I had colon resection surgery 2 and 1/2 months ago and have very frequent soft bowel movements which I have a hard time evacuating even though they are soft. They are sometimes string-like or little pellets and messy. Also, my rectum and anus often aches. I just saw my gastroenterologist and he said my stomach was distended and suspected an infection. It could be C. Difficile, a dangerous bacteria that can be caused by too many antibiotics, a hospital stay and/or abdominal surgery. I had all three risk factors.
Anyone experiencing constant diarrhea with a distended stomach following resection surgery might want to have a doctor check for an infection via stool samples.
I had colon resection surgery 2 and 1/2 months ago and have very frequent soft bowel movements which I have a hard time evacuating even though they are soft. They are sometimes string-like or little pellets and messy. Also, my rectum and anus often aches. I just saw my gastroenterologist and he said my stomach was distended and suspected an infection. It could be C. Difficile, a dangerous bacteria that can be caused by too many antibiotics, a hospital stay and/or abdominal surgery. I had all three risk factors.
Anyone experiencing constant diarrhea with a distended stomach following resection surgery might want to have a doctor check for an infection via stool samples.
Not yet. I should have results from the 4 stool samples I provided by sometime next week. I will let you know. I read from other people on this site about the ongoing distended stomach and that is the main reason, besides the soft stools and very frequent bowel movements, that the Gastrointerologist ordered the tests. Also, aching rectum and rectum. I thought I had hemorrhoids but the doctor said not.
Hi! My surgeon had me taking Metamucil (1tsp) and prescription Imodium pills right after surgery, 3-4 times a day. I tried stopping both to see what would happen and it sounds like what you are describing. Maybe you could try that if your doctor agrees. Metamucil will bulk up your stool and the Imodium slows it down. Without the colon to do it’s thing, something has to be added to slow things down in order to avoid the diarrhea. I’d discuss with your doctor. Good luck!
Hi! My surgeon had me taking Metamucil (1tsp) and prescription Imodium pills right after surgery, 3-4 times a day. I tried stopping both to see what would happen and it sounds like what you are describing. Maybe you could try that if your doctor agrees. Metamucil will bulk up your stool and the Imodium slows it down. Without the colon to do it’s thing, something has to be added to slow things down in order to avoid the diarrhea. I’d discuss with your doctor. Good luck!
I had a foot my Colon removed on April 5th 2021. I was at Stage 1. Since then I have lost 20lbs all over my body except my stomach. It round like a ball. Going for my 3 month check up next month. I am going to ask my surgeon.
I had a foot my Colon removed on April 5th 2021. I was at Stage 1. Since then I have lost 20lbs all over my body except my stomach. It round like a ball. Going for my 3 month check up next month. I am going to ask my surgeon.
Hi @tbillz119, I along from other members like @robinmacdonald and @mkgdesigner will be interested in what your surgeon says at your upcoming appointment.
In terms of surgery recovery, April is not that long ago and your body needs time to heal. Was the 20 lb weight loss intentional? Have you had to change what you eat?
Hi @tbillz119, I along from other members like @robinmacdonald and @mkgdesigner will be interested in what your surgeon says at your upcoming appointment.
In terms of surgery recovery, April is not that long ago and your body needs time to heal. Was the 20 lb weight loss intentional? Have you had to change what you eat?
I could not eat much the first few weeks like a quarter of what I would normally eat. Then after that I just kept eating out of a smaller plate. I ride my exercise bike about 3 times a week. Nothing unusual. I don’t eat beef as much. I feel that is harder to digest. I see my surgeon tomorrow and will keep you all posted!!
I could not eat much the first few weeks like a quarter of what I would normally eat. Then after that I just kept eating out of a smaller plate. I ride my exercise bike about 3 times a week. Nothing unusual. I don’t eat beef as much. I feel that is harder to digest. I see my surgeon tomorrow and will keep you all posted!!
