8 months post surgery, developing yet a new reaction to eating.

[JMcNamara]

Recovering fairly well, been through the usual problems mentioned here. Now, something new I wanted to share and get your feedback on.

Lately I have developed a problem. Now I get the urge to defecate many times during the day, not related to eating. It seems that my colon needs to empty many times, six to eight times during the day. No diarrhea, however cramping and unable to control the urge. I thought it might be gastrocolic. My doctor feels it is related to diet, I need to slow down the movement through the colon with soluble fiber. Any one have experienced this? Any suggestions? Not comfortable leaving my home b/c of the unpredictable nature of the call to the bathroom.

I enjoy reading your posts, you give me encouragement.

Josephine

[Spikey]

Do you just get stomach cramps and the urge to defecate, o do you actually defecate six to eight times a day? If it is the former, then a friend of mine suffered from something similar following surgery for rectal cancer. It has a medical name (which I can't remember - sorry) and is treatable with medication. I would suggest that you ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist. I am not a doctor, but cannot see how, if it has been going on for any length of time, it can be related to diet.

[JMcNamara in reply to Spikey]

Thank you, recovery is such a crap shoot. One day ok and the next? This site is so helpful.

[grandylynda]

I had that problem for months on end. I am now 15months post op

and things are a lot more settled. Do ask to be referred to gastroenterologist

they can test for various things. turns out I have bad gut bacteria where they shouldn't be.

This can be treated, at least to help management.

Also, if it is new, get GP to check for infection. I had C.Dif twice.

I now take medication to slow the bowel, buscapan for IBS and imodiom if I am going out without access to loos. Also take note of where there are loos wherever you are.

I think we are all different but certainly take all the help you can get. Once any treatable causes have been found or ruled out its a question of learning to live with it.

I certainly still get cramps and an urge to open bowels when in fact there isnothing there.

Good luck

[JMcNamara in reply to grandylynda]

Thank you, good suggestions . Your progress is encouraging.