I'm so grateful to have found this group.

I'm a 70 years young male and had a colon resection 7 weeks ago (7.19.22), elective surgery, to prevent the worsening of my diverticulitis. I've seen my surgeon 3 times since then and she's pleased that the surgery went well, with only a part of the main incision that is taking longer to heal than expected but is progressing under her care.

But I am now almost constantly feeling pressure in the perineum for a bowel movement, but at times very little comes out. At other times the pressure seems warranted because the bowel movement is larger. This is happening throughout the night as well, even if my last meal is eaten around 5 or 6pm. It's frustrating, now, to say the least.

I'm trying to control food volume intake as well as what I eat. But at this point it doesn't seem to make too much of a difference, no matter what I try. At times I eat a little more, other times less, more fiber, less fiber, more protein, less protein, etc., even at times to the point of eating very little during a day, just to try to stop the pressure and gas pain feelings so I can at least get some rest.

I've appreciated the suggestions from others here as to how to deal with pain from gas build-up, and some seem to help. I'm walking 30 minutes a day. GasX doesn't work for me. And previously the gas pains were very sharp and yet I wasn't able to relieve them at times even though the pain to release was there.

My surgeon says, as do many of you, that it is going to take time, and everyone is different, and I agree. But to live with a constant pressure that ebbs and flows but never stops is discouraging. It never was that way before, for my entire life (I know, my body has been through the wringer). I even try Tylenol, but that hasn't worked well as pain management, either.

I also try Miralax, Colace, Senocot, etc., to fend off constipation.

I know 7 weeks is nothing when it comes to recovering from this major surgery. But even if I could take a stronger pain reliever, it seems like it could help.

I continue to focus on healing, with lots of patience, but my reserve is dwindling. But at least I know I'm not alone in dealing with this, thanks to all of you who have gone/are going through this, too.

And I agree whole heartedly that more could/should be done to guide post-op patients through the challenges that arise soon after the surgery ends. Surgeons do what they are best at, and most do it well. But "it just takes time," while true, isn't helpful when at this point I'm just trying to eat to live, with less pain; forget living to eat. That part is gone for now. Apart from the ongoing improvements to the surgery, (for which i am thankful), it seems like this is a major area for serious research and study that has yet to be addressed.

Sending healing and wellness thoughts and prayers for all of you. And thanks to this Mayo Connect service; psychologically and physically, it has been a huge help for me.

Wayne