I posted a few weeks ago that I was going to get a stomach feeding tube.
I have had it for 2 and a half weeks.
For the first week of liquid diet I had nothing pass out my colon.
Since then I have had continuous bowel problems.
I am wondering if this may be normal given that I really had no bowel movements for the two weeks prior to surgery and then one week following. Normal as in since my digestive tract had nothing through it for so long am I going through an adjustment period ?
Or am I doing something wrong with my feeding ?
And is there a fix ?
Now to be graphic. I will experience strong rectal cramping like I urgently have to go. I may pass something teeny tiny into the toilet but mostly it is a wet smear which I wipe off.
The problem is that this happens a hundred times a day. Seriously I can have this incredible urgency and then have it happen again minutes later. And each time a little wet smear.
It happens at night so I am not sleeping well.
I thought maybe the problem was a lack of fiber. So I have added a little psyllium. Not much just a teaspoon yesterday and 2 tsp. today. Is the psyllium a bad idea because my bowels aren't ready yet or should I take more ?
Also sometimes when I am sitting on the toilet the rectal cramping is so painful I can't believe it.
Ibuprofen and Imodium help a bit, sometimes. But I can't leave home !
So again - Is this a adjustment period and just need to tough it out ?
Am I doing something wrong with my feedings ?
Can I do something for symptom relief ?
Thank you !
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Immodium is for diarrhea...not for constipation!
Psyllium is a stimulant laxative...may find better results from magnesium or vitamin C.
If you can't have bowel movements on tube feeding, then you need to increase your water intake. Are you bolus feeding (i.e., tube-feeding in distinct "meals") or continuous feeding?
Some tube feeding formulas have fiber added, so you may need one of those instead of what you're currently using...
Have you tried an enema?
You also may need to add more water to your formula.
Yes, part of this is adjustment period, but also partly because you were so backed up prior to starting the tube feeding.
Suggest also joining the Oley Foundation (it's free - see http://oley.org/ ) for support with feeding tube and formula issues...
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Lulubelle-you poor thing! so sorry you are in such discomfort! It sounds awful, I don't have suggestionns or tips, just wanted you to know I am thinking of you, and pray for quick relief from the cramping.
Posted by LuluBelle (Member # 38865) on :
GretaM - Thanks for the sympathy.
I think you mentioned your brother has a tube.
Can you run my questions by him ?
Razzle - I am not constipated.
The constant wet drizzles is diarrhea like.
The reason I had nothing pass through my gut is not because I am backed up, it is because I have not been able to swallow well enough to eat.
So my digestive tract was inactive for 3 weeks and now is being asked to function.
I tried the psyllium hoping it would soak up water and produce something formed.
But based on last night, psyllium is likely a bad idea.
Posted by Pocono Lyme (Member # 5939) on :
I agree with Razzle. You can have diarrhea when constipated. The watery diarrhea runs around the impaction.
The pain is because it's not coming out. See if you have a rectal bulge when you try to go. With toilet paper in hand, you can feel the bulge.
An enema would be in order or a stimulant suppository like dulcolax. Sometimes a manual removal of an impaction is necessary.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Respectfully, I disagree... A week of a liquid diet producing nothing through the rectum = constipation.
I've been on TPN and have eaten nothing by mouth for over 1 year, yet every day of that year, I have produced several small bowel movements. It is largely just bile & mucus, but nonetheless, I have had something to pass daily while not eating or drinking a single morsel or drop of anything.
Consider adding guar gum or citrus fiber to your feeding tube formula... I'd be concerned that seed meal would plug up the feeding tube...
Posted by LuluBelle (Member # 38865) on :
Dang ! I see your point now.
How to do the enema ?
How quick acting is a ducolax suppository ?
What to try first ? Starting with the gentlest. Including Razzle's suggestions.
My fear is that it is diarrhea and by trying a laxative type solution I will have a disaster.
Posted by Pocono Lyme (Member # 5939) on :
The easiest enema would be a Fleets.
The Dulcolax suppository usually works within 15 minutes to one hour.
I am the most comfortable with the Dulcolax. I don't know anything about Razzle's suggestions though I respect her advice.
I'm thinking what Razzle is suggesting would be a maintenance? I don't know. I would want relief yesterday thus my suggestion of the suppository or Fleets.
I hope you can get relief soon.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Yes, start with a basic saline Fleets enema, see if that stimulates a bowel movement...
Increasing fiber and water intake are to address the cause of the problem (lack of sufficient hydration and bulk in the stool).
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
I know nothing about a stomach tube, but just want to say that if constipation is an issue at all, drinking mangosteen juice everyday helps keep bowel movements regular like a baby's.
Juice varieties are found in healthfood stores and online. I like the Mango-Xan version as it's the most tart.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Isn't mangosteen juice loaded with sugar? I mean, if it contains apple, pear or grape juice (so-called "junk" juices), those are largely sugar...and not so good for us...
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