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Loop Illeostomies and traditional bowel movements

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Posted 11/10/2016 12:04 PM (GMT -5)
Hello all,

Just over 2 weeks ago I had surgery to remove a cancerous rectal tumor and have a temp loop illeostomy. They had to remove almost all of the rectum and recreated it with a j-pouch. I understand it is normal to occasionally have a traditional bowel movement. For about a week now I have had a constant urge to go (the traditional way for lack of a better word.) My bag is functioning properly and my surgeon didn't seem concerned by my constant need to go.

This morning I had a fairly large bowel movement, it was an odd color but no bleeding or anything alarming. I felt GREAT afterwards. about 1-2 hours later I now constantly feel like I need to go again, but when I give a try (doing my best not to push or strain or anything this close to surgery). If I take my pain killers they prescribed it completely gets rid of the feeling. Otherwise I really don't feel like I need them. I have recovered super fast from the surgery and feel great otherwise.

I am a 35y/o male in case that has any relevance.

Anyone else have this experience? Thank you for the input.
Posted 11/10/2016 12:13 PM (GMT -5)
That is normal, your rectal stump still produce mucus which you will have to release a few times a day. If you have inflammation in the rectal stump then you'll have more of the urge, that can be treated with medication if necessary.

As your body heals the frequency will decrease. I only had to empty my rectum like once a day most of the time.

My Surgeon didn't tell me about any of this at the time. I was quite worried about it until I asked the questions.
Posted 11/10/2016 12:21 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you for the fast reply. When I attempt to go, nothing seems to come out, I sometimes have a small amount of mucus when I wipe.

How long do you think I will still have the urge? Right now it is driving me crazy unless I take a pain killer that removes the sensation.

I was supposed to have the procedure to have it reversed in January, but it unfortunately was found in numerous lymph nodes so I have to get through chemotherapy first, so I am stuck with it for another 7-8 months.
Posted 11/10/2016 12:52 PM (GMT -5)
It will get better as the surgery heals. When did you have surgery?

Do you have an IBD? That can cause inflammation which causes urgency and you can treat that.

I would ask your surgeon's office for some help, there are anti-inflammatory suppositories or some anti-spasm medication.

I'm not sure if the chemo is causing you this problem or not, I would ask the surgeon's office.
Posted 11/10/2016 2:00 PM (GMT -5)
I had the surgery on Oct 25th (2 weeks and 2 days ago). I do not have IBD, but since the surgery was so recent I am sure it is still inflamed.

I have not started chemo yet, will likely start in the beginning of December. I have an appointment next week to start that process.
Posted 11/10/2016 3:13 PM (GMT -5)
You had a very big surgery, just give it some time. I was in the hospital for 21 days after my J-pouch/Loop surgery. The next surgery (takedown) is very easy in comparison 2-3 day hospital stay.

Good luck with the chemo. I hope they caught this early enough for you.
Posted 11/19/2016 9:10 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you, we are optimistic I do the chemo, have the take down, and be free of all this.

I am still having the constant bowel movement urges. I went back to Cleveland Clinic, they examined me and can't find a reason but say it isn't completely normal. After they checked me with the camera it's as worse than ever that night, I think I am inflammed. They prescribed me painkillers since that helps but told me to only take a half. I am fine most of the day, but later close to the evening I have to take a full one if I want to sleep. I get through the night fine, even after they wear off but have to take a half at some point in the morning if I do not want to have to feel like I need to go all day. Some discharged is passed, sometimes more than once a day but they say I am not over producing mucus. Going to call again Monday for some suggestions...

I am supposed to start Chemo on the 30th and guessing I can't take pain killers anymore at that point so very nervous. The sensation to go drives me mad without the pain killers, really hoping it goes away on its own soon.

Does anyone know how long this will keep going on? Would doing an enema help?
Posted 11/20/2016 6:50 AM (GMT -5)
A few updates:

The urge is much better during the day, seems to get much worse after lunch, then it is the worst after dinner. Yesterday was better than most, I was only taking half a pill every 4-5 hours. I had a VERY strong urge later in the afternoon and was able to pass a small bit of stool and felt great for a few hours. It then came back. A few hours before I woke up I passed a micro stool, then about an hour later another one. Then another 30 mins or so later I felt the need again and passed bit of blood drops. I went ahead and took a half a pain killer to stop it, I was going to try and go without today but now it seemed inflamed again. I'm also having some difficulty completely emptying my bladder.

Question though, did any of you pass small bits of stool frequently? I don't think mine is just mucus, unless that mucus is brownish and slightly stool looking, they are extremely small, maybe a quarter of an inch if that. Thank you all again for any input you may provide. Hopefully I can get into the doc again Monday.
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