This topic is about someone who had a colostomy reversal about six months ago and is experiencing frequent bowel movements, around seven times a day. This situation is affecting their quality of life, and they are seeking reassurance or shared experiences from others. They are not experiencing any pain.
Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. Having 7 to 10 bowel movements per day is quite common during the first year after a colostomy reversal. The bowel needs time to adapt, so patience is important as the frequency often decreases gradually over time.
2. The frequency of bowel movements can be influenced by how much of the colon, especially the sigmoid colon, remains.
- If little or no sigmoid colon is left, having around seven bowel movements daily might be the long-term norm.
- If most of the colon is intact, the frequency usually lessens over time.
3. The absence of pain is a positive sign. It's helpful to focus on gradual improvement rather than specific numbers.
4. Some people opt to keep a permanent ostomy if large portions of the colon are removed, to avoid constant urgency and the need to frequently find a bathroom.
5. Anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium (loperamide) are commonly used after a reversal to slow down bowel movements. The dosage can be adjusted based on personal tolerance.
6. It's important to maintain adequate nutrition and keep an eye on weight. Weight often stabilizes after the initial recovery period.