Severe pain 1 yr after colon resection

I had ovarian cancer in 2014, at age 17. Part of my bowel was removed (about six inches). I still occasionally have pain like my intestines are bunching up or twisting or something. I think I handle the pain very well, but I still hate it. It hurts. Obviously. Like all pain. I don’t want to feel this for the rest of my life. What do I need to do? I recently got an ultrasound that came back normal, but they were mainly looking to see if there was anything wrong with my liver, so I don’t know if they would’ve noticed anything odd in my intestines. I should have 50-75 more years left, I don’t want to spend them in pain! Any advice is appreciated.

Hi @michiganabigail, yes you have many more years of life and unstandably don't want to be living with this unexplained pain even if you are handling it well. Dealing with pain 8 years (!) after a bowel resection is a long time. You might wish to see this related discussion:
- Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/three-months-after-colon-surgery/

You may also wish to connect with other young adults in the AYA group here:
- Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/adolescent-young-adult-aya-cancer/

and/or other women with ovarian cancer in this group:
- Gynecologic Cancers https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/gynecologic-cancer/

Abigail, can you explain why part of your bowel was removed? Was it part of necessary treatment for ovarian cancer? What investigations have been done about the intestinal pain specifically?

No adhesions, no cancer, no polyps, no blood, can only have a bowel movement with Linzess. CT shows nothing. It’s coming up on 3 years and still has chronic pain. It’s starting to get to him mentally and emotionally. Please. What can be done?

Robotic Colon resection (7 inches) at the end of March 2022 for diverticulitis. August 2022 severe pain around, above and below the belly button. Feels like needles or knives cutting into my stomach. Hurts to bend or stoop, move during sleep, lift/carry groceries. Lots of bowel movements daily. I have not spoken with a doctor. Plan to call the gastroenterologist as the surgeon said during the last follow up any future concerns to contact the gastroenterologist. Is this a common experience?

I too am having severe pain 7 months after my sigmoid colnectomy. Have had a recent CT scan which shows nothing wrong. Was put on a round of antibiotics. This is so debilitating. Hurts with any movement and even when laying still. Surgeon says CT looks good but something is very wrong. Don't know where to turn for help.

Hi I'm new to the group and just looking for advice.
I had lower anterior bowel resection and end to end anastomosis in July for stage 4 endometriosis plus other things done .just wondering how long was recovery? I still am v sore on left side and pulling sensation..i thought I'd be bit more improved by now...idid have infection two months ago so needed IV antibiotics, maybe it slowed tings..maybe takes more time..any advice be great..thanks.

He needs to go to GI. I would guess he will have colonoscopy looking for any blockages. My husband started vomiting feces one morning. He was so weak I had to call ambulance. He has Crohns and a colostomy for many years. He irrigates daily but lately has diarrhea. That is an indicator that Crohns is cranky. Remicade infusions had put him in semi-remission so he might need to talk to dr about other meds. Humira did not work for him. Digestive diseases are hard to manage.

After 15 months of searching for an explanation I found your posting. I am so very sorry for your husband and also shocked that I have the exact problems. After removing sigmoid and adhesions in June 21 I have suffered. I too can sleep without pain. I will have awful pain after eating. A bowel movement is inevitable to happen quickly and painfully. I have never had anything but liquid or mud like movements. And as in your husband's case no test has ever shown anything. I would like to stay in touch with you in case either one of us finds help.
Cathy

I Had Resection Done and Part of Asending Colon Removed 2 Yrs Ago and 4hrs After Surgery Had To Hang Onto Top Of Bed Handle To Pull Self Up and Felt Severe Pain and Felt Like Inside Had Ripped Told Dr and Later Told Of Heat and Pain Where Removed and Under Rib and Lumps And He Didn't Feel What I Felt . Now 2 yrs Later Still Have Burning Searing Pain and Feel Lumps What Feels Like On Intestines And Wonder If Inside Stitches That Anchored Stomach Muscle Tore and I'm Bloated In Area and Wear Loose Clothing As If Tad Snug It Hurts . Burns After Eating and If Busy During Day and Avoid Lifting Due To Pain . They Had Resent Me To Gasterologist For CT Scan With and Without Contrast and Colonoscopy Yet Dr Kept Messing Up Order and I Got Busy Caring For Mother and Pain Is Getting Worse and Feel Like Gasterologist Avoiding Doing Anything As He Acted Like Didn't Want Do Colonoscopy and Keeps Messing Up CT Orders and I'm Pretty Concerned As Pain Can't Surely Be Normal Especially 2 Yrs Later and Lumps Felt Upon Finger Pressure Can't Be Normal . Any Suggestions? Does Anyone Know What Is Wrong and If My Life Could Be In Danger ?? Surely Level 6 Burning Pain Isn't Normal?? Also Yrs Ago Had Hysterectomy and Had Endometriosis So Lazering Done From Hip To Hip and Was Told Had Adhesions Yet Not Sure If More Lazering Would Help Or Just Cause Further Adhesions Later ?? Tired Of This Pain Especially After Back/Neck Injury Where Buldging Dics Is Pinching Core Nerve On Left Side and Neck Injury is worse than back so Kinda Ball Of Pain And Need Relief 😢 Any Answers To Colon Resection Side Effects and What Could Be and What To Do As Feel I've Been Ignored and Worried As To Why . Thanks In Advance

Hi Mary,
It's a struggle not getting answers for persistent and debilitating pain. I moved your message to this existing discussion to help you connect with others members like you:
- Severe pain 1 yr after colon resection https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/severe-pain-1-yr-after-colon-resection/