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Removal of sigmoid colon due to diverticulitis: How to deal with pain?
Hello, i had a "take down" they call it, from removal of sigmoid colon in 2006. I was 49 years old, no cancer, luckily. Surgery went well, I had a wonderful caring surgeon. 10 years later , i started to get a sharp pain in my lower abdomen, where the sigmoid was, it was unbearable , felt like spasms, coming ,and going. Everything i ate had to be fully watched, I am a healthy eater, this pain went on for years, i got cat scans, this scan, that test, nothing. I increased drinking so much water, i could float away. It got so bad, i wrote my surgeon in georgia, and he took the time to call me. stating i have a one way in and a one way out with my food intake. Gas was the major issue, but the pain was enough to go to the ER. it suddenly disappeared for a couple years,
i still cant pinpoint, what it really could be, or when will it return, if it does. I went as far to keep a record of what I ate and drank.
has anyone experienced this kind of excruciating pain??
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On October 5, 2022 I had a robotic sigmoid colectomy. I feel wonderful. My bowel movement are not normal like the usual definition but they are ok. I feel great. No more pain from the constant diverticulitis. So far, I can eat everything but do need to be careful if I have too much fiber in one day. For example chile with beans for dinner and bean salad for lunch. Right now that is too much for my system. But I have found that out. Overall, everything is so much better than it was. But I do have to pay attention to any urge to go and head for the bathroom. Sometimes, it is difficult to go. I have to push too hard but most of the time it is ok. Overall, I am pleased because the pain is gone. I have regained my strength.
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3 ReactionsHow long did it take you to feel like your food and bathroom times were manageable. I am 3 weeks out from my robotic sigmoid resection surgery and struggling with bursts of increased gas and urgency bathroom times. Yesterday I had numerous bathroom times.
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1 ReactionThank You for your words of encouragement.
I am 3 weeks out and having multiple BM's .
I started keeping a food diary. It is so frustrating.
My surgery went well and having minimal pain. The Sigmoid Resection was done robotically.
I am returning to work in four weeks and praying these symptoms resolve. My work is very active.
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1 ReactionIt took a good three to four weeks especially with the urgency. The pain was gone, though. Even after three months, if I have a suggestion of a bowel movement, i head to the bathroom. But I do feel great. The adjustment seems minor. Keep positive
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1 ReactionHow was the frequency in the 3 wk time.? My surgery was Jan 9th and I am having 10-12 small stools a day. Will this get better?
I go back to work in 4 wks. I am a nurse and very active.
I told my doctor about this. So now taking my fiber supplement daily.
After three weeks, I still had more frequency. Now after 4 months, I usually go twice a day...sometimes hard stool and sometimes loose. It often depends on what I eat or don't eat, but that appears to be my new normal. I just know that when I have the urge, I should find a way to the bathroom. I really feel great...better than I have in a year or more.
Thank You for your reply.
It gives me a clearer understanding of what is ahead for me. Also comforting.
One more question.. Did you take your fiber supplement at the 4 week post op time?
I did take Miralax daily for a while but no longer need to. I, also, do not take a fiber supplement. I would if I had a need or would just eat a few prunes daily. Good luck adjusting. It’s worth it!
I had my sigmoid colon resection 7 weeks ago. My experience is that the symptoms you describe, which I also had, will get noticeably better at 4-5 weeks. At about 3 weeks, I DID add one teaspoon of Metamucil every day. The Metamucil stopped the diarrhea accidents and each day got better. I still take the Metamucil daily. When I forget, I can tell. It's an easy fix, so I highly recommend it. At 6 weeks, I was having well-formed bowel movements. Frequency also improved each day, and now I have a normal three times a day routine. Those first three weeks are the challenge!
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1 ReactionThank You for your reply. You are so right, these first three weeks are a challenge! I began taking Citrucel 2 tbsp. on week 3, this has slowed the frequency of bathroom times but still some days 10 times/day in small amounts. I am going to try taking the Citrucel 1 tbsp in the morning.
What type of diet did you follow during the first 4-5 weeks?
Miss my coffee. I started a food diet to track when a new food is introduced and how I react.