Postby MissMolly » Tue Dec 18, 2018 7:21 pm
Annemarie:
See my response to the thread “Intense Mobility” by original poster pajama further down this page.
The intestine can remain swollen and inflamed for several weeks post surgery with what is often termed “post operative functional use disorder.” Translation: The motility of the fit in moving digested food material down and along is slowed/delayed or intermittent.
Use of a daily osmotic laxative (miralax or Milk of Magnesi) can be immensely helpful. Titrate the dose to meet your need. Initial dose may take 2-3 days to take effect with a bowel movement. You can use an osmotic laxative on a long-term basis without concerns of lazy colon or laxative dependence.
Stool softeners are often not sufficient. They add water to stool in the lower colon but with no motility effect to nudge the intestine into moving. The result can be stool that stagnates and sits like heavy cement.
Eat small amounts only or revert to liquids only when constipation is intense and fecal backup pronounced. You do not want to continue adding solid food retention.
Eating more fiber or high-fiber foods can be counter-productive as it takes more mechanical work to digest foods high in insoluble fiber.
Remember, your intestine is likely inflamed and a bit swollen. Treat it gently. Keep food portions small. Graze rather than consume large meals. Soups are often a good option - for hydration and ease of digestion.
Keep moving. The intestines are a muscle and depend on systemic body movement to keep humming and moving along. Yoga poses are a nice means to massage the intestines and promote motility. Basic, beginning poses are A-OK. You need not be a human pretzel.
Start with a small dose of an osmotic laxative. Daily. Other options: Aloe Vera juice about 2 tablesspoons a day acts like an intestinal lubricant; prune juice, 6-8 oz a day, warmed in the microwave; sprinkle ground wheat germ on top of cereal or yogurt, about 2 tablespoons a day.
Reduce intake of solid food until initial constipation clears. Then begin program of small portion sizes so as not to overwhelm the intestinal tract.
Karen
Dear friend to Bella Piazza, former Colon Club member (NWGirl).
I have a permanent ileostomy and offer advice on living with an ostomy - in loving remembrance of Bella
I am on Palliative Care for broad endocrine failure + Addison's disease + osteonecrosis of both hips/jaw + immunosuppression. I live a simple life due to frail health.