needed them as of yet but many things exist.
Another thing that we found helpful is to eat smaller meals and a couple of snacks so that the urge to go is spread out across the whole day.
I am sure this has been mentioned but if all else fails, people do decide to have a permanent colostomy in order to lead a normal life. By no means am I saying you should do this yet but knowing that there are options might help you find a good solution.
I don't know where you live but I am a member of the Colon Cancer Alliance and you might get some good information at ccalliance.org.
Andrea Clay0 -
HI, Ramona. I also had stage 2 rectal cancer last year with chemo/radiation, a low anterior resection in May, and more chemo thereafter. In truth I had just begun to despair when it all got better for awhile. When I traveled I took immodium before boarding a plane. Then I took it whenever I just wanted to plug up for awhile. I started quesitioning if I would be living off of it for the rest of my life. Now, 16 months after surgery and most of the problems you describe it is finally slowing down. I am not normal and I don't trust myself without finding a bathroom but I've learned a few tricks. When you get down to 3 a day you are way, way towards home. Everything everyone says is right. Eat a bunch of very small meals; eat a ton of fiber; push the fluids. I had to run out of my seat during a movie and didn't make it to the toilet before all hell broke loose. Utterly embarrassing, and almost every semi-colon will tell you similar stories. However, in most cases, it will resolve itself as your body learns to adjust to your need to wait. It is a training exercise and it does happen over time. I tried fasting for a day with some success to slow things down. I know I can never eat chocoloate again, but I probably shouldn't anyway.
I assume you carry aloe vera wipes with you, as well as immodium, spare underwear, etc. It's a pain in the..............ooops, I swore I'd never say that again last year. Take care. Good luck and hang in there for awhile longer.
John0 -
Hi Ramona,
I certainly wouldn't want to push you -- or anyone -- towards a permanent colostomy. But, as someone who has one already (as a result of a very low rectal tumour) I can tell you in all honesty that it ain't that bad. Yes, it is different, and an adjustment. But, quality of life is good. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about permanent colostomy. But I certainly wish you all the best with other options, including diet and time....
Tara0 -
Ramona,
I had my rectum removed, but surgeon was able to spare the sphincter muscle. I have had a lot of difficulty with frequent stool, esp while i was on chemo. I rarely felt like i emptied completely and was always in the bathroom. I still am somewhat dependant on knowing where the bathrooms are, but am doing much better since I made a few changes. I got some of this info from the MD Anderson website (diet for after colorectal surgery). I started taking 1/4 dose metamucil with as little fluid as I could manage after breakfast (be sure to drink plenty of fluid later on). THis is supposed to help slow things down. After a couple of days i added 1/4 dose after supper, again with just a little fluid. I gradually increased this to full dose in AM, 1/2 dose after lunch and 1/2 dose after supper. I still go often, but it is usually clustered around morning or evening time and i definitely have times when I actually feel like i've emptied (who knew this could feel so good). They also have other recommendations which you can read at their website. Didn't work for me (includes prune juice, and since i had the botox inj for anal fissure i have issues with incontinence if stool is too loose). I also added a raw carrot (1/2 in AM and 1/2 in PM). I swear this has helped me, though I don't know why. I just know on the days i forget I have more difficulties. Small frequent meals help too.
Anyway, this has helped me so much that I am no longer contemplating a colostomy (though all bets are off if i have to go back on chemo!).
Good luck!
Mary
P.S. You're right! Catchy title!0 -
Wait a minute...did I write this post? I'm living it with you , my friend. It's weird to write about such "gross" personal stuff, but it helps.
I had 90% of my rectum removed. I feel the same exact things as you do.
( the wiping part toatally sucks !)
The only thing that I can offer here, is a self massage of the abdominal area. My daughter has cronic constipation. One of her physical therapists showed me how to massage the belly to help things along. I do it cautiously, because of the surgery. It does seem to help a bit.
Good luck. If you come up with anything that really helps, please let me know.
