After takedown constipation/blockage

Toddi1973Member

Hello there,

I am 4 weeks past the ileostomy takedown. For the first two weeks I had the very distinct displeasure of having a post-op Ileus that forced me on NPO and TPN. That finally cleared up and Cleveland Clinic here in Florida sent me on my merry way home. The first week at home everything seemed to go very well. I ate, I went to the bathroom and so the cycle went on.

Since about 3 days however I feel very bloated and constipated. Got cramps and lots of air in my insides that wants to come out. When I go to the bathroom, it's like a valve slam's shut after the first little bit of feces came out. I can feel there is a lot more in there but pressing won't get it out (and I don't want to press too hard this early in the game). Sometimes, when I contort myself on the toilet some more will come out and that' a great relief. Spoke to surgeon, he seems to think this is normal in the early stages of the takedown.

Could I possibly benefit from some Midol for the cramps and maybe a laxative ?

Is this common so close to takedown ?

Appreciate your help,
Thorsten

11/2/1411:44 AM

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skn69Member

Hi Thorsten,
I would say that it is too early for any of that stuff but you have the right idea about shifting your body into different positions on the Loo. A little footstool that raises your feet up about 8 inches may be helpful in getting your body/pouch aligned into the right position for ease of evacuation.
A small inflatable pillow on your tummy could help too or a heating pad.
If you are feeling stuffed or blocked then try a few teaspoonsfull of prune or grape juice...more natural and less agressive.
You do not want to over-stimulate your system either.
I have a huge yoga ball that I roll around on (gently please) that realignes my body/k pouch and makes life easier for me. I do not over-stretch but just a mild bounces or rolling around on my back (not my tummy).
You will learn the tricks that work for you...We are all very different.
Sharon

11/2/144:12 PM

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Toddi1973Member

Thank you so much for the advice Sharon !
I tried the footstool and it actually gave me a little more relief and that felt good.
I will try the yoga ball as well. Wifey has one to sit on while she sews.

What makes this so confusing for me is that this is j-pouch number 2 for me. The first one was created in 2012 and worked fantastic for me. I barely remember having any issues other than buttburn in the first month or two. Unfortunately the surgeon back then left me with 8cm of colon left below the pouch. And according to Murphy's law, these last 8cm then grew dysplasia and polyps back.
As I had already battled Colon Cancer in 2011, I really didn't want to wait until that monster comes back.
My surgeon at CC advised me that he would try to 'relocate' the existing pouch, but during the surgery it turned out that it had all grown in to the point where he couldn't get is lose without damaging it.

Thanks again and all the best from Florida,

Thorsten

11/2/1410:51 PM

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