Recovery issues after colon resection: Dizzy, vision issues, etc.

My hemaglobin did not return to pre surgery until 6 months after that surgery. It took a big hit and went from 13 to 11.

I had stage 3C cancer with removal of the entire colon followed up with chemo.

I don't believe my hemoglobin was remarkably low, but I had the "dizziness, vision issues, and unsteady walking" symptoms. Once had severe vertigo and collapsed at the infusion center. They did adjust the chemo. Eventually had my primary care reduce my blood press meds - BP was low. This helped some.

The rest was attributed to the effects of chemo. Chemo does nasty things to your nervous system some of which take a year or more to recover from. I did a series of brain exercises (to increase brain speed) and PT to improve my balance. I also put an emphasis on physical fitness via walking. Now nearly two years since the end of chemo, my coordination and balance is not great, but I'm no longer losing balance and falling.

As usual, your experience may vary.

Thank you. I was fortunate to miss chemo. I really feel for you, this recovery is bad enough.

@mayo1969, have things started to improve? Have you talked to your surgeon about the low hemoglobin and whether that is the cause or contributor to the imbalance and dizziness?

Its 2 months today since surgery and am finally feeling better. The dehydration and low hemoglobin were apparently the problem. No communication with my surgeon, but several calls to his nurse, who tell me to go to ER. I finally asked if I could start iron supplements, and she said I could. I think they are finally working, at least they helped with the diarrhea. I coukdn’t drink enough to keep up with it.