Question:
Diarrhea all the time!

Hi all. I'm home from the hospital and I've been crying quite a bit because I have diarrhea ALL THE TIME. No matter what I drink, no matter what I eat, no matter what I do, I have it. It's gotten to the point that I can't really do any real walking because I'm sitting on the throne all the time! What am I doing wrong!!?! I'm lactose intolerant, so I don't drink or eat anything with dairy. I take my meals when I'm supposed to. I try to get in as much water as I can, I don't drink anything like crystal light, propel fitness water, etc. because it smells and tastes too sweet now. I take all my vitamins when I'm supposed to. I've eliminated anything that would cause diarrhea (i.e. pudding, veggie juice, juice in general) ... this has been consistent since I arrived home on Friday. I know that while I was in the hospital they were serving me things that contained milk, but once I realized that, I quit taking it. I called the surgeon on call on Friday night and let him know, and he tells me just continue to take showers after each episode, continue to drink plenty of fluids, and no - I can't take anything for it. OMG!!! I feel like I'm dying. What do I do?!? Also, how the &@*! do I get in water anymore? I used to drink water by the bucketfuls and now I can barely drink any without forcing myself to. Someone please offer some guidance!!!!    — Nicki F. (posted on December 19, 2005)

December 18, 2005
i had that too but it will stop after a couple of weeks or so . just give it time its your body getting use to no food. i had my surgery 6 months ago on the 27 th of this month and i have lost 76 lbs now so just hang in there. good luck
   — hjdj70

December 18, 2005
I too had the same thing. Nothing is wrong it is your body getting used to no solid food. Once you start the switch to full fluids it will start to firm up and then once soft foods you will get constipated and be right back here. LOL. It is normal. When you make the switch to more solid food increase your fiber intake with veggie juice-heating is a great tasting "soup."
   — 1968 Loser

December 18, 2005
I can't speak to the runs but I know that just this past week have I been able to take normal swallows of water. The first 6 weeks were torture. I actually couldn't stand the taste of water and it made me feel nauseous so I could only drink Crystal Light. Now I can finaly tolerate water and drink the required amounts. Just hang in there, it gets better with each new day and you won't always feel this way.
   — sherita

December 18, 2005
Very Common. I went through the same thing for about 2 weeks. I also cried about it! ") I promise that this will cease.
   — slseaman

December 18, 2005
HI, I had my surgery on 10-18-05 and was exactly the same way. I had diarrhea each and every time I went to the bathroom. My doctor said that it was normal and I had heard that other people were the same way. I am 2 months out now and only go to the bathroom maybe once or twice a week and it is still very close to diarrhea. I'm not sure why. As for the water I know exactly how you feel. I am just now starting to tolerate water. For the first 6 weeks I lived on only water and skim milk and now I am having one meal a day and mostly skim milk with a little water. I am definately not doing everything I am supposed to do. I never had any protein shakes because it just grosed me out to much. You will feel better soon.
   — jengriggs01

December 19, 2005
There is a difference between the very common liquid stools which are common after surgery and what you are experiencing (which seems like uncontrolled runs). A couple of things to keep in mind: 1. If you are only a few days following surgery, it would be difficult to digest any sort of vitamines (whether liquid or not). These could be irritating your bowel and causing the frequent movements. Secondly, if you are only home a few days and you were trying pudding, fruit juices and vegetable juices, you could have been giving yourself too much fiber that your body worked to expel. For at least a week following surgery (if not longer), you would be best served to have clear liquids. Try clear broths and something like Isopure zero carb (or myloplex). Basically, it will be tough to have solid movement for a few weeks, but you shouldn't feel that you have no control over the explosiveness of your episodes. Hope this helps.
   — SteveColarossi

December 19, 2005
Nicki, I had a lot of gas and diarrhea the first week, but it did subside after I started eating pureed foods. I think some of it is normal. I had my surgery on December 1st, and I am happy to say that this last week has been so much easier than the first. I am also lactose intolerant and can tell you that there are many products out there for us. I am using a milk called Carb Countdown by Hood. It has 75% less milk sugar and I have been able to drink it very easily. I am using it in cream of wheat and using it to mix my protein shakes, which is increasing the amount of protein I'm getting. Good luck and hang in there. It gets better. Laura
   — LauraA

December 19, 2005
Reading all the post now I am wondering if something is wrong with me. I can't stand cystal light. Nothing else taste good or decent. But I was a big water drinking before my surgery one week ago today. Now I am mostly drinking water. No where near 64oz but maybe 40 counting all the liquids. Water seems to be the only thing that doesn't want to make me gag.
   — pettykash

December 19, 2005
I am 2 years post-op. I believe me I had diarrhea for over a month. It was to the point, I had hemmorids bleeding. At my 30 day check up, I asked him about taking some thing...He told me that Imodium would help. Believe me 1/2 a dose took care of it.
   — kerrie37

December 19, 2005
I was the same way. I was allowed Imodium however and that really did the trick. The caplets are soooo tiny and very easy to take. Good luck! Shelley
   — Shelley.

December 19, 2005
I can't answer the diarrhea question since my problem is the exact opposite. However, as for the drinking fluids. I'm not and never have been a big water fan. I drink hot tea most of the time. That's the only way I get my liquids in. I use mostly herbal teas, but also some green and black tea. Broth is a good source of fluids also. Good luck. Carmen
   — kccjer

December 20, 2005
Thanks to all for your responses. I talked with the nurse yesterday who told me to go back to clear liquids instead of full. My very loving partner went out yesterday and came home with a very expensive, very good blender so that I can have crushed ice. I've been feeling nauseous and dizzy, but when I stopped taking full liquids, it took about 2 hours to stop the diarrhea. I know I can't stay like this forever, but it is a nice reprive. MD's biggest concern is that I'm getting dehydrated and they are concerned I might need to be readmitted - so needless to say, I'm chowing down on the ice. ;) Thanks for everyone's answers and it is really nice to know that there are others who have been there, done that too. Have a great day all!
   — Nicki F.

December 20, 2005
Just wondering - did you have the barium swallow leak test before you were released? That did a number on me - instant diarrhea that lasted a few days after my release. Don't panic yet, it's very early yet and your new digestive system is just kicking in and into overdrive, working out the kinks, but definitely keep your doctor informed should this last much longer!
   — sandsonik

December 20, 2005
I had the same - then I got constipated, which was much worse! Your body needs to adjust! Just make sure to get your protein and vitamins. I still have trouble getting everything in and drinking enough water, and I am a year now.
   — Novashannon

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