Hi
I was wondering it anyone who's been through a similar experience to me might be able to give me some advice please.
A bit of background - Have had bowel cancer, op to remove Jan 18 with an ileostomy for 9 months.
Have had a hard time since the bag was removed almost a year ago now and still having to be very careful what I eat to avoid having to go too frequently.
The urges to go aren't as bad at all as they were initially and general control is significantly better but for example something like oats which I used to love just makes me keep needing to go.
Consistency is variable as is the number of times I need to go per day/night but a long way off normality still but much better than has been,
My main concern is that I've had about 5 incidents where I get blocked up. Get increasing pains in my stomach which become intense before usually being sick and then a few hours later the blockage clearing but then being water and needing to go almost every 30 mins for over a day if not more frequently. The pains are usually worst over night meaning I can't get any sleep. Also my stomach bloats up as I guess nowhere for everything to go. I will normally stop eating before things get too bad but it is always too late.
The most recent time I didn't eat much - only 2 croissants, orange juice and a banana for breakfast. Not much but I wonder if the banana was one of the factors but also seems to be affected by mental state if stressed.
I've been to hospital and they've checked that there isn't a physical blockage but the scar tissue may not help.
Not sure I can avoid the initial blocking but I would appreciate advice as to if there's anything I can do to ease things once I get initial pains before they get too intense. Usually takes ~ 18 hours between initial mild pain and blockage clearing.
My doctor has also advised taking fibre gel which I've been apprehensive to do as concerned the high fibre will just make me keep going. His obvious concern was to avoid the blockage but I don't want to go back to earlier days where you have to keep going (even more than the current "norm").
So secondly, any advice please as to if there's anything that will help make things more consistent and firmer without increasing urge and frequency.
I have tried to talk to hospital but don't seem to get any specific advice save for trial and error re foods.
Many thanks in advance
Steve
