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What Causes Pain And Swelling In Stomach After Colon Resection?
Question: Thank you! For one year I've had pain and swelling in my upper and lower stomach. This has gone on constantly since my colon resection last year, March 2013. My problem was diverticulitis, with a colon abcess, and severe infection. I was hospitalized a week prior to my surgery to heal the infection. I am 59 years old, and for many years have not been able to have a bowel movement without the use of milk of magnesia. Other laxatives cramped me badly. So NOW I get nauseated a lot ( have stomach ulcers) and can't take any laxatives because they usually do not work well. I take mirilax, and HAVE to take an Enema at least ever 2 or 3 days. Although I do have other medical problems,and I know you cannot take in all of it. I mainly need to find out what could be causing this abdominal pain and swelling. Sometimes I feel like I just cannot handle it anymore. Thanks so much for your time and help! Kay
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for sending the question.
I am sorry that you're having to deal with such bothersome symptoms. I'm sure this is affecting your quality-of-life.
What I usually consider in a patient who has had recent or previous surgery is formation of scar tissue within the abdomen. This can sometimes lead to abdominal pain or sometimes even some bloating.
adhesions are seeing layers of scar tissue that can sometimes form after someone has abdominal surgery. These conform over months and sometimes years.
It sounds like you have used fiber supplements and laxatives without improvement of your symptoms. I would suggest a mild fiber supplements such as Metamucil which you would take at least once daily. This will hopefully help maintain some degree of regularity.
Also I would look at your diet and see if there are certain foods which are contributing to your symptoms such as dairy products for certain vegetables.
Keeping the food diary might be very helpful in this type of situation.
Also you want to make sure you're drinking plenty of water. Usually this involves drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.
Again I can appreciate that you're dealing with a very stressful situation and that you really want to improve your health and quality-of-life. I hope we can help you get on the right track.
if still you have symptoms I would suggest that you see a gastroenterologist locally or possibly at a university gastrointestinal center.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for sending the question.
I am sorry that you're having to deal with such bothersome symptoms. I'm sure this is affecting your quality-of-life.
What I usually consider in a patient who has had recent or previous surgery is formation of scar tissue within the abdomen. This can sometimes lead to abdominal pain or sometimes even some bloating.
adhesions are seeing layers of scar tissue that can sometimes form after someone has abdominal surgery. These conform over months and sometimes years.
It sounds like you have used fiber supplements and laxatives without improvement of your symptoms. I would suggest a mild fiber supplements such as Metamucil which you would take at least once daily. This will hopefully help maintain some degree of regularity.
Also I would look at your diet and see if there are certain foods which are contributing to your symptoms such as dairy products for certain vegetables.
Keeping the food diary might be very helpful in this type of situation.
Also you want to make sure you're drinking plenty of water. Usually this involves drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.
Again I can appreciate that you're dealing with a very stressful situation and that you really want to improve your health and quality-of-life. I hope we can help you get on the right track.
if still you have symptoms I would suggest that you see a gastroenterologist locally or possibly at a university gastrointestinal center.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr., Thank you for your reply. You mentioned to use Metamucil. Many years ago I used it and it did help, but again along while later again I tried it twice and it gave me so much stomach ache that I am scared to try it again. Do you think since my colon resection it might would be different? I also tried the fiber pills years ago an it would also hurt my stomach for about three days. Also, for a year since surgery, I have rectal pain very often, which goes up way past the bottom of my spine. What are your thoughts? Thank you! Kay
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
thanks again for the follow up.
I would consider using a half dose of Metamucil. Take a look at the label and use half as much as what they recommend. This will be a gentle way of introducing some fiber into your diet.
I understand the capsules seemed to cause you some pain in the past. I have heard this from other patients as well. Perhaps you are sensitive to the tablet formulation. It can sometimes create bloating and gas.
your body is unique and your body does change with age including various biochemical and hormonal balances. Also in your case with the surgery we have a completely new homeostasis going on. Your body is constantly adjusting to a new normal. Again I would recommend low dose of Metamucil to see how this works. Good hydration is important and good exercise is also important
Thanks again for sending your question. Please let us know if we can help you anytime again.
Dr Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
thanks again for the follow up.
I would consider using a half dose of Metamucil. Take a look at the label and use half as much as what they recommend. This will be a gentle way of introducing some fiber into your diet.
I understand the capsules seemed to cause you some pain in the past. I have heard this from other patients as well. Perhaps you are sensitive to the tablet formulation. It can sometimes create bloating and gas.
your body is unique and your body does change with age including various biochemical and hormonal balances. Also in your case with the surgery we have a completely new homeostasis going on. Your body is constantly adjusting to a new normal. Again I would recommend low dose of Metamucil to see how this works. Good hydration is important and good exercise is also important
Thanks again for sending your question. Please let us know if we can help you anytime again.
Dr Galamaga
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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