Sounds like you`re doing everything you can at the moment. I know it`s frustrating, but all you can do now is wait. The fact that the bottom bowels are moving is great, I`m sure the top half will figure it out soon.

For nutrition, I'd focus on supplements like Ensure, or whatever you think is palatable. Those provide balanced nutrition and areeasy to digest, without overtaxing the upper GI. You don't want to take anything to speed up or slow the gut right now, since it is not synchronous. Even narcotic pain meds are counterintuitive at this point. Meds to tone down nausea are OK though.

Keeping the activity level up is important too, but you are already doing that. If you have not had your potassium levels checked recently, that should be done to rule that out as contributing to your slow upper GI.

You'll get there, and hopefully without TPN.

Jan

I was found to have a dramatically low level of potassium immediately after my ileus in the aftermath of step 1, and later had a sodium overdose in the aftermath of step 2. The sodium/potassium imbalances are due to the removal of the colon and the period of readjustment. When I had the low potassium issue right after my ileus I was made to drink liquid potassium (it's deep red looking something like blood and it has an EXTREMELY VILE taste) to correct the situation. They stopped giving potassium intravenously because it is absorbed too rapidly and can cause cardiac arrest, and is absorbed more slowly (and more safely) by drinking it, even though it has a horrid taste. Eventually these problems all go away but for a while things are hairy.

I am not sure if your doctor explained to you but as mentioned by Jan electrolyte imbalances, which are to be expected especially after surgery, can cause these issues. Eventually the J Pouch gradually begins to assume some of the functions of the colon and your body learns to adjust electrolyte levels accordingly, but you recently had removed from your body the electrolyte regulator.

Hopefully you get tested, your diet adjusted accordingly and this will prove to be a temporary issue.

To follow DJBHusky--I had low potassium after my surgery and developed tachycardia. They gave it intravenously so I did not have to drink the vile liquid.

Ray

They have a mind of their own. It does take time. Keep up with the walking.

Minnie-
make yourself a walking chart. try to get up to 6-9 laps 4 times a day. You CANNOT walk too much in your situation. Get those bowels moving!

I wish my bowels slowed and didn't move around so much. Opposite issue! My small bowel barium xray took 8 minutes to go through to the leg bag I wore for it.