Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Still in extreme pain 9 months post sigmoid resection

My wife had her sigmoid removed in March 2021 due to chronic diverticulitis. She got infected which required antibiotics and ultimately ended up back in the hospital with C-Diff. She has not recovered since and has lost over 40 pounds in 9 months. She has rectal pain and pressure which prevents her from sitting normally. And lately, she is feeling a strong burning sensation in her lower abdomen. We've gone to more than one specialist, but they don't seem concerned even after we plead with them for help. Her latest CT scan in October showed some fat stranding in the anastomosis area so everyone say she's fine. We're both completely deflated over the lack of concern and she has little belief that she is going to get better.
Has anyone else had these symptoms (mainly the rectal pressure and lower abdominal burning)? If so, how did you treat? We are desperate to find her some relief. Any guidance would be so greatly appreciated.

It has been two months since I had the robotic surgery to remove the sigmoid colon/resection. I don't think I realized this was going to affect everything in a new normal. I get more answers here than I ever received from medical. When does the lump on the left side go down and when does all the flatulence subside? Am I going to have to live with the side effects for the rest of my life and time any social or activities as the diarrhea and gas are constant?

Hello, I too have had the worst luck getting answers from medical professionals. It has been almost 11 months since I had my surgery and I still experience flatulence on occasion. I did not have this problem pre-surgery. I am still experiencing burning like pain on my lower abdomen. I believe it takes a lot longer to heal than was explained. I am going to see another doctor for another set of eyes on my condition and I will share what I learn if anything. I pray you heal a lot faster. Thank you for sharing your story.

I’m sorry you are experiencing so many side effects. I had a sigmoid colon resection 18 months ago. I experience more flatulence than before the surgery and still get minor pain in the lower left quadrant. Other than that it has improved my quality of life.
I am 74 and just retired prior to the surgery. Being at home a lot makes things so much easier. My hat goes off to those of you who are in the work force and raising your family through all this.

I do have a question: my son is 50 and considering have the same surgery. He has had many bouts of diverticulitis. My question is, would anyone reading this that has had the surgery do it again? I have difficulty answering that for him as I had it relatively easy whereas I know many of you have had difficulties.

So any input would be appreciated. I will pass your wisdom on to him.

Thank you! I really hope everyone is feeling a bit better!

It has been two months since I had the robotic surgery to remove the sigmoid colon/resection. I don't think I realized this was going to affect everything in a new normal. I get more answers here than I ever received from medical. When does the lump on the left side go down and when does all the flatulence subside? Am I going to have to live with the side effects for the rest of my life and time any social or activities as the diarrhea and gas are constant?

I’m sorry you are experiencing so many side effects. I had a sigmoid colon resection 18 months ago. I experience more flatulence than before the surgery and still get minor pain in the lower left quadrant. Other than that it has improved my quality of life.
I am 74 and just retired prior to the surgery. Being at home a lot makes things so much easier. My hat goes off to those of you who are in the work force and raising your family through all this.

I do have a question: my son is 50 and considering have the same surgery. He has had many bouts of diverticulitis. My question is, would anyone reading this that has had the surgery do it again? I have difficulty answering that for him as I had it relatively easy whereas I know many of you have had difficulties.

So any input would be appreciated. I will pass your wisdom on to him.

Thank you! I really hope everyone is feeling a bit better!

Hello, I had this surgery on my sigmoid colon on July 21st 2020. After, that, and 6 months of chemo I am coming upon a year. I have just about given up feeling normal again with all the bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc. Some of your testimonies have made me at least feel like I'm not alone. I know one of you said after two years you now feel normal. I don't know if I have another 13 months left in me. I'm 44, still out of work, off chemo just about 3 months. I don't know how to adjust to this with unpredictable embarrassing bowel issues that will certainly interfere with my work. I will say this is the first place where I have found others like me talking about this. Thank you.

It’s tough to answer. I had the surgery 1 1/2 yrs ago. I still have pain, food issues, bowel issues, gas - I’m always shocked when I realize the day has gone by with no pain. with that being said - the pain isn’t as severe as diverticulitis and I haven’t had an infection in the last year. I do wish I had tried other options before it got so bad but once antibiotics stop working - you don’t really have a choice. I’m 46 as an fyi.