Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

Hello everyone. I had my 1st colonoscopy 3 weeks ago (57yrs) and they found a non obstructing mass not too far in is the best I can describe it. the pathology came back as pre cancerous so I had a robotic assisted colon resection. This took place 3 days ago. The surgeon I feel was very informative regarding what he was going to do, I actually had a crowd of people talking to me while getting prepped for the procedure, it was very impressive. So the surgery took place at 10am. I was admitted afterwards then at 6am the next morning the surgeon arrived and told me that I had extremely defined stomach muscles that he had never experienced before and that it was a little difficult to get past them. I apologize for taking so long. My concern is this, I was released to go home that afternoon as long as I could function completely, urinate, pass gas, bowel movement and able to walk unassisted. I was all good. Now that I have been home I experienced an extreme burning type pain in my right side groin area when I am trying to sit or stand up. Pain meds dont even knock the edge off of it. It does stop a soon as Im either sitting or standing. Is it because of the muscles being cut or ? I feel sore in the rest of my stomach near the inscissions but it's nothing compared the sharp burning in the groin!! I keep reading everyone is having a long recovery process and I hope everyone gets better. I think I everything is good but that sharp pain scares the hell out of me. I apologize again, I really need to get this out. Thanks anyone that has read this far! As I said I received a lot of info going in but not much of what to expect afterwards about recovery. Has anyone had a moderate to short recovery period with this kind of surgery?

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

I have made some encouraging progress in the past week and a half since my post here of 9.6.22. Next week will be two months since my surgery.

Earlier this week I had another visit with my surgeon and I updated her with my problems. She reiterated the importance of having enough fiber, which I know I was not getting enough of. I wasn't sure of how long I should remain on the low fiber diet, post-surgery. So my bowel movements were infrequent and loose. And because of the pain, I had taken one small dosage/pill of Oxy (left over from post-surgery), two nights in a row. And although that eased the pain, that contributed to my three-day constipation bout, which I remedied with Magnesium Citrate (drank the 10 oz bottle, with results over a 12-hour period). But I was concerned about getting constipated so stopped the fiber supplement. But, as the surgeon explained, it's the bulk in the stool that assists in causing the signal for the bowel movement, which fiber provides, along with the required hydration.

So I experimented with eating more, within reason, than I had been eating, plus began adding the fiber supplement, in addition to more fibrous foods. The sharp pains have lessened over the past week, and the bowel movements are easier and not as loose. So it's fiber + hydration that is necessary for more normal and regular elimination. My hemorrhoids were also more inflamed because of straining and irritation. So I wasn't sure if the pain in the rectum was post-surgery or hemorrhoid pain. But slowly I seem to be improving. Sharp gas pains are less frequent and less intense. And other odd physical sensations seem to be lessening as well.

I hope the details are helpful. I share them hoping that they may make your journey of recovery even a little more encouraging for what you are going through, as your sharing has helped me. Obviously no two individuals' recoveries are identical. But we've all been through major physical and psychological and emotional trauma, and just knowing we are not alone can be very encouraging to one another's ongoing journey through recovery.

Hi, I’m 66 yes old just had the takedown after having a colostomy for 8 mos due to diverticulitis. I had my surgery last week on 9/6/22 my entire sigmoid colon was removed plus more of my colon. My surgeon was able to reconnect me no iliostomy. I’m having multiple bm’s a day and am only eating a very soft diet. I have 1 drain left plus my staples. I’m managing the pain but it isn’t so easy yet. I too am looking for feedback on people who have gone through this surgery and what to expect as far as a time line and eating normally again if that’s even an option.

Hi,
I’m 66 and had a reversal 11 days ago. Overall, I’m doing well but I’m having several bowl movements a day which is inconvenient and rectally painful. I’m still eating soft foods as I haven’t even had my 8 week post-op visit yet. My sigmoid colon was completely removed as well as part of my colon so I’m wondering if the much shorter colon will cause permanent BM’s on a daily basis. Has anyone experienced this?

It gets much better and there are times that you just accept and continue. Let yourself heal, it is not a race or the same for everyone. The first 3 weeks are very uncomfortable. Ask your doctor when to introduce more types of food. It is trial and error and you will have to see what agrees with you. Also, you have to time your activities. What helped me was resuming my pre-surgery life which was difficult but was progress. Four months was my turning point and the gas started to subside. Good luck and stay in touch.

Hi Jodi,
Thank you so much for responding 😊. I’m using a little Imodium when the BM’s are too frequent and that’s helping tremendously. My staples are coming out on Tuesday. I know I will be more comfortable once that happens. I’m hoping the drain comes out on Tuesday as well but no guarantee on that since it’s still draining quite a bit. Your advice and input is spot on and greatly appreciated. Leslie

Surgeons remove the staples and drain tubes as soon as medically appropriate depending on the patient's condition. Everyone heals differently. I had robotic surgery, and the incisions were closed with dissolving stitches and medical (glue?). Everything improved a lot 2 1/2- & 4-months (much better) post-op. I will be thinking of you on Tuesday and wishing you happy results so you can recover and be more comfortable. This does get better, be patient. Starting to get up, returning to my normal diet and walking helped me a lot. But ask your doctor first.