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Bowel issues

Torrrrrrr
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Hi

i had a hemicolectomy 7 months ago and I’m still having a lot of discomfort in my bowels and stomach. I have a lot of noises from y stomach and I’m gassy all the time. I’ve tried cutting out gluten, lactose but I can’t find a pattern to the foods I eat and the gas/pains 

I can’t find any information online for long term diets as all the information seems to be about what to eat immediately after surgery.

please can you advise , it’s really starting to affect me now. I was up all night with discomfort and pain after eating a stir fry and at times I have to come home early from dinners because I’m in discomfort and pain. 

I have contacted my GP numerous times and haven’t gotten anywhere. I have also contacted the hospital twice and I am waiting for an appointment  

I bought a gluten sensitivity test, it’s negative but I almost wish it was positive so that I finally have a solution 

I’ve also tried stomach teas and peppermint tablets 

thank youPray 

  • Hello Torrrrrrr,

    Thanks for getting in touch. I hope that you find the Online Community a safe and supportive place to be. I see that you have joined the Pseudomyxoma Peritnonei forum, I hope that you are finding this helpful.

    My name is Fiona, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists working on the Macmillan support line. I’m sorry to hear that you’re having ongoing symptoms after a hemicolectomy. It is good to see that you’ve already been proactive in trying to identify triggers and have ruled out a gluten intolerance.

    I can appreciate when you have been diagnosed with a rarer condition it can be difficult accessing support groups. Pseudomyxoma Survivor, is an online support network for people affected by pseudomyxoma, appendiceal tumours and rare peritoneal malignancies. You may find this helpful as they offer practical and emotional support.

    Regarding the symptoms you are experiencing, some people do experience bowel changes following surgery but this can depend on many individual factors.

    It looks like you’ve made dietary changes already and haven’t been able to identify triggers. It can help if you are able to try a period of going back to a basic diet with little roughage and ensuring that your food is well cooked and chewed before slowly adding in different foods. You might find it useful to keep a food and bowel diary, such as this one, or some people find using an App more helpful, as these can help identify patterns in your eating that lead to more discomfort.

    It's good to hear that you are due to see your hospital team. They can review your symptoms and perhaps refer you to their dietician for ongoing support. Having this information will also be useful for the consultation.

    I hope this information has been helpful but please know that you can call one of our nurses to discuss things further.

    Take care and best wishes,

    Fiona

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

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    FS/AR

    Fiona
    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref/FS

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