Gastroenterologist

My first experience with a low fiber/low residue diet came after I was hospitalized in January 2013 for a partial small bowel obstruction (very painful!).  This type of diet was prescribed for me upon my discharge and I was to follow it for 2 weeks.  It is good for calming down the bowels, but is not recommended for long-term use.  However, for some of us, eating fresh fruits and veggies can lead to chronic diarrhea and urgency.  I am almost 7 years out of treatment and I eat low residue foods quite often to keep some balance in my bowel habits.  Raw fruits and veggies can cause me problems, so I try to cook them most of the time.  However, sometimes I get brave and eat raw foods. 

Your intestines are in turmoil right now since you are still in treatment.  Once finished, there will be some healing time required, so low fiber/low residue will not overwork your bowels.  My best recommendation is to slowly add small amounts of raw foods back into your diet once you heal to see how your bowels respond.  Keep a food journal and track what you eat and what happens afterwards.  This will allow you to know what foods are kind to you and what ones are not.  It may take awhile for your bowels to calm down, so be patient. 

After a period of recovery, I was able to eat pretty much anything.  However, as time passed, I began having some trouble with certain foods.  Radiation enteritis reared its ugly head and then there was the obstruction.  I also believe I suffer from malabsorption syndrome, which means that my intestines do not absorb things from the foods that I eat, such as nutrients and fats.  I do not gain weight, no matter what I eat.  However, do not let my situation scare you, as this does not happen to everyone.  You will not know how things go for you until you get further down the road.  Just try the above, adding foods back into your diet gradually and keep track.  I hope you find that you can get back to eating the foods that are the most healthy for you--fruits and veggies!  I wish you all the best with your remaining treatment and recovery!

Martha

dpatter03 said:

Martha:
Thanks for your

Martha:

Thanks for your advice.  The food diary sounds like a good thing....need to keep those foods that are kind close by...it is amazing that there are no universals.   Have been mainly eating BRAT diet due to diahrrea.  

 

I am really scared about radiation enteritis, obstructions, and malabsorption syndrome.  But the cart is before the horse.   I need to find out if my tumor has gone away first.

I was fortunate to find this and another site before I started treatment, so I followed a low fibre diet from the outset. My dread was that I would never be able to eat a salad again! I struggled with dairy during treatment and for some time after, but within 6 months I was pretty much able to eat most of what I had before treatment. I have had the odd leakage issue (not eaten anything different to usual) but only about 4 times and I am now 28 months out of treatment. Some foods I can eat, but in small quantities (pulses, nuts, sprouts), but that's not such a big deal.

there's lots of really good advice here, so browse through. I made notes before I started out and it really did help. I was and still am truly grateful for everyone's contribution. Everyone's experience is different though, so take it day at a time. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

best wishes

Liz

Lorikat said:

New normal

we talk here about our "new normal".  And it seems to be different for most everyone.  At three plus years out of treatment I still cannot eat lettuce or fresh greens.  Many vegetables cause the dreaded diarreah....  In the last few months I have started eating low carb.  NO candy, cookies, or sugar in coffee tea.  No sodas, and watching carbs in everything else.  It is working well for me.....  Not all doctors agree with the low carb but it has cleared up problems I thought I would have to live with like "sneaky" diarreah!!  You will find what works for you if you keep looking!

Try a brat diet for a while.  Brat means;bananas, rice, applesause,and toast.  It is rather bland,but easy on the system.  Will probably relieve diarrhea!  Good luck!