Life 18 months post totally colectomy with anastomosis

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Hello,

I'm new year. I had a total colectomy with anastomosis 18 months ago.

Really struggling with my bowels. 

I go on average, up to 12 times a day. I take 2 immodium before every meal and before bed. I also take a sachet of cholestyramine before lunch to help with bile acid malapsorbtion. I can cope throug theCry day but my bowels are much more active from around tea time onwards. I also wake up to 4 times a night to pass stool. It's exhausting Cry

My colorectal nurse has advised to add in fybogel every morning, so far it's not really making much difference.

I'm interested in where other people are bowel wise after the same operation. Any help, tips or advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks xxxx

  • I had a different sort of operation but I’m having ‘one of those weeks’ bowel wise so I’m going to try keeping a food diary (again!) to see what’s changed  - the only change I can think of is that I’ve been having cheese straws with my lunch. Anyway the link below is a talk given by a gastroenterologist about bowel problems which may hopefully help?

     Regaining Bowel Control 

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
  • Thank you Kateno62.

    That video was really helpful and informative. 

    Hope you are feeling a bit better xx

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Kareno62

    Hi, thanks for that link to the video, I found it very helpful.

     I have just joined the group as I am feeling a bit down of late. I had a bowel cancer operation last May and been struggling off and on going to the bathroom since then. Truth be told it’s more off than on and it does get me down.

    Anyway thanks again for the link, there are a few things in there that I can try.

  • You’re very welcome - hope some of the suggestions help x

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