This topic is about someone who recently had an ileostomy reversal and is experiencing severe constipation, nausea, and dehydration. They are looking for advice and shared experiences to help with their recovery. Here are some insights and suggestions that might be helpful:
- The surgery was performed on March 4th, and since then, there has been a significant weight loss of 10 pounds, along with relentless nausea, continuous abdominal pain, extreme constipation, and repeated dehydration and vomiting, which have required rehospitalization.
- There is virtually no appetite or thirst, and the person can only stay out of bed for about an hour a day. They are worried about further hospital stays, and their spouse is very concerned.
- They are seeking to know if this level of sickness is normal and are looking for any recovery tips or shared experiences.
Additional details include:
- They can only manage to drink about half a bottle of Gatorade per day and eat a very small amount of food.
- There is a concern that the abdominal pain might be due to starvation.
- An appointment with a GI doctor is scheduled for Monday to explore possible solutions.
Here are some pieces of advice and insights that might be useful:
1. Hydration is crucial. Even if there is no appetite, it's important to keep forcing fluids like water and Gatorade to prevent dehydration-related issues such as nausea, headaches, and the need for hospital visits.
2. Consider seeking a second opinion from a colorectal specialist. Persistent and worsening symptoms are not typical, so consulting another experienced colorectal surgeon might help evaluate the surgical results and rule out any mechanical problems or strictures.
3. Understand that recovery timelines can vary. Some people recover quickly after a few months, while others take longer. Factors like individual anatomy and the surgeon's skill can heavily influence the outcome.
4. Gradually rebuild the diet. Expect a slow return of appetite, and try small, frequent meals. One person shared that they regained normal function with patience and careful dietary adjustments.
5. Proactively manage constipation. A gastroenterologist might prescribe daily Miralax (an over-the-counter laxative) along with a high-fiber diet to help keep stools moving, as it did for someone with a similar surgery.
6. Seek emotional and physical support. Recovery can be mentally draining, so it's important to accept help from family and stay in close contact with healthcare providers.
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