Question for post-ops

I am 5 weeks post-op. A few nights ago I developed severe lower abdominal spasms after constipation. It was practically unbearable for about 45 minutes and took two days to totally relax. (A couple of hours prior to that I had eaten a lowcarb protein bar with 1/4 c cottage cheese. I switched back to liquids. Yesterday I had those same pains again this time localized on my lower left side. I have a lot of gas. My lower ab is very tender although I am not nauseated or vomiting. I also feel very drained and sleep a lot. I am using a heating pad for relief. This has interrupted my exercise routine and I am barely able to eat anything at all or get in enough fluids. Anyone else experience this?

Michelle, When I was around 5 weeks out I had severe cramping in my belly. I hadn't eaten anything different soo I knew I wasn't dumping. After talking to my surgeon, we both thought it was a stomach virus (mind you my friend's daughter whom I had been around had the same thing). The srugeon wanted me to make sure I wasn't constipated, Well I got some MOM and of course forgetting the size of my stomach took the highest adult dose. Needless to say by the next day I was on "the throne" so to speak and I still had the stomach pains. They were like waves of cramps across my belly button. Later in the day I started to dry heave becuase I wasn't eating or drinking due to the cramps. (Note: bad idea!) After speaking with my surgeon again he had me go to the emergency room. Our thought was still that it was the stomach flu, but better to be safe than sorry. They drew labs, took x-rays (to rule out an obstruction) and gave me an IV. I had become dehydrated with the diarrhea and vomiting. All in all they confirmed stomach flu. Because I hadn't eaten my protien I was wiped out for a couple of days. My best advice to you is to keep up on the H2O since you can become dehydrated quickly. also try to get your protien in. I know for me if I don't get enough protein, the next day I have no energy. I hope this helps and you start to feel better soon.

The colon is a huge muscle- when it cramps it can really drain you. Are you running a fever? I think I'd call the doctor just to be sure it wasn't something that needed attention. I had a small bout of constipation about 2 weeks out, and thought I'd die! Increasing my water intake and laying off the milk products finally did it for me. Keep us posted on how you're doing! Jeri

How many grams of sugar were in the protein bar? I found that if i eat a protein bar with more than 9 grams of sugars and it also has alot of fiber in it, well...it's cramp city. Also, one time, after I ate something that was TOTALLY within guidelines, chicken jerky, I got SEVERE cramping and was ill all afternoon. My physician told me it could have been caused by not chewing well enough or by eating too fast. All i know is i was miserable! ~Dawn Phillips