bostongal

Hi. Last September/October I had three surgeries. The first removed my gallbladder, the second removed adhesions around my small intestine and abdominal wall and the third was for a small bowel resection because of bowel obstruction. I was in the hospital the third time for 17 days including 2 days in the ICU for blood pressure/heart rate problems. Since that surgery I have consistent persistent diarrhea - average is 10-25 times a day but I have had as many as 32 times in one day. I had vomiting for about 6 months but that has passed. I have lost over 80 lbs because of this and now am unable to eat most days. I have had numerous tests including a colonoscopy, barium upper and lower GI studies, blood work. I don't have anything apparent (Crohn's, diverticulitis, etc) and the GI doctor believes that I have the diarrhea because of the bile from the liver being passed into the intestines. I have had IBS for about 20 years but always tended towards constipation, not diarrhea. I am having a problem also with keeping potassium - I have been hospitalized for IV fluids and potassium because of this problem. Medications we have tried Lomotil (2x), Immodium, Colestid, Cholestrymine powder, pamine forte and opium tincture. Also have tried every fiber combination out there (benefiber, metamucil, etc) and all of them cause intense pain and worsening of diarrhea. I am either allergic to or have no results (diarrhea continues regardless) from them except the opium which worked but caused hives. My GI doctor called on Monday to tell me that he is out of treatment options for me.

My questions are - why is this happening (is it common for bile to do this)? Will this correct itself or am I dealing with a life long problem? How can I make sure that I am not dehydrating and doing damage to my body when I cannot keep anything in my system (water and food passes very quickly)?

thanks.
Meg