Why after having a colectomy in 2017 now I have this feces like smell

Posted by henslee @henslee, Sep 28 1:24pm

I have had a colectomy in 2017 still have to take linzess to even have a bowel move ment but recently I have noticed this feces like smell on the outside of my body. And it’s been noticed by a friend also so it’s not just me smelling it. It’s horrible please anyone have any advice or answers

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janetexmsrrose | @janetexmsrrose | Sep 29 10:14am

Yougurt helps with feces smell. Do you wear an appliance?

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Sep 29 1:26pm

Hi, @henslee - having a colectomy is a big deal. Feeling like you smell like feces on the outside of your body afterward sounds not at all fun. Good thinking to have a friend confirm what you feel like you are smelling.

Have you had a chance to ask your colorectal surgeon about this smell you are noticing? If so, what did the doctor say about it?

isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Sep 30 3:40pm

@henslee Thank you for sharing. What a great platform this is to raise medical issues.

There seem to be so many different issues we need to deal with due to cancer or life saving cancer treatments 🥹 We don’t all share the same experiences.

I’ve had a partial colectomy too and am without a bag. I’m fortunate that my digestive system still works reasonably well - as long as I manage my diet and fluid intake carefully.

I hadn’t heard of this side effect before in a person without a bag. I’m sure there must be many who do have this side effect. I hope they see this discussion and can share how they deal with it.

I googled to try and understand if the bacteria in faeces can be released through the skin if the digestive system isn’t working properly and bacteria is building up inside. This article is merely a” yes” confirmation of what’s possibly going on.

I would definitely be talking to your medical team ASAP to get their input. (Please be careful you don’t try alternative treatments without your doctor’s input, and kill off your good bacteria too).

Please do keep us informed and I hope you can find steps to address the bacteria if that’s what’s going on ❤️‍🩹
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/why-does-my-body-odour-smell-like-poo/news-story/8e93b9f7b7703ddeb40c308a5d8abc99