IBS after Total Colectomy
#159676 - 03/11/05 01:07 PM
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jlt
Reged: 03/11/05
Posts: 1
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Is it possible to develop or continue to have IBS after a Total Colectomy. About 6 years ago I was told I had IBS. Over the years with other medical issues my bowels stopped working all together even with tons of prescriptions and laxatives. About 7 months ago I had a my about 90% of my large intestine removed and then resected. Currently it seems my IBS symptoms of on and on diarhea and constipation, extreme flatulence and bloating, nauseau, pain etc are coming back and are getting as bad as prior surgery. How could this be possible without a colon? Any information is helpful as Im losing my mind. thanks Jen
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Hi Jen, OMGOSH, I can't believe this is happening to you. This is a tough surgery and recovery, actually surgeries.
I don't have an answer for you, just want you to know that I hope someone here can help you find an answer to this.
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Well all I can think is that IBS effects the whole GI tract, which is why surgery doesn't work for IBS.
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Well all I can think is that IBS effects the whole GI tract, which is why surgery doesn't work for IBS.
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I sure feel for you. I had 18" colon removed Dec. 2002 and another 14" Dec. 2003. This was necesssary because previous sutures from a vag. hyst. went necrotic taking my colon with it (I had three fistulas too). Because I was septic they couldn't do the barium to see clearly thus the second surgery as some cells were left. I probably have half or a little more colon left, and it's fussy still. I have had IBS for many years, and it doesn't go away with surgery.
Has any doctor suggested maybe an inflammatory condition such as Chron's since you have so little colon left? Just wondering. You CAN hurt I know. I am in a "spell" right now and cannot eat any solids. All going in is clear liquid just to have some relief. I had hoped I'd never go there again. I had over a year with more C. than D. (only two episodes as I recall). I'm not sure what's going on. This time we're really looking into the whys. The lab is studying specimens and will repeat if those results are not clear. We are ruling out the "bug" that comes from taking antibiotics, and I have had a lot (not my choice). If we don't get answers there I will go over to the gastroenterologist for his ideas. He can check my CT scan.
I found a posting by a fellow who I think has had about three ostomy operations and he's doing really well it seems. Found it by searching in Google. Bet you could find him. I have also read people writing about the irritation of skin with ostomy and bag. I have been a bit nervous about this happening. One doctor described how they literally took ALL the large colon and attached the small colon to the rectum. This causes a lot of burning and pain. I'd never heard of this. I'd probably opt for the ostomy bag even tho' it's tough to care for. One can protect the skin a bit more, and my PT told me that nowadays it's nothing like say 10-20 years ago! Much better procedures and all that one has to contend with. People are living full lives now with this condition.
Anyway, just know I hear you. I can only imagine your disappointment, but surgery doesn't stop this stuff. It just "is."
Blessings!!!
Take heart. You'll find "the diet" best for you, and you'll learn how to live with this I'm sure! You can write to me any time! If my e-mail addy doesn't show, just hit me at shutterbug.oly@verizon.net and I'm there! 
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