post resection absorption problems .

[Gardeningbuff]

Hi everyone . I’ve been on here many times . I have another question . I have had sigmoid resection ( 8 inches removed) due to diverticulitis. Bag 3 months , reversal , then appendix removed due to adhesions. First op 5 years ago, last one about 3 years ago . My question is, does anyone have issues with absorbing nutrients who has had a resection like mine? My surgeon said when I first had it done , this shouldn’t be a problem with the sigmoid , but I am having trouble absorbing a few vitamins , being vegetarian probably adds to this. Is anyone having problems with this , specifically ferritin? Or iron deficiency? I’m 67 and otherwise very fit .

[OldTed60]

hi there. I haven’t had a bowel resection yet but am potentially down for one due to damaged recto sigmoid (not DV but fibrotic/ hyper-mobile/ vascular/ ischemic changes) . Have an appointment to discuss with colorectal surgeon in 5 weeks so interested to read about yours. I also have Gastroparesis and SIBO and am 60 but not so fit and healthy due to several rare systemic autoimmune diseases and severe degenerative disc disease.

Due to new neuro symptoms I have just had a first micronutrient screen and the only deficiency that showed was B1/ Thiamine - which I’m a little baffled by as I eat/ drink a lot of thiamine rich food/ shakes ie yoghourt and smooth peanut butter and powder. I’m guessing from reading up that it’s one of my gut medications, Famotidine, that’s caused this issue for me but might also be because I’m immunesuppressed. I have to use persisteen irrigation daily and strong laxatives too so probably lucky to have got away with only one vitamin deficiency to date - but now been prescribed supplements to address. Appropriate suppliments should help you as you heal.

[Gardeningbuff in reply to OldTed60]

Hi z, sorry to hear of your issues . And thank you for answering . I hope you get sorted. I can’t take supplements since my resection. My bowel can’t cope with them . Especially iron as it constipates and causes me stomach pain . Have to have iron infusions , but my iron has to be very low for that.

[OldTed60 in reply to Gardeningbuff]

thanks but mine is part of a progressive autoimmune disease so I’m stuck between being rather homebound with irrigation system and stimulant laxatives or getting a resection or Stoma. I’m interested that you’re struggling tolerating supplements orally because I do too. In my case this is part of my condition but most come in liquid/ syrup form or by sub cut, IM or IV and sometimes when I’ve been having my monthly all day infusions, people pop onto my ward for their injections or infusions of potassium, sodium, iron etc etc so perhaps this would be an option for you as well?

[Gardeningbuff in reply to OldTed60]

Yes I get b12 injections,2 monthly , and mega dose vit d in an oil form in a syringe taken orally once a month, I’m fine with that. I would love to take magnesium but it gives me agonising stomach spasms , so I take magnesium baths , but they are probably not really effective. My surgery was a shock to me, because I only had one massive infection that perforated my bowel , but my doc didn’t follow up so I had it for 5 months . By the time my wonderful surgeon operated it was a mess in there. Massive abscess , stuck to various organs . I was a very fit healthy 62 year old vegetarian. I was just very unlucky. Had 2 further surgeries to fix it all up. Took a while to recover . But I’m here and I’m grateful . I feel for you with your health issues , it must be very challenging .