Confused? Not sure what to think?

mom2pandaMember

I had some minor issues after my takedown surgery at the end of April (12 weeks ago). I had a stricture that had to be stretched a few times in the Dr. office. I was still having some pressure etc, but thought that was normal since I was so soon after my surgery.

Then, I started having occasional small leaks. Then they became more frequent and night time leaks were becoming more significant and multiple times per night.

They gave me Cipro/Flagyl for 10 days and within 2 days, I felt amazing. Even "symptoms" that I didn't realize were symptoms disappeared. The only drawback was constipation and fatigue.

I finished the antibiotics 2 days ago and the symptoms are slowly returning.

The Dr never said it was pouchitis, but didn't say it wasn't either. I am terrified that I am going to be one of the unlucky ones with chronic pouchitis.

Any thoughts on what is happening with me? I am new to this, so not sure what to expect.

7/29/137:31 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

Could just be some bacterial overgrowth, but could also be pouchitis. Way too soon to be worried this is something chronic. Sometimes it just takes longer for these things to get worked out.

It is easy to think that you need the antibiotics, since they seem to solve all your problems. But, it could also just be part of the adaptation that we all have to endure. Antibiotics help because they reduce the amount of stool by wiping out the bacteria. Good in the sense of reducing your output. Not so good in the sense that eventually you need to build up your own normal gut bacteria.

A little surprised he went with the combo of antibiotics right off the bat. Maybe you need a longer course, maybe with just one antibiotic? The leakage is certainly something hard to live with. Have you tried simple stuff like Imodium and/or Pepto Bismol?

Jan

7/29/137:55 PM

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mom2pandaMember

Thanks, Jan.

I should have mentioned that I am also on Lomotil - 2 tabs 4x per day and Metamucil 2x per day. That leaves me with 11-15 BM's a day.

The leaking was somewhat sudden as it only started happening in a 3 week period and got progressively worse. I never had had any leaking - especially at night - prior to all of this.

I got major constipation from the antibiotics as well as wicked fatigue.

In addition to the symptoms returning, I also have stomach cramps after eating now.

I am lost.

7/29/138:19 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

Hmmm...that doesn't sound good. Might be time to have your gallbladder checked. Antibiotics could have calmed down a touchy gallbladder. Your symptoms (other than that leaking) sound more upper GI.

The leaking is another story. Could be the stricture returning? One thing for sure, this doesn't seem right.

Jan

7/29/138:56 PM

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