Tips or help with diet after ileostomy takedown

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shaver81
shaver81 Member Posts: 6
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Anyone have advice on what to eat to prevent problems after an ileostomy takedown. Need help!

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  • kristasplace
    kristasplace Member Posts: 957 Member
    #2
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    Do you mean after your ileostomy is reversed, or did you just get one? Are you having problems with blockage, diarrhea, gas? I've had an ileostomy for four months now, and i'm still doing trial and error. I posted this very question a short time ago, and i got many good suggestions, especially for gas. Since i don't want to stay away from gas producing foods, i've been using gasx, and it has been helping.

    I hope this helps!
    Many hugs,
    Krista
  • shaver81
    shaver81 Member Posts: 6
    #3
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    kristasplace said:

    Do you mean after your ileostomy is reversed, or did you just get one? Are you having problems with blockage, diarrhea, gas? I've had an ileostomy for four months now, and i'm still doing trial and error. I posted this very question a short time ago, and i got many good suggestions, especially for gas. Since i don't want to stay away from gas producing foods, i've been using gasx, and it has been helping.

    I hope this helps!
    Many hugs,
    Krista

    Well I might be able to help you out (funny how that works). I actually just had mine reversed. I had the ileostomy from June of 07 to this last February. I might have some tips for ya if you have any new questions pop up. Is your ileostomy permanent? Or are you planning a "takedown"? I can also relate to the gas issues. I always had to watch myself in public since I was affraid that any movement or sound could be picked up by the people I was around.
    Thanks,
    Eric
  • kristasplace
    kristasplace Member Posts: 957 Member
    #4
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    Hi Eric, Yeah, i do have problems with the ileostomy as far as controlling diarrhea, gas and the typical stuff. I'm so against having to watch what i eat because it's one of the few pleasures i have. I think the chemo is causing the bad diarrhea, but i am having other chemo related problems at the moment, so i'm tying to deal with the ileostomy issue simply by taking immodium, and gasx.

    Are you having more problems now with the reversal then you did with an active ostomy? I worry sometimes about that...like if i will ever have normal bowel movements, or if i have to watch what i eat, or suffer the consequences? I know things will never be "normal" again, but it's been so long since i was normal, i don't remember what normal is? Going to the bathroom without pain and blood would be a great start!

    Oh, my ileostomy is not permanant. I should have it reversed hopefully in October.

    Please write back and let me know what problems you're having with the reversal. I learn much more from this website than i do from my ostomy nurse!

    Many hugs,
    Krista
  • funnyguy
    funnyguy Member Posts: 89
    #5
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    I had an ileostomy reversed last October after about 8 months.

    Eating after reversal. Well it's trial and error. what doesn't work one day can work the next week. It just takes time.

    The first month or so is tough, sticking to a lower fiber / residue diet. It gets easier after that.

    I've found that sticking to a well balanced diet and mixing in a little fiber supplements work well to control and diarhea issues (they're bulking agents :) Immodium is also helpful when something doesn't go so well - which is usually related to greasy foods.

    I can basically eat almost anything now - but choose to avoid red meats and processed meats while sticking with poultry, fruits and veggies.

    after reversal you will definately have more bowel movements.

    hope some of this helps.
  • shaver81
    shaver81 Member Posts: 6
    #6
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    funnyguy said:

    I had an ileostomy reversed last October after about 8 months.

    Eating after reversal. Well it's trial and error. what doesn't work one day can work the next week. It just takes time.

    The first month or so is tough, sticking to a lower fiber / residue diet. It gets easier after that.

    I've found that sticking to a well balanced diet and mixing in a little fiber supplements work well to control and diarhea issues (they're bulking agents :) Immodium is also helpful when something doesn't go so well - which is usually related to greasy foods.

    I can basically eat almost anything now - but choose to avoid red meats and processed meats while sticking with poultry, fruits and veggies.

    after reversal you will definately have more bowel movements.

    hope some of this helps.

    Thanks for the info. Good to know that there is light at the end of this tunnel.
    I do agree that bowel movements increase after the takedown (I read where some individuals were having 20-30 a day-I'm around 15-20 myself). The hardest thing to deal with is the loss of full control that I have had with regards to the bowel movements. Seems like I always have to keep an eye out for a bathroom whenever I go somewhere (on a good note maybe I'll write a book reviewing the best public restrooms in my town) :)
    Krista,
    The major problems I have had recently are due mainly to my diet. "Funnyguy" is right on the trial and error part. I've been trying some stuff (immodium) since it seems like everyone recommends it. Overall, the hardest thing is diet control. I was a big spicy food nut. Now, I seem to order things plain or make meals without a lot of things in it. The other thing I have to watch for is grease (which is a good thing-no McD's for me!)
    I would say this...Don't feel like you have lost "normal". I dealt with this for the first 6 months of my treatment and I will tell you that you have to create your new "normal". It tests your patience and spirits but keep your head up.

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