Digestive Issues?

Betsydoglover · June 2006

So, theres been talk here to the new folks about how we will talk about anything, including the color of poop. SO, that has inspired me to ask the following (and its not really about the color, by the way.)

Prior to my diagnosis in May 2005, I had been having digestive problems where big or fancy restaurant meals (or even not so fancy) caused significant intestinal disturbance (if you get my drift). Most of my sigmoid colon was removed in surgery no ileostomy / colostomy however.

My colonoscope in mid November was clean and I just had clear PET and CT scans yesterday. I am pretty sure everything is good for the time being. So, I want to ask if my symptoms are just the new normal.

I try to eat well and mostly do. But, I still find that if I eat a typical restaurant meal especially American food, a bit less so with South / Southeast Asian food, definitely anything fried (which I mostly avoid) or any kind of large meal, I pay for it later with short term diarrhea. Today my husband and I went out for a celebratory lunch related to my clean scans. It was a pretty normal volume of food, but I paid the price this afternoon. Does anyone else have this problem? Have you tried keeping a food diary to figure out if there are specific foods that trigger it? Or is it just me? Do you have any suggestions?

Appreciate any thoughts. As long term effects go, this one is not bad maybe even good for me if I can figure out the details since it might point more toward healthier eating, although I am not yet completely convinced that healthy eating would necessarily solve the problem (I've had some healthy meals that caused issues, but I admit, not too many). So, I would still like to know your experiences.

Thanks all.

JADot · June 2006

It's not about the color

, thanks for that disclaimer

Some people w/ food allergy get the runs with things like diary, wheat, peanuts, etc. So you may want to see somebody to get a food allergy test. What you're experiencing may have nothing to do with colon function at all. In any event, it's something that is easy to clear up.

That said, going back to the colon basics - the golden word is soluble fibre. It's the thing that soaks up the water, softens the stool and increases the bulk. The result, what the docs call "well-formed" poop, scrapes the sides of your colon on its way out, cleaning up the as it goes. My husband and I call it, fondly, the "Incredi-poop"

. The foods that have soluble fibre in abundance are fruit, veggies, beans and brown rice. Another good source of soluble fibre is Metamucil.

Hope this helps,
Ying

shmurciakova · July 2006

Hi there,
I don't know if I have more problems if I eat a large meal or not. BTW, I had a Sigmoid resection 4 years ago. My advice would be to take digestive enzymes (found at your local health food store). I take NOW brand Super Enzyme Caps. They help you to digest your food. You take them during your meals/ in the middle of the meal. You can also start trying to eat yogurt on a daily basis - I mean the natural kind w/ acidophilous (sp?) and other probiotics. The more enzymes you have in your gut to help you digest the food, the better. They even have some for high protein/low carb diets to help you break down the proteins (if you are trying to avoid breads/sugars). Another thing I would recommend is to take some type of fiber each and every day along w/ a full glass of water. I use grapefruit pectin which has been shown to help prevent metastasis.....
Anyway, I hope some of this might help you. I rarely get the runs, I just have to take 2-3 dumps/day. More than the average bear, but I can live w/ it!
-Susan.

KathiM · July 2006

Pick me! Pick me!
I did the same...celebration dinner...
My 'normal' diet has become quite healthy...and this dinner REALLY nailed me! I think my gall bladder said..."Hey, no MORE of that FAT stuff, HUH!!!!!"
Hugs, Kathi

Unknown · July 2006

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

Kanort · July 2006

Hi Besty,

Well, I guess it's true that the grass is always greener on the other side, because I have exactly the opposite problem.No matter how much fiber I eat, I still experience difficulty passing stool. It's so bad that my GI doctor has me drinking Miralax everyday. I will have a colonoscopy on the 19th to check for stenosis at my resection site. My GI doctor thinks I just have sluggish bowels, but we will see.

Take care.

Hugs,

Kay

scouty · July 2006

I had a colostomy bag for almost 2 1/2 years so food sensitivities weren't nearly as "obvious" until I had a foot cut out and the bag reversed. I am very sensitive to some things now. Greasy foods including butter really get to me so I avoid them. I can cook with black pepper but no more adding it fresh. I have to be really careful with dairy foods too. I make mental notes of what bothers me and write it down later to keep an eye on it.

I agree with Susan about taking a probiotic as they will help some.

Lisa P.

Betsydoglover · July 2006

Thanks, all. I guess I just have to watch my diet more carefully and try and detect what causes these symptoms. Meanwhile it is fruits and veggies for dinner tonight!

Take care,
Betsy

nicksgirl · July 2006

My husband had a right hemicolectomy in Feburary 2005. He experienced severe digestive issues for many months after that. His surgeon recommended Questran, a powder that is usually prescribed for high cholesterol, but that helps control diarrhea as well. Since he started taking this medication, his life has changed. He is now able to actually go out to eat and not have to rush home! There are still certain foods which he cannot tolerate - dairy products, lettuce, chocolate - but this medication has helped him so much. We have a couple of other friends who also use this and have experienced great results. Hope this helps!

Digestive Issues?

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