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Colon Resection for Diverticulitis and Chronic Constipation

Posted by tracy430 @tracy430, Jan 27, 2019

Hi All,

My name is Tracy. I had sigmoid colon resection just about 7 weeks ago for diverticulitis. Before surgery, I could count on one hand the times in my life I needed to take a laxative. Now, I don't really have a choice, as I am suffering from chronic constipation. My surgeon gives me no recommendations, with the exception of more fiber, more water and to be more optimistic that it will improve. I get more depressed by the day, as this is coloring every aspect of my life. My surgeon told me having this surgery would "give me my life back". So far, it's taken all the joy from it. Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you.

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ciebrown | @ciebrown | Sep 22, 2023

I totally agree with you. This surgery has not given me bad acid reflux and also c diff again.

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ciebrown | @ciebrown | Sep 22, 2023

How do u feel now I c this has been a few years

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verol65 | @verol65 | Dec 8, 2023
In reply to @blueviolet "I had a bowel resection in Oct 2020 due to diverticulitis. I was told that they..." + (show)
@blueviolet

I had a bowel resection in Oct 2020 due to diverticulitis. I was told that they had to take a bit more of my rectum than expected. It has been one and a half years and I am having so much trouble with constipation. I take a stool softener everyday with no results. In my case, I believe it is more of a muscle issue. The stool hardens as I cannot feel the need to go until I feel the pressure. Once I feel the pressure, pushing is extremely difficult because of the lack of rectal muscles and the hardness of the stool. My stools are small and "marble-like" in size and it is still extremely difficult to expel them. I was told it could take up to a year to totally heal. Could scar tissue be my issue? Is that repairable? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

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Hi, @blueviolet ! Was your bowel resection a Turnbull-Cutait pull through? Did you have a coloanal anastomosis?

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1 reply
verol65 | @verol65 | Dec 8, 2023
In reply to @tammyjo2 "Anyone have hard BMs and bleeding after sigmoid surgery?I’m almost 5weeks post sigmoid removal surgery due..." + (show)
@tammyjo2

<p>Anyone have hard BMs and bleeding after sigmoid surgery?</p><p>I’m almost 5weeks post sigmoid removal surgery due to diverticulitis. For over a week I’ve had trouble with hard passing BMs with bright red blood. Also pain in my lower left side. I am taking Colace stool softener daily and drinking over 90 ounces of water daily. I’m scared I’ve done something to harm where the surgery connected my colon together. I did call my surgeon and received advice on what do to if things get worse. Anyone else have this?</p>

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Hi, @tammyjo2 !
Was your sigmoid removal surgery a pull through? Did you have a coloanal anastomosis?

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Dec 11, 2023
In reply to @beckyt "Try probiotics." + (show)
@beckyt

Try probiotics.

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How do probiotics ease constipation? Any particular brand or strain(s) of probiotic? Thank you Becky!

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1 reply
beckyt | @beckyt | Dec 11, 2023
In reply to @heyjoe415 "How do probiotics ease constipation? Any particular brand or strain(s) of probiotic? Thank you Becky!" + (show)
@heyjoe415

How do probiotics ease constipation? Any particular brand or strain(s) of probiotic? Thank you Becky!

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They help break down food and they fight off bad bacteria. I use Florestor and any other. They really work. I have to be very careful of constipation because of the diverticulitis. I was always constipated. I am scheduled for a resection next month. 😒 Good luck.

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Dec 13, 2023
In reply to @beckyt "They help break down food and they fight off bad bacteria. I use Florestor and any..." + (show)
@beckyt

They help break down food and they fight off bad bacteria. I use Florestor and any other. They really work. I have to be very careful of constipation because of the diverticulitis. I was always constipated. I am scheduled for a resection next month. 😒 Good luck.

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Thank you Becky! Much appreciated and good luck next month! All the best.

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lsdd13 | @lsdd13 | Dec 14, 2023

Hi Becky,
I had the surgery for diverticulitis in 2021. Never got my former life back , but I don’t have constipation.
I take 1 capful of Miralax daily with yogurt or juice. I also take 1 capful of Sunfiber in my coffee ( or any liquid)sun fiber is available on Amazon and miralax has cheaper generic at Costco
I also use a quarry potty and Toto bidet attachment on my toilet as I now poop very frequently. I have a GI dietician and follow a low FODMAP diet.
This is I think the best I can hope for and manage as
The surgery left me very bloated and distended.
I feel your pain!!

REPLY
1 reply
beckyt | @beckyt | Dec 15, 2023
In reply to @lsdd13 "Hi Becky, I had the surgery for diverticulitis in 2021. Never got my former life back..." + (show)
@lsdd13

Hi Becky,
I had the surgery for diverticulitis in 2021. Never got my former life back , but I don’t have constipation.
I take 1 capful of Miralax daily with yogurt or juice. I also take 1 capful of Sunfiber in my coffee ( or any liquid)sun fiber is available on Amazon and miralax has cheaper generic at Costco
I also use a quarry potty and Toto bidet attachment on my toilet as I now poop very frequently. I have a GI dietician and follow a low FODMAP diet.
This is I think the best I can hope for and manage as
The surgery left me very bloated and distended.
I feel your pain!!

Jump to this post

Bloated and distended for 2 yrs? Have you asked your Dr. why?

REPLY
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