new member.....

tomdCT · Post by **tomdCT** » 2006-06-04 15:53:19

Hi all,my name is Tom. I live in Ct , USA and am 47 years old. I have been operated on 5 times in 18 months and now have an ileostomy temporarily while awaitng j-pouch connection. I had diverticulitis that ended up being spread from one end of colon to the other. I perforated twice and have had another ileostomy and a colostomy which was swapped for the ileostomy May 19,2006. This time around it has been a struggle just to try to recover. My stoma is now producing non-stop.I am drinking constantly and trying to eat regularly but do not have much appetite.Any advice on slowing things down?

Tom

Charles_in_Tx · Post by **Charles_in_Tx** » 2006-06-04 16:48:56

Hello Tom;
You may want to ask about taking Imodium Advanced tabs.
they will help slow things down and also help with gas.
You can safely take up to about 8 per day, but check with your Doctor first.

http://www.ostomy.evansville.net/weeklymail20.html

http://www.geocities.com/mr-ostomy/Ileostomy1.html

Good luck and be well,
Charles in TX

SugaAngel4u · Post by **SugaAngel4u** » 2006-06-05 12:31:25

try prescription lomotil pills or shots sandostatin if immodium isn't enough. after my moms surgery she had to drink at least a gallon of gatorade every day due to her excessive output. however, pedialyte and ceralyte are better than sports drinks because they have the necessary electrolytes without the problem of sugar. sugar and artificial sweetners increase diarrhea. since you dont have an appetite, try drinks like ensure or even slimfast. these drinks have the nutrients of a meal, are filling, and will help your stomach get used to eating again. since you've had several surgeries in such a short time, i'm betting that you went quite a while not being able to eat. if thats the case then your stomach isnt use to eating and food isn't appealling. i know how hard it is to start eating again when food is repulsive and the stomach isnt hungry anyway. you're going to have to force yourself to eat to maintain a healthy weight and the nutrients your body needs. start small and work your way up to a regular diet.
good luck.

lesson · Post by **lesson** » 2006-06-05 16:37:03

You were given some excellent advice about replenishing nutrients and electrolytes. Try adding foods that will thicken your stool as well. Applesauce, oatmeal, potatoes and pasta are a few. You may also want to consider eating several small meals a day instead of the standard 3.
I had a hard time getting my appetite back after surgery in January. I went the several small meals a day route and indulged myself as far as cravings went