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I lived with the ileostomy bag from April 30th until the reversal in June 18th. For the reversal, I stayed in the hospital for 6 days to make sure my body took food (liquid first, cream soup, then solid) and pass successfully.
I am recovering at home for 7 days now. I am gaining my strength back and seem to have good appetite. However, the last two days, I frequent bowel movement about 16 times/day. Each time only small amount. Due to my bowel frequency, this causes my bottom to be painfully sore. How can I reduce bowel frequency? I am afraid to eat my normal portion meals that will cause me to move bowel more. So I eat very little. Any suggestion on food that gives me the energy I need but not pass bowel to much?
In addition, since my rectum was removed, and because the rectum is the holding area for stool until the urge to expel, any of my stool (has been small pieces) could not be held indefinitely. Does this mean that I will have to live with this bowel movement frequency? Or will my remaining colon eventually be able to hold stool until I can pass? I am able to squeeze my anus well and hold the coming stool for short time (but not indefinitely) until I get to the toilet.
Any insight or experience that anyone could share would be greatly appreciated.
SaiView Thread

It will be seven months next week since my reversal. It has been a journey. Before the reversal, changing the bag was a chore, and knowing that something attached to my side was not natural, which didn't help me when I want a good sleep.
After the reversal, it was great that I didn't have to do those two things. However, the stool frequency replaced them. Almost seven months now, I still have good days and bad days. Part of my journey might be that I am getting used to my new routines- like...I need to be aware of where the bathroom is at all times. I carry a pack of flushable wipes with me at all times (the cleaner, the better).
I love the outdoor and my condition has not stopped me from enjoying being out- I just take the bathroom with me.
I am so glad you have a positive outlook on life now.
I assume you still have the bag? Tell us more of your journey since your surgery.
SaiView Thread

Since my post, I went to see the dr and he said I had an anal stricture due to it was dormant for the time I had the ileostomy bag. He scheduled me for a anal stricture dilation. A week after the dilation procedure, I was able to pass large amount of stool when I get up in the morning and for the rest of the day, life was good. Life was good for three days then the small stool and more frequent started again.
I still experience two good days follow by one bad day. I take one or two imodium on the bad days and is helping some but I don't want to over-do it and cause constipation.
Dr said even with my rectum gone, what is left of my colon should be able to do the job as before (he was quick to say about 4 months). I am hopeful. He also told me to take fiber supplement. I have been intake metamucil daily.
Thanks for taking the time,
SaisanaView Thread

Do you have to keep taking the Robinul Forte 2mg in order to reduce your bowel frequency?
I had my ileostomy bag removed two weeks ago and just the last two days, I had to go BM about 12 times/day. Stool is only small amount each time. All the wiping caused my bottom to be burning sore.
SaiView Thread
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