Barb0 -
Check out the low residue diet. After having all my colon removed, Iam on this diet most of the time, but always experiment with eating more healthy, and paying attention to the effects. Once you learn what foods help you not go all the time-- it will be easier. Some foods are just like laxatives for me, unfortunately they are the ones that are healthy and the ones I like. Do a search on the internet for low residue diet-- it may help you for a while.0
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wow thank you all sooo much for posting..I appreciate allthe advice and understanding..it feels good not to be alone.. sometimes i just wonder..ya know?? like am i the on ly one.. is this just my situation? did my body heal wrong.. but i feel better now.. i will try some of the things you guys mentioned.. am glad someone said something about the healthy things making you go too.. i have tried eating healthier and i swear the fruits and veggies go right thru me.. well that and now i know i cant handle beer.. the next day is a.... ##### ..ha.. thanks again for all the posts.. i feel so much better.. peace and love..ramona.. thepoopgirl who knows she is not alone0
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How are you if still here? I
How are you if still here? I LOVE your posting asking about poop. Quite some years ago. It's me now, sort of. Letsee, I am reconnected since October 30th, 2008, so that's 8 months about. It is sometimes almost normal, and then weeks of what you describe. No matter what I eat, doesn't make any difference that I can figure out yet. If you reply, an update? Sure hope you are well. And if the person who mentioned a raw carrot is reading, wow - gotta try that!0 -
all about poopramona41 said:wow thank you all sooo much for posting..I appreciate allthe advice and understanding..it feels good not to be alone.. sometimes i just wonder..ya know?? like am i the on ly one.. is this just my situation? did my body heal wrong.. but i feel better now.. i will try some of the things you guys mentioned.. am glad someone said something about the healthy things making you go too.. i have tried eating healthier and i swear the fruits and veggies go right thru me.. well that and now i know i cant handle beer.. the next day is a.... ##### ..ha.. thanks again for all the posts.. i feel so much better.. peace and love..ramona.. thepoopgirl who knows she is not alone
Bravo for starting this topic.......doctors really are no help at all, even the gi specialist I went to so I researched alot and my favorite resource is www.helpforibs.com , the books, teas, organic fiber, and hypnotherapy tapes. What we have with a reconfigured rectum ( j pouch) or smaller rectum or post abdominal surgery behaves a lot like Irritable Bowel Syndrome so use the info about that to help you. It takes a long time to train your body after rectal surgery but it can be done. I am 2 years post reconnection and have a j pouch, I do well now only because I never eat high fructose corn syrup, fresh fruit other than bananna/apple,no alchohol or coffee, no raw veggies at all, no fat (fried food,dark meat poulty, red meat, butter), no milk products.I eat alot of chicken breasts, brown rice, soy milk. Very boring.If you do kegal exercises it will help. I do have about 25 grams of fiber a day and drink two quarts of water every day. Lonox works better for me than immodium because it works differently........stops the peristalsis.......so when I must be sure I'll be ok I take lonox. I never eat when I am going out. My only problem now is I only "go" every 2 or 3 days and then it takes many trips to the bathroom to finish.I am working on this with limited success. I get alot of reading done on those days, hee hee. If you don't have diahreha you won't have accidents so there is some advantage to being somewhat 'plugged" up.
Does anyone out there have the all or nothing syndrome I am describing?
Serrana0 -
I know the feeling...serrana said:all about poop
Bravo for starting this topic.......doctors really are no help at all, even the gi specialist I went to so I researched alot and my favorite resource is www.helpforibs.com , the books, teas, organic fiber, and hypnotherapy tapes. What we have with a reconfigured rectum ( j pouch) or smaller rectum or post abdominal surgery behaves a lot like Irritable Bowel Syndrome so use the info about that to help you. It takes a long time to train your body after rectal surgery but it can be done. I am 2 years post reconnection and have a j pouch, I do well now only because I never eat high fructose corn syrup, fresh fruit other than bananna/apple,no alchohol or coffee, no raw veggies at all, no fat (fried food,dark meat poulty, red meat, butter), no milk products.I eat alot of chicken breasts, brown rice, soy milk. Very boring.If you do kegal exercises it will help. I do have about 25 grams of fiber a day and drink two quarts of water every day. Lonox works better for me than immodium because it works differently........stops the peristalsis.......so when I must be sure I'll be ok I take lonox. I never eat when I am going out. My only problem now is I only "go" every 2 or 3 days and then it takes many trips to the bathroom to finish.I am working on this with limited success. I get alot of reading done on those days, hee hee. If you don't have diahreha you won't have accidents so there is some advantage to being somewhat 'plugged" up.
Does anyone out there have the all or nothing syndrome I am describing?
