Post-Op Bowel Issues - What's Worked for You?

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Allen
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Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2018 2:29 pm
Facebook Username: Allen

Post-Op Bowel Issues - What's Worked for You?

Postby Allen » Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:31 pm

I'm 4 mos. out from surgery, which consisted of liver resection and removal of approx. 20 cm of intestine (near recto-sigmoid junction). I was back to normal diet very shortly after surgery. Bowel function hasn't been terrible, but I do get occasion bouts of very liquid diarrhea - which often hits me with very little advance notice. Another relevant fact, ended chemo about 3 weeks ago, so I suppose there could be some lingering effects of that.

My surgeon suggested I take Metamucil, or something like it. Given that such products are intended to produce looser stools - I have trouble understanding how that would help me, rather than making things worse.

Any suggestions?

Much appreciated.

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Post-Op Bowel Issues - What's Worked for You?

Postby NHMike » Thu Sep 20, 2018 2:45 pm

I had diarrhea when I had an Ileostomy and there were certain foods that did a good job soaking things up and potatoes and sweet potatoes definitely did that. Diarrhea in the bag was only a problem in that it was so liquidy and could result in leakage and stinging problems and it could spoil the gas filter. It might work without the bag too.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

MissMolly
Posts: 645
Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2015 4:33 pm
Location: Portland, Ore

Re: Post-Op Bowel Issues - What's Worked for You?

Postby MissMolly » Thu Sep 20, 2018 3:15 pm

Allen:
Metamucil, or similar, can be useful for symptom management of both diarrhea and constipation.

In the case of diarrhea or highly liquid and volitle stools, Metamucil acts like a binder or gel to help with producing a thicker stool consistency.

Give the Metamucil a try. Start with a small dose, twice a day (as opposed to a full/large dose once a day). It can take 2-3 days to see consistent results. You can titrate the amount based on the results.
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.

Allen
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2018 2:29 pm
Facebook Username: Allen

Re: Post-Op Bowel Issues - What's Worked for You?

Postby Allen » Fri Sep 21, 2018 8:55 am

Thanks for your input!

Allen
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2018 2:29 pm
Facebook Username: Allen

Re: Post-Op Bowel Issues - What's Worked for You?

Postby Allen » Fri Sep 21, 2018 8:56 am

...and God Bless you, Miss Molly


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