stomach pain with irrigation

[ccanfield]

Hi All

I began irrigating about 3 months ago and continue to have stomach pain throughout the day. Once I lay down to sleep, I can find comfort but moving around during the day, it is constantly there. It is not sharp pain, rather just a achy stomach ache. I will occasionally pass a little gas and get a bit of relief for a few minutes but then it comes back. Because of this pain, I eat small amounts (chewing thoroughly) several times a day. This helps me keep the output a bay for the most part, but the pain is still there.

I tend to get output when eating fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy, so I don't eat them very often. Of course if I eat out a lot or eat too much, I will have output for sure. I currently irrigate every 24 hours at the same time of the day (9pm). Before my cancer and surgery, I was not very regular and had a tendency to have softer stools. I did not and do not have a problem with constipation.

I am wondering if this pain is caused by trapped gas even though its not the same sharp pain I used to get occasionally before surgery? If so, any suggestions on changes to irrigation process? If not, any suggestions as to what is causing it?

I am a high school english teacher and throughout this last school year I experienced output during class and could do nothing about it. I cannot leave students unsupervised for any reason and it is not practical to call for relief everyday. Irrigation is my answer and I love everything about it except this pain and the limited diet. I can deal with the diet if I have to but the pain is not fun especially with the active job I have. I love teaching and am committed to making irrigation work. Any help is appreciated.

[Jimbob]

Just a thought here;

Try taking 1/2 capful of Miralax each day, it may help you get a more complete irrigation. Also if you are not doing it try a second infusion of water about 20 mins after the first or after your first expelling.

[markstan]

Have you experimented with irrigation volume? When you get returns does the volume approach that which you infused? If the output volume does not substantially match the infusion volume then the irrigation is not working well and it is likely that yo will have output before the next day. Are you taking any medications? For me, chemo has been the most disruptive to normal digestive function.

Mark

[ot dave]

I agree with the ideas of extra infusions and adjusting your volume. For me, I do 3 infusions every morning to get my desired results. To me, from your description, it sounds like gas is getting trapped in your bowel. I will occasionally get the same sensations you are describing around my hernia. Once I can adjust my position, and the gas is allowed to escape, I get the relief you describe. Fortunately for me, I can manipulate my hernia to allow for the release of the pressure. I say all this to say that maybe you have a "kink" somewhere along your colon, and only changing positions helps to allow the release of the pressure build up. Adhesions could be a culprit here too. You should mention it to your surgeon next time you meet, or schedule an appointment to discuss the issue.
Hope you find a solution.

David

[ccanfield]

Thank you jimbob,markstan, and dave. I started doing a 2nd infusion two nights ago and it seems to be helping however the pain is not completely gone. I think I will also increase the volume of infusion. Do you recommend doing this for both infusions? Jimbob, would miralax increase looseness in the stools, I already have really loose stools? I am having a routine colonoscopy on Friday so I will ask my surgeon to look for hernia and adhesion's. I also have pulling right at the site of the stoma. It is kind of a burning, pulling sensation that is relieved by pushing on it of sitting, etc. Would this possibly be the beginning of a hernia? I don't have any real noticeable protruding or swelling around the stoma.

Thanks again for the support

Carol