Serrana
Yes, I know the feeling. I had the colon resection on May 15, 2009. I have turned down many invitations to go for walks and dinner because of this issue. I feel like I am under "house arrest". How do people work in this condition?
---------I am currently trying metamucil which seems to help bulk the stools and makes life more predictable. I still have multiple trips to the bathroom daily but I hope someone has found the answers to this problem. I am still searching.0 -
Poo on poop!
I didn't have the same cancer, but even with "only" a resection I have the most6 used comode in the neighborhood. Our water bills have skyrocketed. I feel your pain! And going out in public..I admit to wearing an adult'diaper'sometimes. Saves on laundry and worry about unsightly and to me, unknowwn stains.
I will join your Poop Group, Ramona. But I can't get any answers from my med professionals either.
Well, think of it this way---the group that poops together stays together.
Seriously, I am sorry you are having so much trouble.
Sending hugs and love your way,
Sandi0 -
I'm happy one of us revivedkrystle singer said:Poo on poop!
I didn't have the same cancer, but even with "only" a resection I have the most6 used comode in the neighborhood. Our water bills have skyrocketed. I feel your pain! And going out in public..I admit to wearing an adult'diaper'sometimes. Saves on laundry and worry about unsightly and to me, unknowwn stains.
I will join your Poop Group, Ramona. But I can't get any answers from my med professionals either.
Well, think of it this way---the group that poops together stays together.
Seriously, I am sorry you are having so much trouble.
Sending hugs and love your way,
Sandi
I'm happy one of us revived this topic! It was started in 2005, so not sure that person still reading (seems not). Well, let's say poo to all this poop and keep talking! I have read the message now that avoids so many foods - like fresh fruit! Oh no - do we really need to restrict ourselves that much? I am trying to cut down on everything, while it "acts" up, and I also feel like I just need a place here to share this sh.. with you all. Like wiping too much! No one else could understand, and it' not like something you want to mention to anyone, even loved ones. Or, like having it feel like a small sharp twit is stuck in the opening and making the day so uncomfortable. Seriously, finding balance here seems to be the main challenge, and we are all different, but we can chew over this topic and this food won't hurt at all.0 -
Let's all buy stock in Charmin Tissue!sig said:I'm happy one of us revived
I'm happy one of us revived this topic! It was started in 2005, so not sure that person still reading (seems not). Well, let's say poo to all this poop and keep talking! I have read the message now that avoids so many foods - like fresh fruit! Oh no - do we really need to restrict ourselves that much? I am trying to cut down on everything, while it "acts" up, and I also feel like I just need a place here to share this sh.. with you all. Like wiping too much! No one else could understand, and it' not like something you want to mention to anyone, even loved ones. Or, like having it feel like a small sharp twit is stuck in the opening and making the day so uncomfortable. Seriously, finding balance here seems to be the main challenge, and we are all different, but we can chew over this topic and this food won't hurt at all.
I am right there with you in this battle of the bowels. I do find that Metamucil is a life saver and eating very small meals. Maybe it is time to buy stock shares in Charmin?0 -
I've avoided metamucil sincelizzydavis said:Let's all buy stock in Charmin Tissue!
I am right there with you in this battle of the bowels. I do find that Metamucil is a life saver and eating very small meals. Maybe it is time to buy stock shares in Charmin?
I've avoided metamucil since it was suggested by my dracula-like surgeon (he's good, but scary too). I know there are different kinds, wafers, etc. I also think i'd find it really hard to drink so much water.
I guess I want to aim to use natural fiber foods if at all possible. If you start on metamucil, which so many say IS helpful, do you sort of depend on it forever?
The looseness comes and goes. Sometimes not there at all.
Re stock in Charmin, LOL - on our minds too - we think we have now found a good place to buy in quantity though - delivery company called Alice.
Maybe I should try harder to write down everything I eat...groans...okay...I might!0 -
Metamucil is a natural laxative...
Metamucil is a natural laxative... I use the orange flavored metamucil (twice a day) in a cup of warm water. It seems to help me eliminate and have a small sense of normalcy.0 -
Pretzels -the latest pooplizzydavis said:Metamucil is a natural laxative...
Metamucil is a natural laxative... I use the orange flavored metamucil (twice a day) in a cup of warm water. It seems to help me eliminate and have a small sense of normalcy.
