probiotics

Hi I'm Kenny, I had rectal cancer surgery in Nov. 2005. I had an ileostomy for six and half months.Then reversed. My question is, I just don't hear anyone talking about using probiotics to return to somewhat normal stools. I like everyone else still have bouts with bad poop days. They all talk about how colon detox and antibiotics kill probiotics so it stands to reason to me that radiation therapy would do harm also. What few messages that I have read about taking probiotics don't tell you which ones are right or what brand is the best. Also all talk about taking fiber but not how much.Drs. don't seem to divulge any helpful info, just tell you it takes time. I'm much better now but still think I could be better yet. Anyone have any thoughts, thanks

Hi Kenny;

I was dx with rectal cancer in December 2006 at the age of 43.  I had the usual neoadjuvant chemo/radiation, LAR, had 6 FOLFOX treatments after surgery, had my ileostomy takedown, and then managed another 2 FOLFOX.  I was to have 12 total treatments but only managed 8 due to problems.  I have all the poop problems and have tried all types of remedies, fiber, probiotics, immodium,diet changes, and prescription meds and I still have problems.  Most recently I am having bouts of ileus (bowel goes to sleep).  I have had about 6 episodes over the past 7 months and am very ill while it occurs.  It seems strange that the the intestines go from diarrhea in my case to going to sleep.  I always assumed that things would get back to a more normal pattern, but sadly not so.  I am very thankful to be NED don't get me wrong, but I feel that the docs do not do a good job of letting you know what you are in for after all treatments/surgery is over.  My gastroenterologist wants to call all these symtoms Irritable Bowel Syndrome, even though I had absolutely no digestive problems whatsoever prior to my battle with cancer.  I

I have founds lots of information on what is called "Anterior Resection Syndrome" and all the symptoms fit.  I don't see this mentioned on this website even though I have been on here for about 2 years now.  Some studies suggest that 90% of people who have had a LAR suffer from this syndrome.  There is very little information on how to treat it, and it appears that the lower the resection the worse the symptoms. This also does not take into account those patients who also received radiation which I can only assume can make the symptoms worse.  My tumor was about 9 centimers from the anal verge so I guess this is a mid range.  So anyway, just wanted to pass this information along to you.  Good luck to you!!

Christine

Hi Kenny,

I am about one year post reversal surgery and have more good days than bad, but still experience some bowel problems once or twice a month. I never have had loose stools, and must take a combo of Amitiza twice a day, Miralax every night, and about 18 to 25 gms fiber daily. I try to get it from vegetables, beans, and whole grains. If I don't do this every day, I have a lot of trouble going to the bathroom, sometimes sort of painful and "clustering" as it is referred to by some. Even with all the added "help", at best the stool is just softer, not at all loose. Since I found success with the above mentioned items, I haven't tried probiotics yet. The surgeon gave me some samples, but I'm sort of afraid to mess with a system that is working since I had such trouble for the first few months. I do eat yogurt, but from what I've read, you don't get a big enough dose of the good bacteria from that.

 I have concluded that the doctors don't know how each patient's system is going to recover, so they just say very little. I too am amazed at the doctors' unwillingness to be more open. Everything seems to be trial and error with each patient. If one thing doesn't work, try another. It's good to hear your success story. 

Sue

 

On 8/25/2009 buthead wrote:

Hi I'm Kenny, I had rectal cancer surgery in Nov. 2005. I had an ileostomy for six and half months.Then reversed. My question is, I just don't hear anyone talking about using probiotics to return to somewhat normal stools. I like everyone else still have bouts with bad poop days. They all talk about how colon detox and antibiotics kill probiotics so it stands to reason to me that radiation therapy would do harm also. What few messages that I have read about taking probiotics don't tell you which ones are right or what brand is the best. Also all talk about taking fiber but not how much.Drs. don't seem to divulge any helpful info, just tell you it takes time. I'm much better now but still think I could be better yet. Anyone have any thoughts, thanks

Hi Kenny,

It's been almost two years since my ileostomy reversal. After going through the initial months of bowel urgency and frequency, I did get relief through diet and the use of probiotics. Rice, potatoes and pasta seemed to decrease the frequency issue, and probiotics were suggested by a DO at a wellness center. I use Power-Dophilus made by Country Life. It's free of milk, sugar and gluten products, and contains 4 strains: Lactobacillus rhamosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Bifidobacterium longum. Each strain contains a dose of from 1.2 billion to 4.3 billion. There are super doses available, but that isn't necessary. I take one every morning right after breakfast. I definitely experienced improvement, but also realize that it's different for everyone. For example, taking fiber supplements just made it worse for me. My regimen has allowed me to resume about 90% of my previous activities, so life is good.

I hope things improve for you!  . 

Carol 

 

Hello Survivor,

Hey, I had bowel problems for about 7 months (diarrhea) and my GI specialist put me on Flagyl to kill the bad bacteria and an over the counter probiotic called Florastor to regrow the good bacteria.  I had almost instant relief after all that misery.

Hope things improve for you.

Dick

Two months out from reversal and Activa yogurt does the trick for me where probiotics are concerned. I know when I forget my daily cup of yogurt.