Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Posted by joyce1 @joyce1, Feb 25, 2017

Three months after colon resection I had a severe stomach cramp this morning and have not had a bowel movement yet. This is the first time this has happened. So far things have been good.

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@apuakumamma

Thankyou indeed for your prompt reply.
This is such a wonderful way to connect. I had begun feeling very isolated ,alone, and confused with my nutrition issue.
I did try to speak to a few dietitians but did not find their advice pointed enough to address my specific situation.
I wonder if there are onco- dietitians who can perceive my unique situation of zero tolerance to all protein foods…….

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One thing I found very helpful is vegan protein powder - protein from plant sources, not dairy sources. I would mix the powder with water, not milk, for a very drinkable 20-30g of protein.

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@bjstp329

Hi I had sigmoid colectomy 2 months ago now I feel pain and pressure in rectum along with mucus discharge,wondering if anyoone has experienced this?

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How did that go? It’s been a month for me now and I’ve had that off and on when I’m feeling constipated. Doc told me that’s to be expected while I’m still healing. Have you ever had chills, nausea, and abdominal spasms accompany the pain with frequent visits? That’s what I’m currently dealing with.

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@krazianne

How did that go? It’s been a month for me now and I’ve had that off and on when I’m feeling constipated. Doc told me that’s to be expected while I’m still healing. Have you ever had chills, nausea, and abdominal spasms accompany the pain with frequent visits? That’s what I’m currently dealing with.

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Hi @krazianne, I'm tagging @bjstp329 to make sure they see your questions.

It's hard to be patient with our bodies. In the grand scheme of things, one month after a major surgery is not a very long time. It's been almost 2 weeks since you posted. Have things improved or been reduced? How are you doing?

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@colleenyoung

Hi @krazianne, I'm tagging @bjstp329 to make sure they see your questions.

It's hard to be patient with our bodies. In the grand scheme of things, one month after a major surgery is not a very long time. It's been almost 2 weeks since you posted. Have things improved or been reduced? How are you doing?

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So I found out I was experiencing a combination of two issues. First part was due to constipation even though it didn’t seem so intense. The second part was taking Beano. I did not realize that it is not recommended for those allergic to mold. So my body was trying to expel it while I was constipated. So the outcome was intense constipation reactions. I purged my system with Milk of Magnesia and I’ve been better since. Now it’s just minor constipation issues that I regulate with Miralax. This whole experience has been a rollercoaster. But this was also my first surgery and I was lucky we found the cancer early. I appreciate your response! I feel like I’ve received more comfort in reading these forums and browsing Mayo Clinic’s library. It’s how I found out my body is reacting normally post surgery and why. It’s also how I found out Beano was a big culprit in my temporary downfall. What an amazing source of knowledge!

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@faylenepearl

I can relate to you 100%. I too have had colon resection and it's been 3 months. I wish I never had this surgery. My quality of life is worst now than before the surgery. No matter what I eat I feel lousy and always constipated. Has anyone out there had their Sigmoid colon removed? The stool now goes directly to the rectum and sits there. I have tried everything. I believe the colon is not stimulated enough so now I am doing acupressure and it helps a little. I am in such a depression that my next step is to see a therapist for medication to help me through this horrible phase. I am praying for you all.

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I have never forgotten your post concerning your colon resection and recovery problems.
This has now been some time ago and I was hoping that you could now offer an encouraging update! I hope so!
PAUL

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@doodily10

I am two years out from the surgery. Still have explosive diarrhoea without any warning. I go about 4 -7 times a day. Didn't make it to home toilet at 3am twice and it sprayed all over the wall and toilet. Nightmare to clean up and I hate myself when it happens.
I have to pull into a quiet area when out driving to go. Don't make it sometimes and have to put a plastic bag on the driver's seat till I get home to change clothes and soak them.
Drinking hydrolysed water but it doesn't help.
It impacts me severely mentally and physically. I am unemployed but fearful of getting a job where I may have to run to the toilet or not make it.
Sometimes, it just comes out of me immediately after food with no time to go to toilet. I am soaking my clothes several times a week in the laundry.
I will have to go see my surgeon again, I guess.

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Your post has always been remembered and with hope that you have now experienced a great improvement and recovery!

