Does anyone have short bowel syndrome?

Hey sunshine, I commiserate with you. I had my colon removed due to Ulcerative Colitis (or Crohn's masquerading as UC.) I had an internal pouch created - an ileoanal anastomosis or J-pouch. In an emergency surgery, the pouch was abandoned and replaced with an ileostomy. I have a hard time keeping up with fluids which has really ruined my kidneys with multiple hospitalizations due to dehydration from my "high output" ileostomy. I thought it logical to have occasional infusions of water, sugar, and salts since that combination is what my small intestine likes for absorption. When I discussed this with my doctors, almost all poo-pooed it. My PCP suggested a commercial infusion spa! I didn't push it since it became obvious that I didn't have a medical champion. Are your infusions specifically for dehydration? Creatinine spikes? I'm traveling from Dallas to Mayo Rochester in about ten days to see if I would be a candidate for a kidney transplant. -- Dave

I too, started with an internal pouch, or BCIR. Due to ulcerative colitis. Worked for 35 years, then had surgery to replace valve that had serious complications, & I developed an abscess, so had another emergency colon surgery that removed my internal pouch & created an ileostomy. Like you, I can no longer absorb potassium, magnesium or fluids, so I get 2 infusions/week of all 3. I have to empty my pouch hourly, but still try to do things I enjoy, like lunch or dinner w friends, movie, plays & concerts. I know where all the best bathrooms are in my KC area.

I have short gut syndrome. I only have 2ft. Left of my small intestines but I have my large intestines. I have IV fluids a couple times a week to help with dehydration. My dietitian suggested coconut water to get more electrolytes.
I get constipated along because of dehydration. I use to have a lot of diarrhea but that stopped.
I had 3 small bowel obstruction surgeries.
I have kidney problems also and I am scheduled to see a kidney specialist in 2 weeks.