Hello, I will have the op in two weeks and was wondering if anyone had problems with their bowels after surgery, any tips or advice food wise or otherwise? Thank you :-).
Hi, upset bowels are to be expected. My consultant told me there can be long term changes (because part of the bowel is removed for the urinary diversion.) Immediately post op they usually go sulky & inactive. Walking & drinking plenty of water are the main measures that will help. Took me 8 days before anything shifted, then varied in consistency & frequency. Eventually settled down to similar to pre surgery, although I am a bit sensitive to rich, creamy foods. I didn't take/eat anything specifically for bowels, just concentrated on protein & carbs for general recovery. Hope all goes well for you.
Hi Mamou,I had problems with constipation after the cystectomy due to paralytic ileus where the bowel stops working.I was given a low fibre diet sheet to take home.Eating little but often is easier.You may not feel hungry anyway.I lived off soup,sandwich thins with meat or cheese and jacket potatoes.Over time I went back to eating foods with more fibre.Since the surgery I get more wind.Are you having a stoma ? Love Jane
Hi Mamou,I’m sure you will notice a difference in not having the IC pain and symptoms in addition to being rid of the tumour.Take in loose fitting clothes to wear after the surgery.I made myself get up and dressed in hospital and walked up and down the ward.I was very weak and wobbly when I came home and needed help for the first week.My sister left out non perishable food on the surfaces so I could manage without bending or stretching.I did have to bend down to reach the fridge but was very careful.I went for a short walk each day and built up the distance.I hope the surgery goes well.Love Jane x
Hi,mamou, I had RC op in April, my bowels are still a little lazy, need to take lactalose, twice a day so I won,t get constipated, but I was taking that before the op, after op my bowels were very lazy, had to take sachets of laxado besides lactalose, but consultant said it will be a few months till things are back to normal, I eat plenty of fruit, tins of prunes and plenty of water to help besides walking as well ,best wishes, Margaret x
I have been having long term bowel problems unfortunately and put it down to the neo bladder as they use part of your colon. Bladder nurse says it won't be ,which I find surprising. It makes sense to me that mine is IBS due to using a part of colon. I am currently having a colonoscopy on Tuesday to check nothing sinister.
Hopefully you won't have long term issues as having stoma. Hope it all goes well for you.
