Question:
Constant diarrhea - is that normal?

I'm 8 days post op. I switched to "full" liquids 3 days ago. Experienced a long, horrible episode of dumping after eating a suger-free fudgesickle last Friday. Very weak since then and have diarrhea 10x15 times per day. Even juice provotes it. Has this happened to anyone else?    — Margaret G. (posted on July 20, 2003)

July 19, 2003
I am six months post op and have never had diarreha but being a nurse, I know if yours continues you will become very dehydrated if not already. You need to call your doc as soon as you can. Dehydration is a very serious thing. It can cause your vital organs to shut down.
   — Delores S.

July 19, 2003
I had the same thing happen as a new post op and I was on strait liquids for 12 days so it wasn't anything I was eating. The Dr. kept telling me it was normal. I was living off Imodium without any relief. Finally I convinced my surgeon that something was wrong. He put me on 10 days of antibiotics and a prescription antidiarrheal medication. I felt better within days and haven't had that problem again. I had an intestinal bug and I didn't even know it. My only regret is that I didn't get a medication to stop that awful feeling any sooner. Please call your Dr. TODAY!!!!!!! God luck to you. Wendi
   — lovemonterey

July 20, 2003
This is the poster. Thank you both. Called my doc. He said I must re-hydrate myself or go back in for IV. Don't want that.
   — Margaret G.

July 20, 2003
You might want to drink Propel or Gatorade too to keep your electrolytes in balance. Both drinks have some sodium in them too to help you keep hydrated. Hope you feel better soon.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 20, 2003
Is it possible that you are dumping on your juice? Are you diluting it with water or how much of it are you drinking? I had diarrhea for about the first week and a half after surgery. After that things got back to normal. Best Wishes,
   — Heather S.

July 20, 2003
Suggestions since I'm not exactly sure what you're consuming on your full liquid diet, but I'd suggest that if you are drinking or eating anything with hidden sugars, sugar alcohols, milk or juice - cut them out of your diet ASAP. All of these have been none to promote diarrhea. I'd also suggest sticking more to a brat-type diet until you get this under control. My doc said that anything that will dissolve completely in water is acceptable on full liquids...this includes toast, crackers and tortilla chips chewed well (take small bites). For a 24 hour period I would eat dry toast, crackers (preferable whole wheat), applesauce and some small bites of mashed banana (or well chewed banana). Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]