IBS after abdominal surgery

[MarsRover]

Hi! I'm wondering about the connection between IBS and surgery. I had emergency surgery to fix a strangulated ventral hernia (above my belly button) a few months ago, and ever since then I've had the cramps, gas and gurgling, and constipation punctuated by bouts of diarrhea which my doc is calling IBS. It seems strange to go from someone who never had digestive problems to full on IBS so quickly. There must be a connection to the surgery, because after that is when it started. I'm curious to hear from anyone else who has had a similar experience or knowledge about this. Thanks!

[Donyazzz]

It is. You were probably put on antibiotics to prevent infection after the operation for a couple of weeks..

This kills good bacteria in the gut too.. Causing digestion problems ..IBS

Try probaiotics.. Eat yougart.. And i recommend Normacol if ur in UK.. It helps regulate and heal the digestive system.

[Alun001]

Hi Marsrover,

The therapist who helped me reeled off a list of possible things that could cause / contribute to onset IBS, one was an operation.

As your op was stomachrelated it may be that your intestines were moved in surgery changing the peristalsis of you innards. Might be the anaesthesia / pain killers. Science isn't sure, but certainly there is corolation of the two. Donyazzz on this thread, makes a good point too.

Peace!