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What Causes Abdominal Pain, Constipation, Nausea And Diarrhea After Colostomy?
Question: I had a D&C for a fetal demise in Dec of 2011. Three days later I was in emergency surgery to repair perforations to both the uterus & bowel. I had numerous complications (kinked ureter requiring stent placement, abdominal abscesses requiring CT guided drain placement, a large pleural effusion that required 1000mL of fluid being drained) has a temporary colostomy placed, and spent over 2 weeks hospitalized. Following my colostomy takedown I had another difficult recovery with abscesses in the abdomen wound dehiscence, and 2+ weeks in the hospital again. It's been 3 1/2 years and I continue to have GI issues from constipation to nausea to diarrhea and such. I've had CDiff twice right after my second surgery. I also suffer excrutiating pain like due to the massive amounts of adhesions from the surgeries. I have been to my PCP (family practice) multiple times through all of this, Urgent Care, and ER visits mostly for feeling run down, dehydrated, and intractable pain. It feels like my PCP just write me off as being depressed. I started seeing a psychiatrist and going to talk therapy. So far nothing is working and I really AM becoming depressed, have no energy, feel like I can never get enough sleep, and go through bouts of excrutiating pain in my lower abdomen that cause extreme nausea and headaches. OTC pain meds do absolutely nothing for the pain. Where do you suggest I start with this? An internist, some kind of specialty clinic, highly specialized facility such as The Mayo Clinic or Jonh's Hopkins? Any info would be GREATLY appreciated! 3+ years of suffering is enough! I'm only 40...I need my health to care for my daughters and husband. Thank you. Sue, RN
Brief Answer:
please give reports and information about your present health
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read and understood your history of multiple abdominal surgeries. I can understand the plight you must be going through once a complication of any procedure occurs and leads to one after another.
Your present situation is as follows:
- GI issues from constipation to nausea to diarrhea, excruciating pain, multiple visits to PCP, Urgent Care and ER for feeling run down, dehydration and intractable pain. I can understand the reason to go to Psychiatrist and the depression and need to take care of the daughters and husband.
I would suggest you to start with either Mayo Clinic or Jonh's XXXXXXX
The reason being as follows:
Once a set of complications occur, you need the most experienced TEAM of Specialists that you can get at such centers.
The ultimate pre-operative care, set of investigations, the need of proper preparations and proper surgery if needed can be done at such centers only.
The results can be rewarding.
I would like to know your present status, the most recent reports of investigations of blood, urine, stool, CT scan, barium studies and any others you have so that we can discuss about the in-depth precautions which can help you throughout your further recovery. Post them as attachment.
Please feel free to ask any query related to, I shall be very happy to assist you throughout your course and may be of small help to suggest you some points that someone might have missed to.
Please give feedback so that we can continue our discussion. Please give reports and information about your present health, weight and height, hemoglobin, blood proteins, level of weakness and all.
please give reports and information about your present health
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read and understood your history of multiple abdominal surgeries. I can understand the plight you must be going through once a complication of any procedure occurs and leads to one after another.
Your present situation is as follows:
- GI issues from constipation to nausea to diarrhea, excruciating pain, multiple visits to PCP, Urgent Care and ER for feeling run down, dehydration and intractable pain. I can understand the reason to go to Psychiatrist and the depression and need to take care of the daughters and husband.
I would suggest you to start with either Mayo Clinic or Jonh's XXXXXXX
The reason being as follows:
Once a set of complications occur, you need the most experienced TEAM of Specialists that you can get at such centers.
The ultimate pre-operative care, set of investigations, the need of proper preparations and proper surgery if needed can be done at such centers only.
The results can be rewarding.
I would like to know your present status, the most recent reports of investigations of blood, urine, stool, CT scan, barium studies and any others you have so that we can discuss about the in-depth precautions which can help you throughout your further recovery. Post them as attachment.
Please feel free to ask any query related to, I shall be very happy to assist you throughout your course and may be of small help to suggest you some points that someone might have missed to.
