Bowel problems

[Bernadette]

Does anyone have a problem with their bowels after having their oesophagus and most of their stomach removed. Sometimes I dont 'go' for a week then I might go three times a day..anyone else gone through this?

[Hidden]

I know quite a lot of people who say that it is either one extreme - diarrhoea - or the other - constipation, without many days in between! Motility, the proper speed of food going through the digestive system, seems to be thrown completely out of kilter. This is partly due to the fact that the vagus nerve, which controls the system like the conductor of an orchestra, has often been cut in the operation. I am sure that others will come up with some tips.

[mfdosmirth]

I thought somebody (hoped) would raise this, having had my operation just over 1 year ago, my bowels have still not settled down to anything like normal, but this does seem to be my own ongoing demon, I have not had normal movements for more than 2 days in the last year, medication is available and your team should be able to help in some way, my own method is to balance what I eat and Imodium to suppress the diarrehora, but if often leads to constipation, thanks for bringing out in the open anway.

[Hidden]

Try Imodium liquid, available from the chemist. The standard capsules are normally too strong on you new digestive system and lead to constipation. Start by taking just the end of a teaspoon, just to get your body regulated, but be patient, it can take a while to get into a regular routine.

[OPA_LarryR]

Hi Bernadette

this type of surgery does pose challenges for the bowel because the whole digestion system has been changed physically. I'm not knowledgable enough to describe fully the changes but roughly it is a comination of having lost the vagus nerve which controls the transit of food through the system coupled with the fact that when they removed part of the stomach and oesophagus you have lost valves and the normal sideways orientation of the stomach. The result is best described as a "gravity" system which operates differently from before.

Like yourself I have suffered with both extremes of the problem and found that I have had to learn to know my system well enough to balance things out. You might find that the various over the counter preparations such as Immodium for diahorrea and senokot for constipation can help to alleviate symptoms when they occur. Alsways worth discussing your needs with the pharmacist.

BUT a more effective solution is to discuss the whole subject with the dietician on your specialist support team. They know the challenges that the surgery presents and are very skilled at working with patients to adjust the dietary balance to minimise these type of problems. Because everyone is different it really needs to be a tailored solution.

If dietary assistance doesn't do the trick you could also seek assistance from a gastro enterologist. When I was first dealing with my dumping syndrome challenges I found this to be very useful.

Finally, take heart, these problems do usually improve over time. I'm 5 years post surtgery and have achieved much better control over these issues. I can't say they've gone away totally but I "feel" and "know" my revised anatomy well enough to sense when problems are building up and have a fair idea what to do about them.

I wish you well and do let me know if you need further input.

Larry

[Bernadette]

Thanks to everyone who replied especially Larry's answer I found most helpful ..I am nearly 3 years since surgery BUT never seen a dietician...you see although I had the same surgery as everyone else..my tumour in the oesophogus was benign, so I never saw dieticians after the surgery. I just seem to flounder away with the help of OPA meetings every three months, where I listen to what others say, it does not help that when I had a colonoscopy they said I had a twisted colon..life is never easy.

[jay2908]

Hi Bernadette,

I too have bowel issues. If you are constipated, one question would be whether you had the same frequency of bowel movements prior to surgery. This might be normal for you. If this is not the case, then I'd suggest all that the others have mentioned. But also, try something to get your bowels moving more frequently. I tend to have a couple of strong warm cups of tea first thing in the morning. Also, you can try movicol (gentle medication), prune juice, mangos etc.

Hope that helps,

Jay

[liz_crisp]

Hi Bernadette,

I too had problems, I have found that drinking warm tea in the morning and on the advice of a dietician eating a balanced low gi diet avoiding high sugar foods helps alot. I also take creon with my meals which has helped. Eating less at each meal but eating more often also helped and I am now very regular if I stick to the above. If I deviate it is as the dietican said a bit like drinking alcohol you enjoy the pleasure but pay the consequence.

Cheers Liz

[Bernadette]

Thanks to all who answered my question. I have had a colonoscopy due to blood appearing in the new programme of bowel screening the over 60's..I am glad to report that I have been given the all-clear after a biopsy result and things are better since not taking iron tablets.

[1945jonjo]

Hi I'm 20 years post op And have tried just about everything

My saviour a few cans of Draught Guinness. No more than four try it

Hope that helps yours John