I have had Key hole laparoscopic bowel surgery 3 weeks ago

Posted by andoman @andoman, Nov 24, 2023

I had Key hole laparoscopic bowel surgery on my big bowel 3 weeks ago due to severe diverticulitis.
After being released from hospital everything looked good, started to poop and thought this is great. Then 2 days later I got severe diarrhoea and 2 days later I felt ill so I went to my doctor who gave me antibiotics as she thought I may have eaten something that caused upset stomach.
After another day my diarrhoea went away and I felt like I was returning to normal.
Then I started getting a bit bloated as my bowels had now stopped and after 3 days I really started to feel oh no what’s going on now. Then I felt like a poop but when I go, it’s very small amount.
Today I wake up tired, no energy and have pain in my left side (where my the surgeon removed 35cm of bowel 3 weeks ago) then later in the morning I felt pains in my stomach all over. I managed to poop a little . . . then all day long I’ve had to poop a very small amount probably 7 times now . .
Are you suppose to feel like this after 3 weeks recovery from Bowel surgery ?
I’m scared I have an issue so I’d like to hear from other people who have had this surgery to how they went. Should I be worried as to what’s happening or is it normal ? I feel bloated still and feel things going on in my stomach. Any advice would be very welcome.
Thank you

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andoman | @andoman | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "Trust me, I know. It’s very depressing. Keep trying to eat - have you tried bananas..." + (show)

I love bananas and I do eat one every morning

andoman | @andoman | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @catherine1290 "Let's hope the CT scan will show what is going on. Please keep in touch." + (show)

My surgeon says my CT Scan is fine but I still have this problem of going to the loo nearly every hour at times. I take Metamucil and it slows things down but once it’s passed through it’s back on the loo every 1-2 hours. How can I live like this ? definitely regretting having this surgery as my life seems over.

andoman | @andoman | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "When do you expect to see results of your CT Scan?" + (show)

My surgeon says my CT Scan is fine but I still have this problem of going to the loo nearly every hour at times. It’s driving me crazy and I have this ‘jelly’ type stool which worries me. I take Metamucil and it slows things down but once it’s passed through it’s back on the loo every 1-2 hours. How can I live like this ? definitely regretting having this surgery as my life seems over.

andoman | @andoman | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "110,000 buyers on Amazon health believe this one is the best. I haven’t taken it but..." + (show)

Thank you 🙏 I’ll have a look for it, try anything to help me.
Do other people here have the same issue . . going to the loo every 1-2 hours ?

catherine1290 | @catherine1290 | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @andoman "My surgeon says my CT Scan is fine but I still have this problem of going..." + (show)

Have you tried Immodium to slow the frequency?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @andoman "Thank you for the probiotics you use, will look into this. Will start eating yogurt as..." + (show)

@andoman,

Be sure to keep hydrated and keep in touch with your doctor if you continue to have this much diarrhea. Are you drinking lots of liquids that have electrolytes? I'm thinking of sports drinks, etc. If not, please keep them on hand.

Do you have support at home to help you? If not, use online ordering to have products delivered to you.

rozy288 | @rozy288 | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @andoman "I feel ok but this going to the toilet every 2 hours is crazy . ...." + (show)

My Gastro put me on A powered fiber like Metamucil , I bought the one w/no sugar or sugar substitute ( so it’s clear ). Also told me to get ib guard . I tried both together to help my ibs-d . Made me worse I think 💭. Had pelvic pains and bad pain while still going a lot and I always have terrible gastric issues 10 years .
I’m on an antidepressant for my digestive disorders too . I just started again w/ new Gastro Dr. My 6 th one in 10 years .
It’s so hard to live this way !
I agree .
Praying your symptoms start to ease .

andoman | @andoman | Nov 29, 2023

In reply to @catherine1290 "Have you tried Immodium to slow the frequency?" + (show)

I had such a bad day yesterday and night, practically on the toilet all afternoon and night so this morning I bought some Imodium. I’m way too scared to eat in fear of back on the loo every hour, just had one piece of toast.
I hope this Imodium works or I’m in trouble as I can’t eat and I’m so exhausted. I’m starting to think I’ll be like this forever.

catherine1290 | @catherine1290 | Nov 30, 2023

In reply to @andoman "I had such a bad day yesterday and night, practically on the toilet all afternoon and..." + (show)

You have yourself so worked up over this ordeal that your emotional state may be contributing to it. Could you at least get some high protein drinks like Boost or Ensure. You could get nutrition drinking them. Some even contain fiber.

pb50 | @pb50 | Nov 30, 2023

In reply to @andoman "I had such a bad day yesterday and night, practically on the toilet all afternoon and..." + (show)

I know you are teetering between frustration and despair. I really, really know. Until my colitis got a name and a treatment, I could not leave the house and was incontinent on multiple occasions, crying in the shower after cleaning everything up.

But at some point you have to grab control of those emotions. Take the Metamucil and Imodium and keep yourself nourished and hydrated. These things work over time better than they work right away. So think of it as a treatment regiment and realize that relief will come.

The CT shows that from a surgical point of view, your treatment was successful. Not that many years ago we would all have died of our maladies. You have a tough recovery from a miraculous surgery - but when you do you recover, will have life. So…
Eat the bananas, eat the yogurt, eat rice and eat dry toast, drink pedialite and ensure, and take the Imodium and Metamucil. Rail against the injustice of your illness, thank the Gods for your surgeon, And do something to occupy your time and mind between bathroom visits.

I promise you there’s an end to this. ❤️‍🩹