It took me a full year to feel like my stamina was restored. Granted, I was troubled with some nasty complications, so my recovery was delayed longer than most. 

My advice? Don't expect too much too soon. Over seven months you depleted all your reserves, then you had one of the most traumatizing surgeries. It takes time, and lots of it, to rebuild your tissues. Your body needs more rest than what is normal, plus your gut is learning to deal with a lack of a colon. There is no vitamin or supplement for this.

Cut yourself some slack and keep your schedule simple. Expand your itinerary only after you feel like you have extra energy. Don't be too disappointed about setbacks. They are temporary and inevitable. It is natural to want this to be over already. I get that. But, wishing it does not make it so.

Jan

listen to Jan, not much to add to excellent advice.

I am puzzled why Immodium per se would energize you. but curious that you note the correlation. I would suspect that the immodium did stall your output some and maybe that was the source of pain. ah the only thing as I think while typing is that perhaps the immodium stalling peristalsis also allowed for more nutritional value to be absorbed by your small intestines rather than having it fly through. not sure.

but most importantly be kind and patient with yourself. you've been through the wringer, it will take time to heal and recover but heal and recover you will.

I agree with everything that Jan wrote. Do make sure you're not allowing yourself to get dehydrated at times - dehydration can knock the pins out from under you. If you see dark-colored urine then you need better hydration. If you're not peeing at all then you have a real problem.

Listen to Jan and your body!  It took me almost a full year to regain stamina.  I took naps as needed and did my best to eat a balanced diet with much protein.  Don't be hard on yourself.  You've been through a lot!

Dewey is right. The Imodium probably gave you energy indirectly by slowing your gut and improving water absorption. Slower transit time also means more nutrients absorbed. That is the good news.

The not so good news is that Imodium has a cumulative effect. It will build up over several days, so you need to pay attention to your output and adjust your dose accordingly. So, rather than take it for several days, then stop it completely, it is best to start off with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find your perfect daily maximum. Keep in mind that as your gut adapts, you should need less and less gut slowing.

So, it is sort of a tricky thing and many of us get ourselves in a pickle by being complacent and not adjusting as we go. Yes, I fall prey to it too!

Jan

Thanks guys!

That makes me feel better.  

I think that's a good idea Jan!  I'm gonna do that and I'll update soon! 

Thank you everyone!