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! 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!
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.
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.
Hi Troyhenn22, My gastro doctor prescribed Viberzi for me and it's actually working. After 4 years of running to the bathroom 10 to 30 times a day, my labs showed some vitamin deficiencies, so she took me very seriously. I'd gotten so down on myself and just gave up trying to talk to my doctors. The surgeon gave me the "it's nothing that I did that's causing you problems - maybe have more fiber". But I'm so glad that I kept up with my gastro doctor. She told me that I couldn't keep going this way and that we would work on it until we found something that worked. Still have the bloated belly, but I can eat big salads, oatmeal, any kind of fruit and it feels great. I have more energy as well. Just keep trying - Best wishes!
Hi Colleen, I’ve been reading about other problems with abdominal swelling and although it is reassuring, I wish that someone would figure out why this was happening. My surgeon keeps telling me everything is fine, my oncologist tells me that the chronic diarrhea and swelling is “normal”, but no one can suggest why. I had stage 2A colon ca at the transverse colon near my liver. I had 22 lymph nodes removed and all were fine. Since then, I have had chronic problems. That was 4 years ago now. My gastro doc found that I had SIBO, which happens frequently with this surgery according to her. But even so, I have had to buy new clothes to fit around my belly, I can’t wear a bra or anything tight around my waist. I’m lucky, I know, believe me. But there MUST be a reason for this. Thank you so much!
ok dear .. i am 18months after bowel resection , and yes same as You osafo , .. swelling tummy , cant were jeans any more or anything tight on tummy,,, same had to but leggings as nothing fits over my swelling tummy ,,
I am in the same situation. 2 months after colon resection and my stomach super bloated and painful. I had two previous abdominal surgeries and i am 31 years old. Surgeon and doctors have done ct scans and says "everything is fine" with me.
Hi Gustavo,
There are some things that I’ve noticed as I started a journal. One is that if I have difficulty sleeping (which happens to me at least once or twice a week), then the abdominal swelling, bloating and diarrhea is much worse. The second thing is that I increased my prebiotic and probiotics each day. That also helps. Recently I got a membership to a company that delivers organic frozen fruit and veggies and I started making smoothies every day. I have not been able to eat fresh veggies for the last several years and I miss salads terribly. For me, this has helped me with feeling so “broken” if that makes sense. I’ve found that there is no help from my doctors, so I will take charge and not depend on them for help with this issue. I have one more check up next July for my 5 years meeting. My goal for next year is to have a plan that works so I can live and continue to get better.
Colleen, your welcome to me meant the world and it gave me an emotional “push” to take the bull by the horns.
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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.
@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.
Thank you. I will ask my doctor after I get results from my stool sample tests.
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!
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1 ReactionNot 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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Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@robinmacdonald, has a C difficile infection been confirmed in your case?
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.
Hi Troyhenn22, My gastro doctor prescribed Viberzi for me and it's actually working. After 4 years of running to the bathroom 10 to 30 times a day, my labs showed some vitamin deficiencies, so she took me very seriously. I'd gotten so down on myself and just gave up trying to talk to my doctors. The surgeon gave me the "it's nothing that I did that's causing you problems - maybe have more fiber". But I'm so glad that I kept up with my gastro doctor. She told me that I couldn't keep going this way and that we would work on it until we found something that worked. Still have the bloated belly, but I can eat big salads, oatmeal, any kind of fruit and it feels great. I have more energy as well. Just keep trying - Best wishes!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reactionok dear .. i am 18months after bowel resection , and yes same as You osafo , .. swelling tummy , cant were jeans any more or anything tight on tummy,,, same had to but leggings as nothing fits over my swelling tummy ,,
Hi Gustavo,
There are some things that I’ve noticed as I started a journal. One is that if I have difficulty sleeping (which happens to me at least once or twice a week), then the abdominal swelling, bloating and diarrhea is much worse. The second thing is that I increased my prebiotic and probiotics each day. That also helps. Recently I got a membership to a company that delivers organic frozen fruit and veggies and I started making smoothies every day. I have not been able to eat fresh veggies for the last several years and I miss salads terribly. For me, this has helped me with feeling so “broken” if that makes sense. I’ve found that there is no help from my doctors, so I will take charge and not depend on them for help with this issue. I have one more check up next July for my 5 years meeting. My goal for next year is to have a plan that works so I can live and continue to get better.
Colleen, your welcome to me meant the world and it gave me an emotional “push” to take the bull by the horns.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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