I had anal cancer and was treated with chemo-radiation.
I KNOW what you mean about toilet paper.....wetting it helps.
I bought myself a jacuzzi bidet seat.
One thing I just found out..my skin is friable and excoriated.
They never told me bleeding was expected.
Then I thought if I drank water, took benefiber, flax seed, maybe exercise, and my POOP floated I would not bleed.
NOT TRUE.
Pretzels, popcorn can make you bleed.
Yeah, so the low residue diet or colonocopy prep or whatever might be called for.
Metamucil helps you bulk up it is good if you can not go or you go too much.
I use a ton of paper. I enjoyed finding this post..I dub. ..The latest poop.0 -
Pooh on Pooh!
As yes the multiple poop syndrome or"clustering" as my surgeon calls it. Sounds so clinical and nice and clean as just a phrase eh?
So here's what I've found:
1) a bidet is a godsend. Someone's already mentioned it. Saves on TP and the water is very soothing to the damaged tissue. Even Charmin is too rough. Excuse the graphics, but I wipe with TP once or twice for the bulk and then let the water do the rest. Finish up with a shea butter soap or something like that to help soothe butt chafe.
2) A bulking agent really helped me (like Metamucil). I used slippery elm powder and kaolin powder from my naturopath. Also another fiber bulker called Loclo.
3) I used immodium and lomotil. and still will use immodium. During chemo I often had to use everything like the Metamucil plus immodium and then on to lomotil if that didn't work.
4) I use Aquaphor or something like that on my butt crack after getting clean. Good moisture barrier and helps the first wipe with TP go better the next time
5) I will use Depends if I'm traveling or having a bad day (which can be up to 15 times to the bathroom
6) Kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscles of control
7) I avoid dairy especially and wheat and meat (though hubby is a meat eater so unavoidable at times because I encourage his cooking. Unfortunately cherries, a favorite, makes all he** break loose.
Last night I had a "I hate pooh!' session as a coupke of hours went by on thwe throne. However, I can catch up on a lot of reading and I did teach my pup to give me her paw while sitting on th throne (which can be quite exhausting on the butt, leg muscles as well :-)
all the best, Leslie0 -
I like my bathroom, butt...lesvanb said:Pooh on Pooh!
As yes the multiple poop syndrome or"clustering" as my surgeon calls it. Sounds so clinical and nice and clean as just a phrase eh?
So here's what I've found:
1) a bidet is a godsend. Someone's already mentioned it. Saves on TP and the water is very soothing to the damaged tissue. Even Charmin is too rough. Excuse the graphics, but I wipe with TP once or twice for the bulk and then let the water do the rest. Finish up with a shea butter soap or something like that to help soothe butt chafe.
2) A bulking agent really helped me (like Metamucil). I used slippery elm powder and kaolin powder from my naturopath. Also another fiber bulker called Loclo.
3) I used immodium and lomotil. and still will use immodium. During chemo I often had to use everything like the Metamucil plus immodium and then on to lomotil if that didn't work.
4) I use Aquaphor or something like that on my butt crack after getting clean. Good moisture barrier and helps the first wipe with TP go better the next time
5) I will use Depends if I'm traveling or having a bad day (which can be up to 15 times to the bathroom
6) Kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscles of control
7) I avoid dairy especially and wheat and meat (though hubby is a meat eater so unavoidable at times because I encourage his cooking. Unfortunately cherries, a favorite, makes all he** break loose.
Last night I had a "I hate pooh!' session as a coupke of hours went by on thwe throne. However, I can catch up on a lot of reading and I did teach my pup to give me her paw while sitting on th throne (which can be quite exhausting on the butt, leg muscles as well :-)
all the best, Leslie
This thread on poop has been enlightening and comforting. I too use Depends when I am going to some event where I would just as soon not have disaster strike. These adult diapers are not the most comfortable garments, but they do soothe the mind a bit. I don't wear white much any more. Way too chancy. I have had to give up dairy products almost entirely and that puts a real crimp in the Sunday afternoon Dairy Queen runs my husband and I favored for so long. Alas and alack, it just ain't fair. Not only should we buy stock in Charmin, but also in immodium and all the other meds named here! I would but I can't stay out of the bathroom long enough to find a good broker!
Best of luck everyone!
Sandi0
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