Please give feedback so that we can continue our discussion. Please give reports and information about your present health, weight and height, hemoglobin, blood proteins, level of weakness and all.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
My current height & weight are 5'5" and 184.4 lbs. i've attached my most recent vitals as well as some results.
It shoyld be noted that my most recent UA was taken after a couple doses of pyridium, therefore possibly creating some inaccurate results. A culture was also done and included here. Also, i was in the ER with c/o excrutiating abd pain, nausea, SOB and diarrhea. My K+ was a little low, so I was treated and the result included is from f/u. I do not have much to share as far as results because most of my labs, CTs, etc were done in the ER and my family doctor really hasn't ordered much.
Presently I have had diarrhea x 3 days, nausea, severe (at times) abdominal pain and cramping, fatigue, lethargy, headaches, and generally feeling unwell. Please let me know if I've forgotten anything. Thank you.
It shoyld be noted that my most recent UA was taken after a couple doses of pyridium, therefore possibly creating some inaccurate results. A culture was also done and included here. Also, i was in the ER with c/o excrutiating abd pain, nausea, SOB and diarrhea. My K+ was a little low, so I was treated and the result included is from f/u. I do not have much to share as far as results because most of my labs, CTs, etc were done in the ER and my family doctor really hasn't ordered much.
Presently I have had diarrhea x 3 days, nausea, severe (at times) abdominal pain and cramping, fatigue, lethargy, headaches, and generally feeling unwell. Please let me know if I've forgotten anything. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Course of medicines as mentioned and Barium studies
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
I could see the Blood pressure and weight chart, which got replaced with the urine reports.
Your present weight of 184.4 lbs and height of 5'5'' gives a BMI of 30 + more the n overweight. You have gained weight over the years indicate that your gastrointestinal system is improved better than before.
Urine report is showing a mixed colony.
Your present complaints of diarrhea, nausea, pain in abdomen, fatigue, lethargy, headaches and feeling of unwell indicate that there may be an infection in the intestinal or urinary tract.
I would advise the following in such a situation; you may please discuss with your Doctors:
- 5 day course of an antibiotic, metronidazole, probiotic, symptomatic and supportive as per the symptoms and signs.
- Barium studies (Enteroclysis) to see for the status of the intestinal conditions, whether there is obstruction, stricture, narrowing, kinking or so.
- Surgery to correct any defect may be necessary only if indicated.
-Avoid all the foods and beverages that you must have noticed to instigate or increase your problem.
- Continue probiotic, curd, yogurt.
Proper investigations will tell us whether this is an organic problem like subacute intestinal obstruction or not. A proper care and knowing the exact reason is very important to get a relief by means of an appropriate treatment.
Course of medicines as mentioned and Barium studies
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
I could see the Blood pressure and weight chart, which got replaced with the urine reports.
Your present weight of 184.4 lbs and height of 5'5'' gives a BMI of 30 + more the n overweight. You have gained weight over the years indicate that your gastrointestinal system is improved better than before.
Urine report is showing a mixed colony.
Your present complaints of diarrhea, nausea, pain in abdomen, fatigue, lethargy, headaches and feeling of unwell indicate that there may be an infection in the intestinal or urinary tract.
I would advise the following in such a situation; you may please discuss with your Doctors:
- 5 day course of an antibiotic, metronidazole, probiotic, symptomatic and supportive as per the symptoms and signs.
- Barium studies (Enteroclysis) to see for the status of the intestinal conditions, whether there is obstruction, stricture, narrowing, kinking or so.
- Surgery to correct any defect may be necessary only if indicated.
-Avoid all the foods and beverages that you must have noticed to instigate or increase your problem.
- Continue probiotic, curd, yogurt.
Proper investigations will tell us whether this is an organic problem like subacute intestinal obstruction or not. A proper care and knowing the exact reason is very important to get a relief by means of an appropriate treatment.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Answered by
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