I have felt that pain! Like your husband, my first colon cancer surgery (lots more since) was when I was just a few weeks shy of 45 (had brain surgery in late 30s - thank you Lynch gene). Anyway, I healed great from the first surgery but 12 days later ended up in the ER with a blockage from adhesions - and experienced the ever-dreaded NG tube and another surgery. I've had subsequent surgeries and faced what your husband is dealing with a couple months ago. I take zero pain killers, eat no processed food (except lots Greek plain non-fat yogurt) and watch what I eat. I know the foods that my adhesions and body won't accept. This is limiting, but has kept me pain free for two months. I walk lots and lots and workout (at home) regularly. My biggest word of advice is to eat small frequent meals, drink lots of water, stay very physically active, and avoid anything with seeds, stems (lots of mixed greens have stems), lay of the floor and hold legs in a "happy baby" position - this will actually do some great things for freeing gas (just make sure no candles are lit).