I also have to eat less and have problems with fibrous foods, like beef or stringy chicken. Ground beef is Ok. I was down to 112 lbs. after surgery and am now up to about 123, which is a good weight for my 5’4” frame. I have been told that my extended stomach could be due to gas trapped while my colon is still recovering to normal since my 2/4/21 colon resection surgery for diverticulitis. It is slowly getting better, as is the frequency, shape and consistency of my stool. Also, the physical therapist to which my Cedars surgeon referred me has said it is most likely scar tissue (adhesions) making my stomach look swollen, which will soften with time. She has me massaging my colon with a gel twice a day for 5 minutes. And increasing my Kegel exercises to help my rectum evacuate properly. The colon runs in an upside down U, up from near the right hip, across under the ribs and the down near the left hip. I also massage the middle of my tummy where the robot pulled out the diseased section. I had laparoscopic robotic surgery.
Yes, let us know what your surgeon says. My physical therapist told me every colorectal surgeon she speaks to says it takes at least a year following surgery for the colon to function normally.
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I had colon resection surgery 2 and 1/2 months ago and have very frequent soft bowel movements which I have a hard time evacuating even though they are soft. They are sometimes string-like or little pellets and messy. Also, my rectum and anus often aches. I just saw my gastroenterologist and he said my stomach was distended and suspected an infection. It could be C. Difficile, a dangerous bacteria that can be caused by too many antibiotics, a hospital stay and/or abdominal surgery. I had all three risk factors.
Anyone experiencing constant diarrhea with a distended stomach following resection surgery might want to have a doctor check for an infection via stool samples.
@robinmacdonald, has a C difficile infection been confirmed in your case?
Not yet. I should have results from the 4 stool samples I provided by sometime next week. I will let you know. I read from other people on this site about the ongoing distended stomach and that is the main reason, besides the soft stools and very frequent bowel movements, that the Gastrointerologist ordered the tests. Also, aching rectum and rectum. I thought I had hemorrhoids but the doctor said not.
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1 ReactionHi! My surgeon had me taking Metamucil (1tsp) and prescription Imodium pills right after surgery, 3-4 times a day. I tried stopping both to see what would happen and it sounds like what you are describing. Maybe you could try that if your doctor agrees. Metamucil will bulk up your stool and the Imodium slows it down. Without the colon to do it’s thing, something has to be added to slow things down in order to avoid the diarrhea. I’d discuss with your doctor. Good luck!
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1 ReactionThank you. I will ask my doctor after I get results from my stool sample tests.
@robinmacdonald and @mkgdesigner, you may also have some input to offer new member, Karir, in this discussion:
- The gastro after effects of colorectal cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-after-effects-of-colorectal-cancer/
I look forward to hearing what you find out, Robin.
I had a foot my Colon removed on April 5th 2021. I was at Stage 1. Since then I have lost 20lbs all over my body except my stomach. It round like a ball. Going for my 3 month check up next month. I am going to ask my surgeon.
Hi @tbillz119, I along from other members like @robinmacdonald and @mkgdesigner will be interested in what your surgeon says at your upcoming appointment.
In terms of surgery recovery, April is not that long ago and your body needs time to heal. Was the 20 lb weight loss intentional? Have you had to change what you eat?
I could not eat much the first few weeks like a quarter of what I would normally eat. Then after that I just kept eating out of a smaller plate. I ride my exercise bike about 3 times a week. Nothing unusual. I don’t eat beef as much. I feel that is harder to digest. I see my surgeon tomorrow and will keep you all posted!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI also have to eat less and have problems with fibrous foods, like beef or stringy chicken. Ground beef is Ok. I was down to 112 lbs. after surgery and am now up to about 123, which is a good weight for my 5’4” frame. I have been told that my extended stomach could be due to gas trapped while my colon is still recovering to normal since my 2/4/21 colon resection surgery for diverticulitis. It is slowly getting better, as is the frequency, shape and consistency of my stool. Also, the physical therapist to which my Cedars surgeon referred me has said it is most likely scar tissue (adhesions) making my stomach look swollen, which will soften with time. She has me massaging my colon with a gel twice a day for 5 minutes. And increasing my Kegel exercises to help my rectum evacuate properly. The colon runs in an upside down U, up from near the right hip, across under the ribs and the down near the left hip. I also massage the middle of my tummy where the robot pulled out the diseased section. I had laparoscopic robotic surgery.
Yes, let us know what your surgeon says. My physical therapist told me every colorectal surgeon she speaks to says it takes at least a year following surgery for the colon to function normally.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction