Calling all alternative eating guru's....

Hi Barb,
I guess I have the same problem. I used to eat healthier. I am now 2 years NED and I have not been the same. I do not have a rectum either. Sometimes I go to the bathroom 19-20 times a day. I think I average approximately 6-8. Sometimes 3 (that's a good day). I really can't eat fruits, veggies, fiber. But I do anyway and I am always in the bathroom. If I have to go out, I take Lomotil and I do have to watch what I eat at times. I eat like a horse and eat whatever I like, knowing that some foods will be worse than others. I guess I have just become accustomed to this way of life. I cannot work as I do suffer from that damn flatulance and excessive bms. So believe me, I know how you feel. But I feel like I lead a pretty normal life otherwise. I am pretty active and don't let this problem stop me from too many things. My doctor says it takes a long time for the body and colon to become a normal rectum and mine is doing okay. It was much worse last year. He said in 10 years the colon will completely be trained as a rectum! Anyway, in answer to your question, everyone is different as you know, and yes things do get better and you will get past this stage. Like my husband says, "what's the alternative!" My suggestions are: If you do have to go out, be wary of your diet; I found that meat, onions, and certain breads and cereals are real killers in the gas department..Also I take 2 lomotil 1/2 hour before I eat or sometimes after to stop the bms. It works okay for me. OH, and I also have Nu-Lev. It is like Lomotil only it works faster (put under the tongue) but doesn't last as long. Feel free to email me if you like. I have a question for you. Do your bm's come in flurries? Like, mine will start after dinner and I will go every 20 minutes for around 2 hours and then it stops and I am fine. If I take the Lomotil I can stop this and go about my business. Good luck, Annette

Hi Barb,

Here is another thought. How about a "greens" supplement so you don't have to eat some many "real" veggies? Do you have a juicer? That helps get the nutrients without giving the runs I think. And like was said below, if it gets too bad, I take immodium. I have to watch that because I don't want to be back the other way. Take care!

Lisa