Constipation After Ileostomy Reversal Surgery - Normal?

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spope001
Sep 18, 2024 8:32 pm

I have had my ileostomy reversal done 4 weeks ago.   Is it normal to have a lot of constipation after the surgery?   

Differentclass
Sep 19, 2024 8:18 am

Hi. I had a colostomy reversal 6 weeks ago and after initially having the runs as a result of the antibiotics, things went to the other extreme with chronic constipation and cramps. This has improved dramatically over the last few days since I’ve been taking a mild laxative and Buscopan when needed. Also sticking to protein drinks, easily digested food and lots of water. It will get better!

Posted by: iMacG5

About seven years ago, just about every aspect of my life was ostomy related. From the moment I was told an ostomy might be needed until some months down the road I existed as a person afflicted with a colostomy. I feared someone other than my immediate family might find out I had a bag. Ugh! What could be worse? Suppose it filled real fast when I was out with no place to hide and take care of myself. God forbid should it leak in church! Suppose I roll over on it in bed. I was a lesser creature, destined to a life of emotional anguish and physical routines different from most of the rest of the world. I felt like a freak. Then I found folks like you guys here, read your stuff, really “listened” to what you had to say and I began looking at things differently. We know perception is everything and I began to understand how good things were relative to what they could’ve been. So many folks had it so much worse than I did. That didn’t make my discomfort go away but it exposed how fortunate I was to be dealing with my stuff and not their’s. I felt a little guilt, maybe selfishness but quickly forgave myself by understanding I just wasn’t smart enough to fix my feelings. Then, I wonder what smarts have to do with feelings. My perception was warped so my perspective toward my existence was warped.
I learned over the last few years with the help of lots of folks right here at MAO that I could be better at living just by accepting some facts. It is what it is and so what? It’s not the worst thing to happen to a person.
I think everything is, in some way, related to everything else. I just put the ostomy thing in the back seat and drive forward.
Respectfully,
Mike

spope001
Sep 19, 2024 12:18 pm

Thank you, differentclass, appreciate the info. Yes, diarrhea in the very beginning, but like you said, now the opposite. Just worried in case a blockage was forming.

DexieB
Sep 19, 2024 1:41 pm

Hello, I had a reversal on January 30. I did not get constipated, but I was told I could from the pain meds. I ended up only taking a few pills though—maybe your pain meds are a factor? I believe my doctor suggested Miralax if I were to get constipated. I followed a low fiber diet for quite a while post-op, even though I was told I could eat whatever I wanted. And lots of fluids! I was told my bowel habits could be erratic for up to several months after surgery—luckily, they were not, but I was told it was possible. Congrats on your reversal!

spope001
Sep 19, 2024 6:08 pm

Thanks DexieB... I haven't been on any pain meds since a few days after my surgery. Will try Miralax and see.

 

How to Get Back to Activity after Ostomy Surgery with Kimberly | Hollister

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DexieB
Sep 23, 2024 4:30 pm

Hopefully things have gotten better.  Don't be afraid to call your care team with these questions!