Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Fabulous, Bonnie. Finally. Any questions as you prepare for surgery?

Thank you, I do still have questions but I’ve asked surgeon and he’s answered re: the procedure..?I still do not understand why such a huge gap in each surgeons opinion on the polyps, how many?? And the mass in colon concerning malignancy (Aug. 2020!) with no other cancer tests? The reports varied so much, it has left me still feeling very vulnerable. The surgeon doing the surgery does have my trust... and convinced me the polyp has to be removed. The ‘mass’ still seems to be a mystery.. if it’s really a mass or a mistake..by Radioligy.. or hidden in orifice. Will make all the difference in my recovery period, if it’s truly there. Thank you.

5 months after my robotic laparoscopic surgery for a very enlarged and infected diverticulum, I am beginning to feel back to normal. Less frequent messy bowel movements (down to 4 or 5 in a 24 hour period) and less straining. With a special physical therapist’s help, I do frequent Kegel exercises daily and message my colon. I am careful not to eat very fibrous, hard to digest foods and take daily Benefiber and Culturelle, along with IBgard. All over the counter but recommended by doctor. The IBgard was recommended previously for a diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome but I think the symptoms might have just been from the diverticulitis.
My stomach is still a little distended but seems to be flattening out. I have been told it takes at least a year for a colon and digestive system to recover from resection surgery. And now the Pope has just had this surgery. We are in good company😎.

Well, me again (Bonnie) 6 days post surgery, seems to have been successful... an Internal Medicine Dr. Saw me post surgery in hospital, explaining the surgery saying “ you will know in approx a week what the ‘mass’ actually was! “ a small mass on top of appendix!” Well... I had been told snd based on the radiology report that the sessile serrated polyp” was what they had found in appendeceal orifice????? So the report came in on patient portal ‘NO cancer!!!!!’ Thats great but the wording disasters from 2018 and many colonoscopies and catscans since 2008-2009 on sessile serrated polyps and me as ‘high risk’ I’m still staggering from ‘mixed messages! ‘ my husband 91 has a Primary Dr. Visiting Dr. 34 yrs experience who mentioned to me... “ get a PetScan after your surgery??? So I’ll ask surgeon on my follow-up vusit in a week or so!!!! Why oh why cannot medical professionals get their descriptive reports consultant? The Surgeon called my precancer polyp an ‘unknown Neoplasm’ on the surgery summary!!!! ??????

My above comment said “ why can’t medical professionals keep their descriptive reports ‘consistent’ (not Consultant.... typo) when the wording is so extremely important!! At least I think so as a patient!

Hello @bonnie81

I am so happy to hear that your surgery is over and that it was successful. I can certainly understand your concern (as well as confusion) over the different names given to the mass (or polyp_ that was removed. Radiologists who read the x-rays and scans are not always consistent in their interpretation. You should talk with your surgeon about the biopsy report.

Having read "no cancer" must be a relief. Until you talk with your surgeon about the biopsy report, try your best not to worry about the different terms that were used and enjoy "no cancer."

I would be interested to know what your doctor says about a follow-up PET Scan. Will you post again after your appointment?

Hi. I had high anterior resection 4 months ago for an abscess and diverticulitis. My bowel had attached to my abdomen from long standing inflammation. Thought all was well then about 6 weeks ago low left pains again. Problems from diarrhoea to constipation with no rhyme or reason. Dr thought I had a stricture. Been on a liquid diet. Had colonoscopy today and they can’t see anything. My scar has been burning and I get strange nerve stinging sensations in by chest skin since op. Maybe mine is nerve damage too. Feel really fed up.
Have you had any news diagnosis or are you any nearer to your solution?

I really feel for you. Five months in from sigmoid removal I am also experiencing pain and extreme tiredness. I do very little . It is so frustrating as I was so active before this. There seems to be very little advise with after care

I’m 4 months post surgery and I notice I am very tired too

Hello
It is hard to know if we are improving isn’t it. Especially when the tiredness takes over . How are
You feeling besides the tiredness?