How long does it take for bowel movements to get back to normal after surgery?

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I had a bowel resection 9 weeks ago. Thank God I don't need further treatment. I still have bad diarrhea most days. Is this normal, how long will it last. I am not confident to leave the house most days as I have had a few accidents and just don't want any more. My husband booked us a holiday and I am dreading it as I will constantly be worried about where the nearest toilet is.

Kareno62 over 1 year ago

Hi Aem74 and a warm welcome to the board. I would have thought things should have started to settle down a bit now although you may never go back to how it was before surgery. By having some of your bowel removed it means that waste travels more quickly through your colon and therefore less liquid can be absorbed resulting in looser stools/diarrhoea. Did your consultant discuss the use of loperamide/immodium with you? These can be taken 30 minutes before a meal and slows everything down.
Its also handy to have a Can’t Wait Toilet card and also a key for disabled toilets

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/bladder-cancer/using-public-toilets

Please give your colorectal support nurse a ring for help and you could also copy and paste your post onto the Ask a Nurse page on here?

Ask a Nurse

Take care and hope you get to enjoy your holiday

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm