After colon resection surgery how long did you have periodic diarrhea?

Thanks for the response. I think the problem is with fiber. I’m going to try Metamucil. Can’t hurt!

Don't know if I responded.
My experience is that little changes, when added together, help.
From my experience, I never expect to get back to where I was before rectal resection.
But I can see changes over time from diet/nutrition/disciplined management of food intake (e.g., fasting during periods you consider yourself at risk), Over the counter medication, Metamucil, and going forward pelvic floor therapy and maybe sacral nerve stimulation.
Don't mean to dampen your hopes. But, just keep trying things and noting the result

I have posted quite a lot on this topic, since my resection in 2022.
Without going back through past info as seen here, this is what I believe it all comes down to.
Improperly Assumed Expectations.
IAE is through no fault of your own. Doctors will have you believe that side effects will go away in a couple of weeks, and you can find online that it could likely be 2 months.
Not true.
No one has ever had lightning recovery from Colon resection.
And diarrhea is not just a side effect, it is a known product of Colon resection surgery.
My belief has been that the closer the resection to your rectum, the more severe diarrhea becomes.
And a Sigmoid Colon resection is like guaranteed long term diarrhea.
I don't think that doctors will tell you that. Because everyone and every case can be unique, I think that talking about or predicting side effects is seen as an area best skirted over.
Everyone leaves the hospital with unanswered questions, some vague understandings, and unreasonable expectations of recovery.
It's just the way it it.
I was told 2 months of diarrhea, never really believed that because my diarrhea was extreme and explosive.
You ever feel like something undesirable is not going away any time soon? That was always me and my severe diarrhea lasted a complete year almost to the day, and abruptly went away like turning off a switch!

While none of this might be helpful to you, it just might relieve some improperly assumed expectations and you can better settle in for the ride.
You will make it through fine!
We all do!
PAUL
P.S Three months and having "periodic" diarrhea!?
That's the best kind! Most of us have "daily-all-day" diarrhea; never periodic!

Thank you for your post. I have to agree. Very little was said to me about long term side effects. I had two tumors. One was 7 1/2 inches in from the rectum the other 15 inches. I don’t know how much they took but he took some margins and limp nodes. Both cancer free. Thank God. Next appointment in 3 more months. Surgery took. More out of me than I thought. After reading several posts I have started taking benafiber. Is this something that should be considered in your opinion?

It won't hurt. I know that some have benefitted from it, others not so much.

I didn't take anything for diarrhea. I managed along by being very careful with diet and easily digested foods. No meat, no dairy, nothing fried and nothing acidic or spicy.
It's a work in progress for sure. Best to you !!
PAUL

Thanks again for getting back to me. I’m trying to watch my diet. No fried food a little half and half in my coffee. No alcohol. No red meat. No carbonated liquid and a lot of water. Lost 27 lbs so far. Not easy I’m 77 and love to eat was in good shape before surgery. Best to you also. Appreciate your feedback!

Not a problem @bobc322
I'm 75. Throughout it all. I never lost hardly any weight. But I was never overweight or obese ever.
So all is good!
Be strong, hang in, forge ahead!
PAUL

I’m 15 years out from surgery and if I don’t take Benefiber first thing in the morning, I’ll have bathroom issues all day long. Not good.

My cancer surgeon said I will need 3 tsp Benefiber mixed with my morning drink for the rest of my life. Sometimes I’ll take another 3 tsp in the afternoon. I mix it with my morning coffee…there’s no taste to it. Mix with anything but soda.

It’s worth a try. Easy to take daily and it works for me! My surgeon was spot on with his advice!