It's been 7 months since my reversal and all was well until 3 weeks ago. The first bathroom visit of the day was an emergency, diarrhea, and throughout the next 3 days. I was afraid to take Imodium so I just lived with it. Along with the loose stools, the BMs were light in color and strange in consistency. Very reminiscent of diverticulitis. My gastroenterologist prescribed meds and after 5 days, much better, but still loose stools with strange consistency, but no emergencies, and scheduled a colonoscopy to find the problem. Along with the loose BMs, I am having occasional slight discomfort on the lower left side (where my sigmoid colon is/was). No pain, just occasional slight discomfort.
Has anyone else had these same problems? If so, please advise since my insurance won't pay for the colonoscopy, it's out of my pocket.
What was the reason for your ostomy? I assume diverticulitis?
I've read about 'relapses' after reversal. If your doc orders the colonoscopy in the ER, your insurance won't pay?
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I too had a few reversals and the same happened to me, but since I'm in another country, I didn't pay for any tests at all. I took about 12 Imodium a day for 4 years. I'm not sure how much bowel you lost, maybe that's the problem, but still, it's always a tricky thing. I now have my ileostomy back, so I don't know what to say, hunny. Sorry, especially about insurance. Gees, what about a plane trip to the UK or something? I'm so sorry to hear these rotten insurance stories. It's like, do we ever hear of struggling specialists needing money? Not that I know of. Can your local GP help you? xx MOOZA X
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Yes, I agree with Mooza - why are you afraid to take Imodium? Following the package instructions gives you a very light dose. I was taking up to 18 a day while on chemo, which of course is WAY more than the instructions indicate.
Also, you can fiddle with your diet, eating bananas, tapioca, white rice and bread products, potatoes, etc. to slow down your BMs. Good luck!