The Colon Club

My husband had his ostomy take down back in October and other than watching a couple of numbers he’s been doing okay. A little over a week ago we both came down with some sort of intestinal bug and while we both got better his diarrhea is still lingering. No fever, bloating, pain etc just mild diarrhea and gas. He went to the regular doctor today and they mentioned wanting to get an x-ray to rule out a blockage, which didn’t even cross my mind.

Has anyone else post-op had lingering diarrhea issues? He’s going back in for an X-ray and fecal tests but I wasn’t sure if this might just be a “normal” problem for post surgery/post chemo people?

Not me, I’m just glad when I can go! I haven’t been, and won’t be, hooked back up though. What is NEMD? (Signature)

NEMD is apparently a fancy way of saying NED: "No Evidence of Metastatic Disease" It's what they listed on his last CT Scan so I put it that way in my signature.

John had a horrible ostomy experience, retracted AND it shrunk down to only 11 mm in diameter. He leaked constantly as no product really fit. When he went in to be reconnected he was happy as a clam, I was the one worried sick haha. I know that life after resection can mean changes from what we thought as "normal" bowel habits before. Like how we found out he can no longer handle eating a whole bunch of junk food at a party, he was horribly bloated for a day or two after and gave me a scare. He also knows now that wings will give him bloating and diarrhea when they didn't before. I'm hoping his gut is just extra sensitive and needs an extra push after the stomach bug to get it back to normal. But I'm worried it means bowel blockage due to adhesions or that something else sinister is going on. At this point I'd almost welcome a c diff diagnosis, at least that can be taken care of at home with some antibiotics. If he has to go back in for more abdominal surgery I don't know what we'd do, he'd most likely lose his job and health insurance as he's new and isn't protected by FMLA. Too many things running through my brain, too much reading Dr. Google! That's why I thought I'd check here to see if anyone had something similar happen to them.

I had rectal surgery 9+ years ago, and still get occasional diarrhea. Although it has improved over the years, my bowel movements never returned to normal. By manipulating my diet and taking some OTC medications occasionally, things are sufficiently under control to lead a 'near normal' life.

I'm 3 years post surgery and still have trouble with diarrhea. I try to manage with diet, and supplement with Immodium as needed.

I think any changes, like the flu, can set out new bowels off. I was doing pretty well but then had gallbladder surgery and it took a week to get things back on track.

I have had a lot of success taking a good probiotic at higher than minimum doses. My theory is that our new smaller colons have had enough trauma and need all the help they can get. I had reversal last June so am a little farther ahead and it has continued to get better.

Hope this helps,

Dave