Gaining Control

mmeany
mmeany Member Posts: 8
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi All,
Wishes of wellness to all of you.
I recently had a temporary ileostomy reversed after resection surgery in late July. I am having difficulty gaining control of my new plumbing. Do any of you have any suggestions or experience in this regard?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
M

Comments

  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #2
    Hi, unfortunately I know what you are going through. I had my reversal done in 8/03. I have never really gained good control since then. I have tried fiber, immodium, lomotil, tincture of opium, sandostatin sc, which is injections that I gave myself. My surgeon, GI doc, medical doc, and oncologist have run out of ideas. My resection was so low that my body cannot adjust to the change.

    I have reluctantly agreed to a permanent colostomy that will be done after the holidays. I amwaiting to hear on the date. All my docs think my life will be better with a colostomy.

    I hope this doesn't happen to you and that you are able to gain better control.

    Good luck. Maureen
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #3
    MM -

    Try a high fiber diet and/or Metamucil. I know it sounds contraindicative, but it helped me a lot.

    - Bob
  • johnom
    johnom Member Posts: 86 Member
    #4
    Hi, M.
    I had my surgery in mid May. I had lots and lots of problems with my plumbing until recently. I could only eat graham crackers and root beer for some reason.
    I am now finding if I take metamucil or citrucil as soon as I get up in the morning I have gained some control, and may not have more than 3 trips in the day. Sleeping is a big problem when you have to get up for a "sit down." I don't know how women can back to sleep so easily, because after 55 years of standing I find I am wide awake after sitting down.
    The metamucil does give me more gas than the citrucil. I take the tablets rather than mix and drink the fluids. Eventually you will notice that you are slowly able to keep the lid on for longer periods of time with less smudging and embarrassing accidents. That's where I am at now.
    None of us will probably ever return to where we used to be. That's the beauty of this web site. We are all in this together...take care. It does eventually get better.

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