Since my colectomy I have been having a hard time sleeping at night. While I am sure this is not abnormal, tonight I woke up CRAVING ....
Dill pickels and V8 juice ....?????

No I'm not pregnant

are you dehydrated? We used to use both to stave off dehydration and cramping back in my wrestling team days.

Todd

PS - you SURE you aren't pregnant??

I think I've been dehydrated since my surgery! I was actually re-admitted a couple of weeks ago for dehydration. Hasnt gotten that bad again but I still have not gotten this ileo output figured out yet. It's either too thick or water

and hubby's vasectomy years ago quelled any chance of pregnancy

::back to the fridge for more V8!::

Yep, sounds like dehydration since both of those are loaded with salt. Have you tried Vitalyte? Drinking Vitalyte instead of water may help.

I don't know if you have a loop or an end ileo but if it's a loop then things are rushing through at a record pace. Try eating lots of salty foods which will help your fluid intake.

kathy

I used to have a end ileo last year and i was happy with everything, now ive had my loop for around 4 months and everything starts to get alot more watery and i feel tired and dizzy nearly all the time, hope it get better after takedown...my surgeon said he wants to wait 6-7 months to do my takedown....

I have actually drank straight up pickle juice. Weirder still is that I like it
If(Fazz) feel weak and dizzy, especially with a headache, I would think it could be dehydration.
Unless someone has been slamming water and is in risk of over-hydration, I would think that it would not hurt to go ahead and hydrate oneself! Kathy's suggestion of the Vitalyte is a good thing to try.
Julie

I crave salt a lot as well. Speaking of V8 juice, I bought some V8 fusion yesterday and drank half the bottle. That coupled with the hot Indian curry I ate earlier in the day caused me to wake up four times last night to rush to the bathroom. Terrible burning as well. The worst thing is that I ate and drank the same stuff today! It's so worth it at the time, oh well...

Oh man I gained 58 pounds on my 100 pound frame after having my colectomy! I loved eating late at night! It is almost like, woo hoo, I have no dietary restrictions, and I can eat anything at anytime! I loved eating pickles and cheddar cheese!

Hi Kbear

Does cheese upset your stomach also have you got a ileostomy or colostomy?

I keep a big jar of dill pickles in my fridge and sour cream and onion ruffles chips in the pantry for when I'm low on salt.

Yeah I remember craving food staright after for months doc said it was because I had been so malnourished before op.
I used to get up in the middle of the night and rustle up all sorts of culinery delights, it was great.

Guilty, as charged! Since having to get up at least once per night to use the bathroom, I have developed a terrible habit of heading to the kitchen, as well. A bowl of cereal, maybe toast and peanut butter with a glass of milk, whatever....it helps me get right back to sleep. Pounds later......what am I doing? I realize it is just a habit but a bad one, for sure!

Hi Cece

Does milk cause you any problems, since i had my loop ileostomy i cant go anywhere near milk..

Still chugging the V8 but did notice that the sodium and potassium in V8 is about triple that in Gatorade! I've also noticed that since I've been chugging so much V8 the foot and leg cramps I used to get in the middle of the night have resolved (yay for potassium!)

As for midnight munchies...that was the last time (knock on wood) I've been sleeping better thankfully!

Kbear, I cant imagine gaining weight with this thing on my hip. I have so far lost 20 pounds and had to go buy new clothes today because everything from pre-colectomy falls right off! I really dont mind though... ;o)

I think it was because I was so sick from the UC flare up, I was down 25 pounds, and then after getting the ol' poopy bag installed, my body was able to eat, and put on weight again! lol! As long as we are all happy and healthy!

Kbear!