Bowel stopped working post op.

Hi Millard. Yes this is very common and not very pleasant. It’s called ileus and I had it after both my main op and after my stoma reversal. It will settle and get better but it takes a few days. I was put on nil by mouth for a couple of days, then water only, then soup and jelly or icecream then gradually introduce small amounts of ‘beige’ food. It’s surprising how long you can go without proper food and the weight dropped off me but it goes back on over time.

The bowel issue is a common one too. The bowel does not like being manhandled so goes on strike for a few days. The Ileostomy will gradually start to work but if he’s not eating then there won’t be a lot to come out.

I was discharged then back in after both my ops so he’s in the best place for now. Try to remember that ‘this too shall pass’ and he will recover over the next few weeks. 
I’ve attached a link to a post about low residue foods which they’ll probably suggest that he follows for a while and also a link to the stoma board if he needs any help with his Ileostomy?

 Low Residue Diet

Ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy and any other stoma support

Im glad you’ve found us - we’re all at different stages of treatment and recovery and happy to share experience and advice. If you click on people names then their profile page may show their treatment so far and please ask if there’s anything else you’re worried about?

Take care

Karen x

I also had Ileus after my op.I had the dreaded ng tube to drain it.as karen says the bowel doesnt like being messed with and goes on strike.

It will improve but takes time.you cant rush it

All the best to you and your husband

Hang in there.

Do click on user names to read peoples stories .it helps to see you are not slone

Kath

Thank you x

He was feeling brighter yesterday. Got dressed and walked around ward a few times. Was in his bay on his own last night so hoped he'd get a decent night's sleep but alas no.

They had to try ng again last night. Got it in and drained an astonishing 1.3 litres of bile, but he just couldn't handle it and they had to take the line back out. 

The catheter has been removed from his stoma which I thought must be a good sign, but today they are saying he needs to have the ng for a couple days. I know that's what he needs but his gag reflex is so strong he is really panicking about it.

Docs are worried that the join in his bowel is not healing, he's not getting enough nutrients and risk of aspiration if he keeps vomiting. 

Our daughters are scared. Was really hoping, after yesterday's positive feeling, that I could take our 10 yo to see him tonight but if he's got a lone in then I can't. She will be heartbroken.

This is so hard. I feel like I'm breaking.

Oh Millard. I’m sending you a big hug and I’m sure my husband would know exactly how you’re feeling - he’d come each day to visit hoping to see an improvement but I was struggling. I’ve not had the NG tube and heard it’s not very pleasant but it may be something he has to suffer for a couple of days to get top side of things?

If you click on my name then you’ll see the issues I had post op. Presumably your hubby’s had a CT scan to make sure the surgery join isn’t leaking? This can also happen and I had a drain in my right buttock for a while to drain the infected fluid that had built up. Are they giving him some of the little build up drinks? They’re about the size of a bottle of actimel but have about 200 calories in - some are nicer than others but it’s a good way of getting calories in. 

It’s good to hear that he’s managed to get up and walk about - this will help get the bowel moving - but unfortunately there’s no good nights sleep in hospital. 
Remember it’s still only a few days since his actual op so hopefully he will turn the corner soon and start to improve rapidly

Please keep us posted?

Take care

Karen x

Karen it's so comforting to 'speak' with someone who is totally unrelated to my personal life/situation, thank you. 

I have read your story. Congratulations on the 5 year discharge. How amazing for you xxx

I know in my heart that things will get better. Husband is beginning to really struggle mentally and its tough knowing that he's dealing with that in his own for most of the time. He's so worried about the ng line going in as he struggled so badly with it last night.....won't be helping his state of mind or overall recovery. 

I'm visiting as soon as doors open at 1pm today but then have to dash back to school pickup for 4.30pm. Difficult balance of seeing husband as much as I can and not passing daughter from pillar to post when what she needs most is me. I have an amazing network of support in friends, but my girls need *me*.

X X X

I hope you find your husband feeling a bit better when you visit.

It is horrible having an ileus.The nurse inserting my ng tube was not the gentlist and had two goes before she was satisfied .but it did do the job.

I hope your husband has more luck today

Kath

A really bad day today. Started off well with him feeling pretty good; went for a decent walk, did some stairs and had a shower. Then it all went to sh1t. Vomiting bile again. Very, very low, lots of tears. Tried ng tube again, no joy, he just can't tolerate it. I am exhausted. Managing his need for me to be with him and my girls' need for me to be with them....I am torn on a daily basis. I really am running on empty.

I hope you are good x

Oh Millard. It’s exhausting for both of you isn’t it and so hard to see your hubby suffering like this. Do you have any grandparents or friends that the girls could go to for a day or sleepover just to give yourself a break? Please bear in mind the old adage of ‘putting your own air mask on first’ ie. You’ve got to look after yourself too to help you to help others. Take any help you’re offered whether it’s childcare or supermarket shopping or a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

He does sound to be improving with the showering and walks if only they could get this ileus under control. My mantra became ‘this too shall pass’ so everything crossed for a better day today

Take care

Karen x

Hope your husband is having a better day today.

Kath

Thanks guys. Was a bloomin' hard few days, but he came home on Friday as bowel finally decided to get going and he was able to eat. 

We're ticking off the days as they pass. He's doing OK. He's a bit of an anxious Annie so worries daily about what he's eating but I have read up so much and feel confident. 

His iliostomy does seem to continually fart though....

Thanks again for your words of encouragement x