I would love to have you post your update report concerning the same.
It is of interest to me and I am sure to many others!
Thanks,
PAUL

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@paul28

Your post has always been remembered and with hope that you have now experienced a great improvement and recovery!

I would love to have you post your update report concerning the same.
It is of interest to me and I am sure to many others!
Thanks,
PAUL

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Hi Paul,
So nice to see your post. It's been almost two years since my surgery and I am suffering more now then before the surgery. I have constipation issues but that's just the half of it. I need to take synthroid because I don't have a thyroid. Years agos had t cancer. This resection changed the whole dynamic of my gut. I am now having trouble metabolizing my medication. It sounds bizarre but the synthroid stays in my system and causes havoc. I experience every side effect from the medication from physical pain to osteoporosis. Every doctor is puzzled by this situation. I don't know where to go anymore and am frightened that there will be no remedy for me. It is taking a terrible toll of me physically and mentally. If there is anyone out there with a suggestion I would soooooo appreciate it. Thanks for your concern. God bless you and hope you are hanging in there. Faylene

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@faylenepearl

Hi Paul,
So nice to see your post. It's been almost two years since my surgery and I am suffering more now then before the surgery. I have constipation issues but that's just the half of it. I need to take synthroid because I don't have a thyroid. Years agos had t cancer. This resection changed the whole dynamic of my gut. I am now having trouble metabolizing my medication. It sounds bizarre but the synthroid stays in my system and causes havoc. I experience every side effect from the medication from physical pain to osteoporosis. Every doctor is puzzled by this situation. I don't know where to go anymore and am frightened that there will be no remedy for me. It is taking a terrible toll of me physically and mentally. If there is anyone out there with a suggestion I would soooooo appreciate it. Thanks for your concern. God bless you and hope you are hanging in there. Faylene

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I am so sorry!
It is beyond my imagination to begin to know your suffering.
It could be helpful to compose and post your medical experiences as a new subject and title here.
You could solicit help with this (to attract the most attention) by messaging to @colleenyoung .
She can get you started in the most helpful way.
Don't give up!
There is help and there is a solution, we just have to find it.
This can be a beginning to that regard!
Let's find out !
A world of blessings to you!,
PAUL

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@paul28

Your post has always been remembered and with hope that you have now experienced a great improvement and recovery!

I would love to have you post your update report concerning the same.
It is of interest to me and I am sure to many others!
Thanks,
PAUL

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Hey Paul, still have explosive sessions most times. I take 'Gastric stop' sometimes to control it.
I think I eat too much and too much fat which is an instant run to the toilet during the day but not after dinner. Don't understand that!
Mostly whatever I eat sets me off. I do however love my brewed coffee in the morning and this sets me off a few times and sometimes no warning.
I constantly have to wash my undies afterwards if I don't make it which happens several times a week and I hate the mess I make of the toilet taking quite a while to clean up.
My housemates haven't noticed how many times I am in the bathroom. We only have one. I get up before they do so my doings are done with.
I don't make any plans for early mornings so I can enjoy the coffee and been several times so I am ready to go out.
I still have to pull over to find a bush to go under occasionally panicking. I have a kit in the car for such occasions - toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant hand gel and spare undies.
I hate it and myself. It's my horrid secret.

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For @doodily10
Wow, so sorry that you didn't have a more positive update to give!
I know what you are dealing with but with some differences.
I, too, am very familiar with "explosives".
My experience is not nearly as bad as yours, no doubt.
I had a full year of almost daily diarrhea after sigmoid colon resection.
Now on Orgovyx ADT for months and diarrhea returned.
And most recently have completed 25 fractions over 5 weeks of Prostate Radiation and diarrhea has increased again.
I have blamed my bowel problems first on Colon cancer surgery, later on Prostate ADT, and now Prostate Radiation.
I do believe that the Radiation has impacted my rectum. I also am wondering if my bladder and colon wall has been effected? Urinary function has changed in a not so good way.

If it weren't for bowel and urinary problems, I would be in pretty good shape.
At 75, I am not expecting any miracle cures, and I know that I am tolerating these things and not looking for further solutions. It is what it is.

I only hope that my Prostate cancer does not metastasize to bones any time soon. And also that my Colon cancer does not return. Or my Lung cancer.
It's all too much to worry about.

Best wishes to you! May you have the blessings of a miracle cure!
Here's to a bowel explosion cease fire !!
PAUL

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