Colon Resection

[aftercoloncancer]

Anyone have any good ideas on just what not to eat after resection surgery? I was told just to stay on a low fat diet, however, I still struggle with some bursts of diarrea. I had colon cancer and they removed about 18 inches of my colon. I had had a illeostomy and they were able to do a resection this past August. It's been about 5 months and I still have some issues. Any ideas??

[BillM]

Dear Aftercoloncancer: my resection was almost two years ago now and the good news is, I'm still cancer free. For about six months after my surgery, my colon behaved in a very predicatble manner -- small but frequent and very firm stools (2-5 per day). For whatever reason after roughly six months, there is no consistancy and I've experienced a great deal of change. Some days my stools are firm -- other days they are soft and clean-up is difficult, especially at work. I'm suddenly lactose intolerant and my bathroom habits seem to change from day-to-day. One time, certain foods will give me diarrea, other times -- the same foods will not cause the same reaction. My primary care doctor told me to reduce the amount of fiber in my diet. My Gastroenterolgyst told me that high fiber is the way to go. Who do you believe? I'm finding that my colon has a mind of its own. It will decide how it wants to behave, regardless of what I eat. I just had my second colonoscapy since surgery and Chemo and everything is fine so I guess I just have to live with an unpredictable colon. Oh well...it beats cancer.