question

I just recently had surgery, DS, I am now experiencing the multiple bowel movements on a daily basis. I am having a hard time with this, I become very nauseated and at times vomit when I use the bathroom. Is this something that others have experienced? I am about 4 weeks out, and am feeling like this was a mistake. The nausea is lasting all day and makes it difficult to eat or drink, then I have days where everything has been fine. I feel like I am going crazy.

You need to give us more information.  What meds are you on and what are you eating?

How much fluids are you getting in every day?  Your minimum goal is 64oz, which is a full-time job, but attainable with effort the first week post-op.  Otherwise, you're subject to dehydration - which guess what?....causes nausea.....which makes you not want to put anything more into your mouth, right?  Yeah...a vicious circle.

The bowel movements are normal as the body regulates to the changes.  Some immodium will give you relief there.  This reason is plenty IMO to have people wait longer before returning to work.  You should see some changes in the next week or two, but DO make sure you're drinking enough.

Eating the typical yogurt, egg, cottage cheese as my staples at this time. Slowly at the point where I am starting to eat a soft mechanical diet. The problem is is that I get nauseated when I have bowel movements, sometimes it goes away after the stool and sometimes it continues. My oral fluid intake on my "bad" days is not good, barely get the 48 oz which is on the low end of ok, on my "good" days I exceed the 64 oz easily. I was just frustrated, feeling better now that I talked with one of the members of the team that is taking care of me post-op. Will be adding some fiber to see if I can slow down how often I am having stools. I think my anxiety is not helping with this at all.

My oral fluid intake on my "bad" days is not good, barely get the 48 oz which is on the low end of ok, on my "good" days I exceed the 64 oz easily.

Make sure you get ALL your fluids...48 oz on a bad day is not acceptable at this point. It is not the low end of ok.

Your job right now is to SIP, WALK, and rest. Your body can NOT live without liquids very long but it can go quite a LONG time on no food...as long as you get your liquids in.

I had almost consistent diarrhea the first two weeks...it did ease up once I was able to go to soft foods. Also, as mentioned, need a PPI...and maybe a double dose for now...some of us needed a double dose per day to manage but it does ease up.

Also, any pain meds/anesthesia can make one nauseous. 

I KNOW it's hard to be not be anxious but do not try to stop yourself up at this point...your innards are still very swollen and healing and if you have to strain to go to the bathroom, it can cause a stitch line to break.

Have you considered you may be lactose intolerant now?  See about dropping the cottage cheese, and any milk products.  Also, I discovered I was whey intolerant and most SF products, including chewable vitamins. 

Chia seeds worked wonders for my diarrhea and multiple BMs. 

Also, are you on any anti-nausea meds? 

Hi Crazeru, I'm curious about the Chia seeds. I've never tried them. I've heard they are rich in antioxidants and omega 3's but never knew they could assist with diarrhea/bm's. Do you know where is a good source of info or how do you use them?

Thanks!

Not only anti-nausea meds as Crazeru suggested, but also a strong PPI (proton pump inhibitor) can make all the difference. For many of us, reflux symptoms present as nausea. You can try prilosec, either prescription or over the counter, and if that doesn't work ask your doc for a different med in the same family. It can make a huge difference.

Larra