Problems long time after colon resection

Posted by kets @kets, Dec 12, 2021

My husband has Severe pain 1 year after 4 inches of colon removed because of diverticulitis. He Feels fine sleeping but when upright and going throughout the day, pain returns. When he eats, pain. When he goes to the restroom, pain. Nothing helps. He has had multiple CT scans with and without contrast. Nothing reported. Blood work shows elevation in neutrophils but everything else is normal. What could this be? He is becoming more and more discouraged.

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Profile picture for dt61 @dt61

@carkey i had a resection in 2008, Removed part of small and entire ascending side removed. Pain and problems with that (also) since that day forward. I do not mean to offer no hope but imho there is no changing it just learning best how to exist with it and the rest of the issues.

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@dt61 what helps ? How to deal with the pain and other symptoms? They said the resection would stop the issue but its worse. Hospitals can’t find anything with their testing

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Profile picture for dt61 @dt61

@carkey i had a resection in 2008, Removed part of small and entire ascending side removed. Pain and problems with that (also) since that day forward. I do not mean to offer no hope but imho there is no changing it just learning best how to exist with it and the rest of the issues.

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@dt61
What can help with symptoms? Pain?
Were these “failed” surgeries? They said surgery would fix the issue. It has not.

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i sincerely would like to have an answer for you. I have bern a chronic pain patient since 2008, i simply manage best i am able.
There are some other people who have similar issues / symptoms and if you search maybe a similar topic or perhaps previous threads i have commented in you may find some help. I surely hope so, I have total understanding and empathy.

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I had a colon resection due to growth of diverticulosis. This was in April and I am having ongoing issues with bowel. Often get diarrhea. I eat fruits and vegetables, could be some better. I can eat chicken. Cannot eat anything fried, which is okay. Doctor had said I could eat anything and I would be "good as new". That is not true of course. I need guidance, I eat pasta, chicken, some cereal. Should I do a completely bland diet? Even having some liquids at restaurant gets to me ( lemonade, some ice teas, don't have alcohol). I feel like the surgery was not a good choice. I can't get away from the bathroom and I want my life back and need to fly somewhere soon. Any ideas? suggestions? Please.

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Profile picture for resilience @resilience

@mins4462 I have found dry needling and Myofascial release to be helpful.
The heating pad is my nightly go to. I also find binding or using an extra extra large elastic hair band as counter pressure extremely helpful.
Deep belly breathing very important.

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@resilience this is a really good post..all these things have helped me— and I add Rosen Method ; accessing the psychological/unconscious through touch…always good to have gentle release of the psychological effects of cancer/major surgery.( for me, much easier than shrink time !)

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Profile picture for jonesxlm @jonesxlm

I had a colon resection due to growth of diverticulosis. This was in April and I am having ongoing issues with bowel. Often get diarrhea. I eat fruits and vegetables, could be some better. I can eat chicken. Cannot eat anything fried, which is okay. Doctor had said I could eat anything and I would be "good as new". That is not true of course. I need guidance, I eat pasta, chicken, some cereal. Should I do a completely bland diet? Even having some liquids at restaurant gets to me ( lemonade, some ice teas, don't have alcohol). I feel like the surgery was not a good choice. I can't get away from the bathroom and I want my life back and need to fly somewhere soon. Any ideas? suggestions? Please.

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@jonesxlm
I am sorry to hear of the diarrhea you are still having after surgery in April. On Connect, there is a discussion group that you might find helpful. It is titled "How Do I Eat After Digestive Tract Surgery". Here is the link to that discussion group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/

In this discussion, you will find others who have had surgery for diverticulosis, such as @linda82. I noticed in your post that you mentioned eating fruits and vegetables. Many who have had surgery avoid all raw fruits and veggies and opt for well-cooked or canned foods.

Has your doctor given you any suggestions to help?

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Profile picture for jonesxlm @jonesxlm

I had a colon resection due to growth of diverticulosis. This was in April and I am having ongoing issues with bowel. Often get diarrhea. I eat fruits and vegetables, could be some better. I can eat chicken. Cannot eat anything fried, which is okay. Doctor had said I could eat anything and I would be "good as new". That is not true of course. I need guidance, I eat pasta, chicken, some cereal. Should I do a completely bland diet? Even having some liquids at restaurant gets to me ( lemonade, some ice teas, don't have alcohol). I feel like the surgery was not a good choice. I can't get away from the bathroom and I want my life back and need to fly somewhere soon. Any ideas? suggestions? Please.

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@jonesxlm It took me a good 4 mths with diarrhea. But, it slowed during this time. I stayed away from raw fruits and veggies. Cooked or steamed were good and helps with a good BM.

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