Struggling with My Bowels Post-Reversal

Hi there,

I had my loop ileostomy reversal on 10/05/24. My recovery in the hospital was not smooth—it was turbulent, for lack of a better word.

I had paralytic ileus for the first four days. Subsequently, I started to pass wind, and this was followed by bouts of diarrhea. To be honest, I was passing bloody stools that made me freak out. I told my doctors, and they reassured me that things would settle. They did, and I did not have any more bloody stools. I had a stool microscopy which was normal. But right now I am constipated. 

I have not moved my bowels in two days. Any tips would help. 

Hi Yasmeen,

I hope you are not in too much pain.

If I were you, I would contact a member of your medical team to get their advice, start with your WOCN nurse and take it from there.

If that's not possible because it's the weekend, I would go to the A&E if experiencing excessive pain.

Hope that helps.

Take care,

David

Yasmeen

I had an ileus for more than 2 weeks. After that, I contracted C. diff. My bowel patterns were all over the place for more than a year. I am glad to hear the stool microscopy was negative.
A few questions for you:

Why did you have the ileostomy originally?

How long did you have the ileostomy?

Have you seen a GI specialist?

I hope things get better for you.

Footie

I'm confused about the date of your reversal: 10/05/24?

It does take time for your digestive system to adapt and recover.

It's best for you to consult with your surgeon, ostomy nurse, or dietitian about your constipation.

Unfortunately, everyone is different.

Hi David,

Thank you for your response. The pains became intermittent, and I just managed to get through the weekend.

I just got back from the GP, and they gave me some laxatives. I hope that helps in the long run.

Regards,

Yasmeen

My Ostomy Journey: April | Hollister

Yasmeen,

It seems that this is sorted already, but I just wanted to add that I too recently went through an ileostomy reversal as well. In my release paperwork, my surgeon included a whole series of "constipation protocol" steps, including when (and how many) stool softeners and/or laxatives to take based on how long you have been showing constipation symptoms.

My story started with rectal cancer, in which I have had chemo/chemo radiation/low anterior resection + loop ileostomy. My reversal was May 13th, just 3 days after yours.

All the best to you and everyone else on this most excellent site full of wonderful, caring, and compassionate people. You have made this journey so much easier than you will ever know.

From my heart to yours

Dee