Connect
← Return to Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?
Discussion
Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Jun 4 9:58am | Replies (521)Comment receiving replies
Hi, everyone. I feel like I have read every single comment and that I know all of you. I have colon resection surgery scheduled for August 10. I am SO scared. Im 50, a mom to five grown children and work for the world's largest tech company and have a very demanding role. I have Stage 4 endometriosis that has wrapped around my sigmoid colon and attached my left ovary to the bowel wall. I also have had five bouts of uncomplicated diverticulitis, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (weak connective tissue that so far have caused me to lose my gallbladder, uterus, and appendix). I also have lupus. I-am-a-mess. The surgery is "elective" but I've been told that it's just a matter of time before the ovary breaks through the bowel wall. I've also developed narcotic bowel syndrome so pain control after surgery will be an incredible challenge, which is terrifying. I have prayed so hard on the right thing to do, but in addition to my job, I also care for my mother who is also chronically ill. She would be homeless without my assistance. I'm scared of the surgery, of the ongoing issues that all of you have faced, but I'm also scared of the horrific pain I'm in now. I MUST return to work withing four weeks post-surgery, so I am taking note of all the wonderful advice and love you have all given and received on this forum to try to heal as quickly as possible but have a feeling my body will have other plans.
Replies to "Hi, everyone. I feel like I have read every single comment and that I know all..."
Hi there! I’m a 50 year old mom of 2 teenagers - I too work for a big tech company. Week 3 post partial colectomy - so hard to put everything aside (work, family, etc) and focus on yourself but I think you’re making the right decisions. You won’t be any help to others if you aren’t taking care of you of you! Good Luck - sending you love and a speedy recovery.
Connect
Vanessa 89
I have also read all of these comments in this group even more than once. Always trying to gain knowledge of this type of condition that leads to having surgery.
It sounds like you have so much going on. My heart really goes out to you and I want to send you hugs.
I am four weeks out from my sigmoidectomy and it has been filled with ups and downs of the way I feel physically and mentally. The one thing is you need to always be an advocate for yourself. You need to figure out what is best for you when it comes to the type of surgery that you feel that you need. It sounds like yours is stemming from your endometriosis? I am thinking if you try to treat the root cause hopefully everything else will fall into place.
With my surgery I felt like I did not want to go on feeling that constant pain all the time. Depleting my body with all the antibiotics and having nothing work. I am glad I had the surgery but being 67 years old I am frustrated at not recovering as fast as I want.
For years I have been doing spin cycle workouts four mornings a week and that got cut short when I got caught up in all this four months ago. Do you research. Talk to all the doctors and make best decision for you. I wish you luck in your next surgery whatever it may be.