Digestive issues following right hemi colectomy

Posted by ariel2025 @ariel2025, 2 days ago

I am new to this discussion and this is my first post. Nine years ago I had a low grade mucinous neoplasm of the appendix which required an appendectomy followed by a right hemi colectomy. No one ever mentioned to me that there would be changes in digestion of food as a result. I have only just connected the dots after reading an article about GERD. I have learned that food can move through the digestive tract more quickly which can reduce absorption of fluids and nutrients. The right colon is where much of the fermentation of undigested carbs happens, so changes here can affect how you tolerate fibre and FODMAPS. Some people become more sensitive to foods that ferment or draw water into the bowel (like high FODMAPS). If bile isn't fully reabsorbed it can cause loose stools. Everyone is affected in a variety of ways and no two people are the same. I had already been diagnosed fructose malabsorption prior to the operation, so I think it contributed towards all the gut issues I've experienced since. I find things constantly change. Foods I've tolerated well in the past become a problem. Has anyone else had a similar experience to me?

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Yes, my husband has battled watery diarrhea multiple times a day for the past 11 years following appendix cancer surgery. The ileocecal valve was removed, which sounds like what you had done. So far, nothing resolves it. We hope to find a surgeon to try "icv replacement surgery" which is also called "nipple valve reconstruction." Have you heard of this?

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@dboesten

Yes, my husband has battled watery diarrhea multiple times a day for the past 11 years following appendix cancer surgery. The ileocecal valve was removed, which sounds like what you had done. So far, nothing resolves it. We hope to find a surgeon to try "icv replacement surgery" which is also called "nipple valve reconstruction." Have you heard of this?

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Thank you for your reply. I am not sure if the ileocecal valve was removed or not. I am not on any medications or desire any more surgeries. It is an ongoing mission to monitor my diet and try and work out what makes it worse and what I can comfortably tolerate. But I think it's worth trying. My faith in God keeps me going!

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