Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with use of the antidepressants for chronic pain following partial colectomy. I know that they use low doses of the tricycliclics like amitriptyline but given that I tend toward constipation and the TCA's can cause constipation, I have been considering a trial of duloxetine(Cymbalta) an SNRI which might be helpful. Has anyone had experience with this?

@ron7614, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to a study article with your message. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post are not spam, so allow me to post it here.

– The Use of Antidepressants in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Other Functional GI Disorders https://www.med.unc.edu/ibs/files/2017/10/IBS-and-Antidepressants.pdf

I have to stay away from salads, chocolate, and carbonated beverages. I eat about 8 times per day and eat the same things. Pasta, rice, breads are great. I eat a lot of carbs or bulkier items.

Thanks for responding to my post. Yes. I feel it is all trial and error with my digestive system. It really has impacted my life and ability to eat the things I once loved. Hoping it gets better as the months go on. Enjoy your day and stay well.

Hi everyone, I came across this site by accident. I had a sigmoid resection December 3, 2020. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis with a bladder fistula. Four months post op. I have since developed urinary, fissures and a hemorrhoid. The burning pain that I am experiencing is just awful. My urologist said have a glass of wine and live your life. General surgery told me I am healed. Went to my GP she put me on estrogen cream to easy the virginal pain along with anusol for the rector discomfort. Using estrogen about 6 weeks seems to help a little. The anusol has only been one week. After surgery I was told 4-6 weeks and I should be good a new. Well if this is the new me, I would like the old me back. I am an active 68 year old female. This has put me into such a state of depression and anxiety. It really is just wearing me out. I do have regular bowel movements. Try to eat a lot more fiber rich foods. Has anyone experienced what I am going through? If so, any advice?

I haven’t experienced what you have , but I did have the sigmoid resection also . They also took 18 inches of my colon out because of diverticulitis. It really took me a long time to get over it because I had scar tissue which is extremely painful . I really hope you get better soon ...just take one day at a time and get through it . Maybe someone else can relate better than I . Still wish you the best !

I think it is hard to find someone with similar situations because all of our situations are unique. I get sad and depressed but I keep thinking I am lucky to be alive. We all strive for the day of no pain and discomfort. Keep moving forward. We are all in this together.......

Absolutely. One day at a time

I was having that type of nerve pain right above my main incision. Doctor prescribed gabapentin (sp). Taken it for 2 nights now seems to fill th pain during the day but both nights I’ve woken exactly at 3:00 am with back aches so bad that I had to get up and take a big dose of ibuprofen. Not sure if it’s a symptom or coincidence. I hope you find something to help. I’ve been pretty consistent with bowel movements by taking Metamucil 2-3x with meals and prescribed Imodium pills 3-4x per day. With the Metamucil I only take one table spoon with a half to 1 cup of water. Keeps blasting and gas down but still seems to work well so far ... 4th month without my colon.

I believe it is nerve pain and I’ve had that too. Hurts more when gassy as it’s pressing in the nerves that didn’t heal properly.I’m taking a verve pain pill called gabapentin ( not sure if I spelled it right) I take it before bed and it seems to help so far but the last 2 nights I’ve woken with intense backaches. Hope you find an answer.