The Colon Club

I had a subtotal colectomy 9 weeks ago. For the first 2 weeks I had diarrhea a lot, but since then I have only one bowel movement a day and in the last few days it’s been very formed. I know with only having a little large colon I was told I would have a lot of bowel movements. The surgeon said I might have a sluggish bowel.

Has anyone else had this.

I know I should be glad I don’t have diarrhea all the time but this other doesn’t seem normal.

If by "very formed," you mean large, hard, and difficult to pass, I'd personally choose to take a stool softener.

Otherwise, if you are having what sounds like a normal bowel movement every day, what's the problem?

I had a right hemicolectomy and once in a blue moon I do get diarrhea, but most times I go one time a day...that is normal. If it is not hard to pass, your bowels are back to normal. I eat fruits and salads to keep me from getting constipated.

I eat a lot of fiber too. I’m just over 3 months post surgery now, no ileostomy. I tend to constipate, however on occasion I’ve had to beeline to the nearest washroom.

Everyone seems to have their own unique do’s and don’ts when it comes to LARS. I consider myself pretty lucky as I’ve had relatively few issues to date, knocking on wood.

I’m not “normal” but I try to plan ahead as best I can.

Time meals if I need to leave the house for extended periods. I popped 1 Imodium on Canada day before I went out just to be safe.

I try to regulate myself through diet, but sometimes I’ll drink some restorelax (miralax) if I feel too backed up.

I find it increases the probability of wet farts so I don’t take it too often.

Of course I’m doing adjuvant chemo right now so all will probably change when that’s done.

Trial and error is how I’d describe it. I’ve definitely been improving as time passes.