Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

Posted by virgo1952 @virgo1952, Dec 1, 2019

It’s been 4+weeks since my resection. Found a cancerous polyp during a routine screening. Some frustration over the lack of information given by the surgeon as to what to expect afterwards. Late 60’s so I know the healing will take time. Mostly, struggling with bowel urgency/frequency and experiencing stomach pain from gas (pretty sure) is three months s realistic time frame for returning to “normal”? I’ve seen some posts that talk about two years? No further treatment so I was lucky. If anyone has had this surgery and went through or is going through the healing process, I would love to hear from you. Just kind of out there.

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I had a sigmoid colon resection on December 31st 2019. About 10 days after I developed a bacterial infection. Antibiotics for 7 days seemed to get it but a week after it came back. I was put back on the antibiotics and had a test for D diff as well as a CT scan and test for creatinine. All were normal and the diarrhea and pain cleared up. In the last few days, I have had a tingling pain around my core and am more tired than I have been since the surgery. Is the pain something I should be concerned about?

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@jmccabe51

I had a sigmoid colon resection on December 31st 2019. About 10 days after I developed a bacterial infection. Antibiotics for 7 days seemed to get it but a week after it came back. I was put back on the antibiotics and had a test for D diff as well as a CT scan and test for creatinine. All were normal and the diarrhea and pain cleared up. In the last few days, I have had a tingling pain around my core and am more tired than I have been since the surgery. Is the pain something I should be concerned about?

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The tingling pain is probably normal. Your body starts regenerating those nerves, and unfortunately, your body also naturally forms
Adhesions. I have had three resections and pain around my belly button happens a lot. I’m 3 months out and still have it

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Yep. Those nerves are saying “ hello we’re here”!!!!

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Thank you, the tingling has moved to my legs and my feet are numb. It is hard to walk now.

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I am 68 years old and had a colon cancer resection on December 31st. Complications developed including 2 infections and some neurological problems that shut down my bladder and bowels. All MRIs were normal and things seem like they are pretty much back to normal. I have not had and sexual desire or the ability to get an erection. Is this normal? When will I return to my old self? Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

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I had my surgery March 2nd. Still running to potty 12-15x day. NO ONE told me this would happen. I am very depressed about this. I had the surgery to eliminate this problem. Docs don't know if it's Crohn's or colitis. I am exhausted. Feel like an old gas bag. Hard to be in public. Have to check where potty is constantly. Not a fun way to live. 🙁

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what are the dosages of the products?

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@ajl4

I had my surgery March 2nd. Still running to potty 12-15x day. NO ONE told me this would happen. I am very depressed about this. I had the surgery to eliminate this problem. Docs don't know if it's Crohn's or colitis. I am exhausted. Feel like an old gas bag. Hard to be in public. Have to check where potty is constantly. Not a fun way to live. 🙁

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Hi @ajl4, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Your surgery wasn't that long ago. Could it be that you are still healing?
Did you have the surgery to remove cancer?

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I haven’t had my reversal yet

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@ajl4

I had my surgery March 2nd. Still running to potty 12-15x day. NO ONE told me this would happen. I am very depressed about this. I had the surgery to eliminate this problem. Docs don't know if it's Crohn's or colitis. I am exhausted. Feel like an old gas bag. Hard to be in public. Have to check where potty is constantly. Not a fun way to live. 🙁

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I never had cancer thank God but I did have my Sigmoid colon removed plus some. I had mine Jan 27 and I am still having complications. But to get to the point ...after mine I did the very same thing !! Very aggravating! Couldn’t go anywhere afraid of messing myself. But after drinking 8 oz of water with 1 Tbs of Metamucil everyday it has settled down and are normal. I am still having pain and discomfort on my left side. My doctor was not good at disclosure either he did not tell me a lot of things I went through. Did not know what to expect !! People need to know what to expect so they will know it is normal and not be so afraid that something is wrong ! I have been petrified that I will have to have more surgery and believe me I CANNOT GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN !! Pray you will get better it really takes awhile to get over this kind of surgery !!!!

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