Stoma Revision Surgery

[bob1951]

How long does stomach distended and gas last?

[ron in mich.]

Hi Bob I had resection surgery a year ago and stoma moved from right to left and had the bloat for 2-3 days while in the hosp. what I would do is lay on one side while in bed and then roll to other side, and then in about an hours time I would burp my pouch. during the night the pouch would blow up like a football and I would have to be careful when I would burp it.

[nickolas]

Hi Bob I had resection surgery a year ago and stoma moved from right to left and had the bloat for 2-3 days while in the hosp. what I would do is lay on one side while in bed and then roll to other side, and then in about an hours time I would burp my pouch. during the night the pouch would blow up like a football and I would have to be careful when I would burp it.

Did you have a colostomy prior to this recent surgery? If yes, do you still have one today or is it an ileostomy now? I had a hernia repair 5 years ago, surgeon was 100% sure it would come back and gradually it is. He mentioned at the time of that surgery 5 years ago, to consider have placement put on other side for the next surgery. Are you happy with this recent surgery?

Thank you in advance, Nickolas

[Diane C]

Bob1951 and Nickolas,

We all react differently after surgery. In my case, I’ve lived with distention, gas – and constipation – all my life. A genetic condition that my dad had.

On November 1, 2018, I had my colostomy removed because of ongoing constipation and other issues (am simplifying here). I received an ileostomy and had other “parts” removed. Surgery was major and followed by “care” at a supposedly “skilled” nursing center.

At first, the gas and bloating were really painful. I walked the halls often as soon as possible with an aide or nurse – and later had physical therapy. It helped to sit up -- raise the bed -- and I foresee buying a bed that allows this. Less so now but I’m still distended 6 months later. I don’t think I have a hernia as I left the hospital this way – and had a hernia on my left side near my colostomy removed. I had gained weight over the years out of frustration. So, I think part of the bulge is fat. Am determined to lose 35 lbs sensibly – and get exercise. (See Karen/Button’s words on the helpfulness of losing weight.)

However, if you just had surgery, give it some time. Much must heal inside – not just where surgery is visible. The distention WILL go down. My docs encouraged me to avoid opiods and other meds that slow the system and could cause blockages.

Hydration helped -- especially warm liquids. I drank a LOT of uncaffeinated herbal tea with a bit of honey or stevia once home. And water with lemon. If you can find it, Baadia tea or any tea with anise helps to reduce gas. (Anise is a phytoestrogen so consume in moderation if avoiding estrogen.)

Also, in some cases, peppermint or other mint is inadvisable even though it’s an ingredient in many antacids If you take these, my GI doc said to stick to lemon or cherry flavors. I did find Gax-X helpful -- still do -- in moderation.

Last night, I resorted to my reflux medication for the first time. These days, I'm trying various foods to see how my ileostomy fares -- chewing a lot --– and my ileostomy is functioning. My GI doctor told me to avoid dairy – which I sort of had – and to take Lactaid if I consumed any. Have been drinking/eating lactose-free foods and trying to stick to other products.

Nickolas, yes, I am glad I had the ileostomy. It took years to make this decision. Still figuring out some leakage issues and which products to buy but so relieved I'm no longer constipated.

Bottom line – we all are different. Be patient. I wish you both well!

Diane C
1976 Partial lateral sphincterotomy of involuntary anal muscle
2000 MACE Irrigation Procedure for chronic constipation/distention
2002 Colostomy
2018 Removal of Colostomy, MACE, Rectum; Ileostomy Created

[nickolas]

Thank you Diane C for your post, most informative.

Nickolas