Colon Surgery

[luckymeacres]

Hi Everyone, I have not been on in awhile, but think of alot of you often. On Dec 8th I had a total abdominal colectomy with ILEO-rectal anastomosis, basically a internal pouch so you have nothing on the outside. Still having a hard time staying regular, wondered if anyone else had the surgery with some do and don't on what to eat.

 

[Debby - LB]

Hi Evelyn! It's been such a long time since I heard from you. (way back when Mike and Evelyn used to transport my horses) I don't have any advice to give but wanted to say hello and that I'm sorry you had to go through this. Sending you warm regards and hopes that you will get well soon. {{{{hugs to you}}}}

 

[luckymeacres]

Thanks Debby, nice to hear from you to. We really miss the good friends we have made along the road.

 

[Katiean]

I had an external colostomy for about 6 months. They told me I would have diarrhea for the rest of my life. WRONG!!! I can not give any help on what to and not to eat. I think you should just eat a balanced diet. hopefully what kept you regular before will keep you regular now. They told me my hard stool was from my meds. WRONG!!!! I think everyone is different. But, if you have soft stool cut back on fiber. If it is the opposite then ask your Dr for a prescription version of Merilax. I hope you get this thing figured out. I know the Dr didn't help me one bit with how to take care of that thing.

 

[Lizzie]

I am a colon cancer survivor. Diet is important after someone has colon problems.

Constipation is most usually, the problem after surgery.

Something for all to know, is leave the popcorn alone! It is a killer.

If you like corn/sweet corn/creamed corn, eat it as little as possible. Preferably never.

No white bread or items made with white flour. East whole wheat products only.

If you are constipated, it will often come from..

Various medications.

Calcium pills if you must take them for your bone health.

Pills and medications for acid reflux.

Eggs. (They are binding)

Cheese.

Rice.

Eat the above as rarely as possible or in very small amounts. If you must take certain medications, a couple of tablespoons of mineral oil per day, will help things going smoothly.

Lizzie. 17 years cancer free.

 

[lucky lodge]

17 years congrats and thanks for the advice on the food

 

[luckymeacres]

Yes thanks for all the hints, I found out about the popcorn the hard way, I almost ended up in the ER.

 

[REO]

Gosh Evelyn! You sure have been through it! I miss your hauling days and seeing you. I wish you all the best & {{{{Hugs}}}}

 

[Katiean]

You know, someone should write a book on this stuff because the Dr's and nurses don't really tell you these things. At least not at the hospital I was at. My sister, who is an RN came from Oregon and helped me out. If it weren't for her standing up for my rights while I was in the hospital and her youngest daughter that came from Alaska to help me for the first two weeks out of the hospital I would have been up that creek everyone talks about. Anyway I wish you the best of luck finding out what works for you.

 

[Lizzie]

Yes, Luckymeacres, NOBODY should ever eat popcorn. I'm so glad you survived. I never liked it, so that wasn't my problem. Don't like corn at all much. I remember a while back, hearing on the news, that a fellow was rushed to the ER in an emergency. Opening him up, they found 7 lbs of popcorn, stuck in a 'pocket' in his colon. I cringe every time I see ads or commercials on TV, for popcorn. And always of course, it is touted as a fun treat for the family. The doctors and hospitals might think it's a treat, since they will end up being paid huge sums, when a patient almost dies from eating it. Oh and of course, the undertakers make out too in some cases.

Lizzie

 

[LindaL]

I have no suggestions on what you should or should not eat, but glad you are getting well. (I never knew you lived in Ocala, so Hi from a neighbor in Brooksville!)

My mom is fighting colon cancer right now. Because of her weight and her other health issues, she is not a surgery candidate. Her only options are chemo and radiation.

 

[Connie P]

I have nothing to add with what to eat or not to eat, but wanted to say Hi Evelyn

and I sure hope you feel better soon.

 

[Aristocratic Minis]

Hope you are feeling better soon.

My mother was an ostomate for many years. Before she left the hospital, she was given information, therapy and encouragement from an ET Nurse (Enterostomal Nurse) who was a "specialist nurse." When we had questions, we could call the nurse for information or even make an appointment with her at the hospital. She was a Godsend to us. I hope there might be an ET nurse in your area you could consult.

Depending upon where you live, there might be a support group near you which can be a great help. My mother joined United Ostomy Associations of America. There may be a group near you which can give you information and support and guidance. It was a great help to my mom. My link

My mother pretty much ate anything she wanted after she was completely healed. Perhaps it was "old school" advice, but the surgeon told her to sip Milk of Magnesia if she were constipated or sip Pepto Bismol if she happened to be too frequent. Consult your own medical professional for your own situation.

Best wishes.