Healing and Upcoming Tests

MAliceR
MAliceR Member Posts: 98
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hi all.

I have been out of the loop for awhile. I have been focusing on healing from my surgery and trying to get back to as normal life as I can. We have taken a couple short trips and done a little DIY. 

All in all I am healing well. I am back to walking 3 miles every day. I am eating about 75% of my pre-surgery diet. I only have slight pain now if I lift anything heavy or twist just right. Or wrong. I have my 3 month post surgery follow up CT scan on August 4th. Of course after being diagnosed 3 times I am nervious. But what is new?

I do have one question and I am sorry it is a bit embarrassing. I have been doing research and finding answers all over the place so thought I would ask here. My recent surgery put me at 19 inches of colon reduction. This last surgery resulted in 8 inches removed closer to the lower end of the colon. My surgeon warned me about a change in my bowel habits and said most people adjust in a few months or so. What he didn't warn me about was the horrible gas. He told me at 6 weeks after surgery to go back to my regular diet and eat what I wanted. I am a vegetarian. I live on whole non processed food. Let me tell you since I went back to my regular diet it has been challenging. The gas pains and bloat can be awful. I hate to be out in public after eating and find if I know I will be I don't eat. Has anyone experienced this gas issue? If so what helps? If anything.

A lot of what I have been reading is discouraging. People saying even 2 years post surgery they are still dealing with the issue. 

I don't want to sound like I am complaining. I a fortunate to still have a working system but if there is something that can help I would really like to try. 

Blessings

MAlice

 

Comments

  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    #2
    I'm sorry, I have no

    I'm sorry, I have no experience or advice. Thanks for reminding me why I want to keep my illeostomy. Good luck with things. I'm sorry for what you're going through. Why can't we just have something done like a treatment or surgery and not have to deal with all the little extras. It's sad and frustrating.

    Jan

  • beaumontdave
    beaumontdave Member Posts: 1,280 Member
    #3
    My understanding is that the

    My understanding is that the colon isn't involved in digestion, it simply helps collect the waste and absorb any mosture available, so having a shorter one wouldn't alter your digestion or create gas. The surgery upsets the system, but that should pass, eventually. Vegetable matter is harder to digest than stuff like meat or breads, so it could relate to the diet. Have you tried the Gas X type products made to combat that issue? Sorry I don't have a good answer for you MAlice, but I'm glad you're back to a near normal routine...........................................Dave

  • John23
    John23 Member Posts: 2,122 Member
    #4
    Gasssssssphooop

    Gasssssssphooop

    Ok, let's get real:

    Foods that cause gas
    Some foods contain substances that aren't fully digested until they are acted upon (metabolized) by the bacteria in the lower intestine, where they're broken down into simpler substances, including gas. Common gas-producing foods and substances include:

    • Beans and lentils
    • Dairy products containing lactose
    • Fructose and sorbitol, which are found in some fruits and are also used as sweeteners

    http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/intestinal-gas/basics/causes/sym-20050922

     

    Vegetables and fiber in general, do not dissolve. They can cause your intestinal tract to produce gas.

    The Colon in most adults is 5 foot long. At approximately 19 inches of removed colon initially and then another 8", you have just over 1/2 of the original length of colon remaining. The colon not only absorbs remaining liquid from the waste (the longer the waste remains in the colon the more hydration it absorbs), it also removes some of the gasses generated by the digestive process. A short colon isn't going to function as well as a full 5 foot version.

    You mentioned that the problem started with your returning to your veggie diet.... A veggie diet, any high fiber diet, isn't going to do well for you. If you're hell-bent on the veggie thing, you might want to look into buying a juicer (Look at the "Champion Juicer"), and drinking the juice from macerated veggies instead of attempting to eat the stuff. You'll get the benefit of the veggies without the fiber content. It may or may not solve the problem for you as far as the gas.

    Any change to your digestive tract is a major trauma to your entire system. Some do well without problems, and others can live in hell; we're all different. I have had an Ileostomy since 2006 and a few resections since, that has left me with a "short bowel". A "short bowel" for me, is no colon and less than 1/2 the small intestine going into an Ileostomy. And yes it can be hell. Dietary changes are necessary generally, although you can modify and adjust to suit your needs.

    You shouldn't have too many problems with only 1/2 of the colon. Your hydration shouldn't suffer, unless you take in too much liquid (or not enough), and your diet should not have to be modified too much, unless you're not eating what "normal people" eat. (haha.... ooops). Seriously, a veggie diet might sound like a great idea, but we animals really require a well rounded diet. Meat, fish, and poultry is as important as vegetables.

    Do look into the "Juicing" aspect; it might be beneficial to you. Only 4 oz of juice should be ingested at any one time, though. It's powerful. The Champion Juicer is about the best out there. We had two gals that fought cancer via juicing and are still doing well. They don't post here anymore, since we've had a few individuals that felt that they shouldn't be discouraging chemo and were relentless with their insults. You can search for "2Bhealed" or "scouty" and ask either one about juicing. Both are really great people!

    In the meantime, tell 'em it's a new ring tone on your cell phone: "mother-in-law calling again!"

    Be well,

    John

     

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