Before, I start, I know that everyone is different, but I could really use any imput I can get.

I had my surgeries in the fall of 2005. Everything was great (with the exception of brief, occasional bad days) but since November, I have been having problems.

It started with me feeling very blocked and crampy. I saw my surgeon and he could not find anything. Since then, I have more times then not felt this way. I was recently sick and did not eat for a few weeks (had TPN). After about a week, I had all liquid diarhea. It was welcomed. As soon as I started eating, however, I have returned to feeling like there is a brick in my stomach. It is not like I never go, but always feel like I have to and can't.

My question is, what do I eat? Do vegtables clog you up or cause diarhea? What about metamucil? I would REALLY appreciate any input you may have. The discomfort is becoming so old.

Thanks

I think it is pretty common if you are partially blocked to have diarrhea. Vegetables can clog you up - a couple gals indicate that carrots are their downfall. Surprisingly, I think I have trouble with bananas when I eat them with a fiber supplement. I've had several blockages that way.

Sometimes a blockage starts out looking real good - I'm like, "Hey, my frequency was less today. I am adjusting even better." You would think I would learn. When that has happened before (when I get below about 6 BMs/day), it is because I have something stopping things up in there.

My antidote is usually:
1. Drop the fiber and anything that will stop things up
2. Go to a full-liquid diet, or at least to non-bulking foods
3. Drink lots of grape juice
4. If in pain and I still have some narcs left, I might take one to relax things

That has worked for me in the past. Once things break loose though... watch out.

If it were me, I'd get a second opinion, and not necessarily a surgeon. I would seek out a GI with experience with j-pouches and motility disorders. I cannot imagine having to micromanage every bite that passes your lips. There is definitely something wrong inside of you and it should be properly diagnosed before you sentence yourself to a lifetime of liquid or extremely limited diet.

Jan

I had the same problem, now i'm six weeks after the 2ed step, i went to my GI he suggest me Duphalac and Zelmac and cleansing enema if i was very blocked and the pain is over

but offcourse if u can handle it by having a feeding plan as Elmer said it 'll be better

Thank you so much for your replies. I am going to see a GI doctor to get their input. I have also been drinking A LOT of grape juice which has helped imensely. I am eating soft foods for now (with cheating) but am staying away from fruits and vegtables. As a vegetarian, this is very hard.

Anyway, thanks for responding. I don't know what I would do if it were not for this board!

Don't stop asking for help and answers until you get it. It took me 8 weeks until my surgeon decided to open me up and found that scar tissue (adhesions) had wrapped my intestines up tight and causing mass quantites of pain. What kind of tests have you had from your surgeon?