Healing foods or fasting/cleansing?

[amberlink09]

So I was all set to start paleo this week but apparently my stomach is unprepared to really eat anything. Hopefully this is still just recovering from surgery and dealing with the anaesthisia, pain meds, and carbon dioxide has they pumped into me. Still though, this is day 9 and my doctor insisted there's no way I'm still having trouble with the gas. Either way I am in a lot of pain, especially on my right side, and I am super bloated, and the extreme D seems to be moving toward C instead right now.

I made a chicken earlier this week, so that's in the fridge. Tried to eat some veggies and felt horrible so I switched back to just eating rice. I could make some chicken soup, but I've had a ton of chicken soup lately and I'm a little sick of it. I'm half considering fasting or cleansing. Has anyone done this? Is it safe?

Thanks for your advice in advance!

[tex]

Still though, this is day 9 and my doctor insisted there's no way I'm still having trouble with the gas.

Remember that your doctor doesn't understand MC, and even if he did, it wouldn't matter, since you don't have an official diagnosis (due to your doctors failure to properly diagnose it). Not being able to get rid of gas is one of the somewhat unique symptoms of MC. It was a continuous problem for me — it seemed to just go on and on and on.

Either way I am in a lot of pain, especially on my right side, and I am super bloated, and the extreme D seems to be moving toward C instead right now.

If you have been taking narcotic-based painkillers for 9 days, you may have (or you may be in the process of developing) a blockage. It's a common problem with narcotic painkillers, and it would explain the symptoms that you are experiencing. I've never used narcotic painkillers long enough to develop that problem, but I have experienced a blockage due to a stenosis in my colon, and I can tell you that I had those same symptoms (the problems with eating are somewhat unique to blockage issues). The reason why you will usually still have D with a blockage, is because the watery D will work its way past the blockage, but the blockage will usually trap all the substantial solids. I have no experience with cleansing programs. Most of them appear to be scams, but that's just my opinion.

One time between GI tests, I lived on water, Seven-up, Sprite, and clear Jello for 2 weeks. I lost about another 25 pounds that I really couldn't afford to lose (I wound up literally hide and bones), but of course, the D continued. The worst part of it was recurring hiccups that I couldn't stop. After a while, they not only hurt, but they really get on your nerves. LOL. The hiccups stopped when I resumed eating again.

Tex

[Leah]

Should Amber be going in to the doc to make sure she doesn't have a blockage. That can be really serious?

Leah

[amberlink09]

Thanks Tex. I've been off of pain meds since Friday, but that's when I started feeling really awful. I've been thinking I was just reacting to the gas or having a delayed reaction to the pain meds, because last time I was on them constantly I had C for a crazy long time, so I was surprised when I had awful D this time.

I've already lost 10 pounds, luckily some of it was holiday weight but I'll start looking sickly if I lose anymore. Everyone at work is already asking me why I look so exhausted this week (it's because of the weight I've lost in my face). My gynecologist (also my surgeon) has been really great but he didn't seem the least bit concerned about the pain or the fact that I've lost 10 pounds and still can't button my pants because my stomach is so distended.

I think I'll give it a few more days and see what happens. They did remove an ovarian cyst so maybe that's actually causing the pain and I'm mistaken? I just know I've had gas and cramps/pain before but usually it gets a little bit better at some point rather than being continuously awful.

And Tex, that sounds awful! Also, I definitely thought I was the only one with painful hiccups, no one ever understands what I'm talking about!

[tex]

They did remove an ovarian cyst so maybe that's actually causing the pain and I'm mistaken?

That raises the possibility of an infection, but if your surgeon doesn't seem to be concerned about your pain, then maybe he knows what he's doing — at least we all hope so. I don't know much about laparoscopy, but I don't recall anyone who has been through it mentioning any significant swelling or bloating as a result of the procedure.

I agree, if it doesn't improve within a few more days, it may be time to start looking for the source of the problem. If you should develop a fever (or chills), though, or a rapid pulse, or something of that sort, it may be time to either call your doctor or head to the ER, because that could indicate an infection. Another symptom of a surgical infection is a feeling of malaise, or fatigue. but that's also a common symptom of MC.

Tex

[TXBrenda]

You might ask your doctor or his nurse if it is ok to use a heating pad or a warm towel over your incision. I had a c-section when my daughter was born. After I was released from the hospital, I was in a lot of pain. Since I was nursing, he suggested the heat treatment to lessen the pain. I had my tubes tied at the same time & had a lot of gas, esp in the hospital. If they say it is ok only use the heat source for 15-20 minutes at a time. I also used a heating pad when I had my gall bladder removed (laparoscopy). Pain meds keep me wired & interrupt my sleep patterns so I avoid them as much as I can.

I don't know if this will help but hopefully it won't hurt either.

Good luck & take care.

[amberlink09]

Thanks! I have been using a heating pad and it really helps.

I'm beginning to think I may have had a slight stomach flu or something because Saturday and Sunday I had horrible chills (I think a fever) and terrible D and pain. I *think* I'm doing a little better today. When I woke up I was 100% better but all my symptoms came back quickly, still a little better than yesterday. I'll continue eating only rice until I feel better though and keep an eye on everything.

[amberlink09]

Well, just got back from school and still feeling bad. Now that it's been about 6 straight days of the same pain in my side I think it might not actually be gas pain, because that usually moves. So if this isn't resolved by tomorrow I'm going to seek out a doctor!

[tex]

That's probably a good idea, because it could be a long, uncomfortable weekend if you don't get to see a doctor tomorrow.

Tex