1. < Colorectal Cancer

Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Posted by joyce1 @joyce1, Feb 25, 2017

Three months after colon resection I had a severe stomach cramp this morning and have not had a bowel movement yet. This is the first time this has happened. So far things have been good.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 15, 2023
In reply to @nelliekittyhaven "Transanal flush post sigmoid colectomy for FREQUENT bmI had 20 inches bowel resection sigmoid colectomy 10..." + (show)
@nelliekittyhaven

<p>Transanal flush post sigmoid colectomy for FREQUENT bm</p><p>I had 20 inches bowel resection sigmoid colectomy 10 months ago to remove a build up tissue blockage caused by repeated divirticulitis attacks. I currently have 9+ bm's a day- soft, not diarhea, just pencil like stool in the bowl. I wear a pad for leakage because if I dont use the bathroom about every 1.5-2 hours, I soil the pad. This is so frustrating to me because I am very active and athletic, and this has changed my life. The surgeon never mentioned this side effect. If I carry anything heavy or stress my body, I often have an accident. I rarely feel when I have soiled the pad, but if I feel the sensation to defecate, I usually only have 1-2 minutes to find a bathroom, or there is a disaster. I currently only eat 1 meal a day, but that doesnt seem to change anything, and have had gluten and lactose issues for a long time, so I am careful. Someone mentioned a transanal flush. Has anyone with my similar issue ever used this, and is it helpful?. I am a very fit 66 year old and cannot imagine tbe rest of my life being tethered to nearby bathroom facilities everywhere I go.</p>

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Hi @nelliekittyhaven, this must be frustrating to be limited in your movements and activities due to frequent bowel movements. While 10 months may seem like a long time, our GI track can take a while to adjust. The bowel movement experiences vary dramatically post surgery for diverticulitis. Some people deal with constipation, others diarrhea. I've had stress without surgery lead to a prolonged period like the frequent soft stools you describe.

Here's a short list of similar discussions that illustrate the various experiences:
- Small Bowel/Ileocecal Valve Resection: 10 months post-op and no relief https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/small-bowelileocecal-valve-resection-10-months-post-op-and-no-relief/
– Colon Resection for Diverticulitis and Chronic Constipation
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/colon-resection-for-diverticulitis-and-chronic-constipation/
You may also wish to connect with members in this related discussion:
– Seeking support for recovery from diverticulitis surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/seeking-support-for-recovery-from-diverticulitis-surgery/
May I ask what your surgeon suggested to do? How are you doing today?
- – Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/three-months-after-colon-surgery/

I'm tagging a few fellow members, like @suziq52 @anniegk @ppat4pr @ono @blbanner @jlstjohn

Nellie, how are you doing now?

REPLY
grc10 | @grc10 | Oct 15, 2023

Hi all, I had high anterior resection for diverticulitis 3 years ago… all is well apart from really bad smelling gas … anyone have the same? Any remedies? Thanks

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bjstp329 | @bjstp329 | Oct 25, 2023
In reply to @swatson "I'm 44 years old . had an colon resection done about 2 months ago.. Everything was..." + (show)
@swatson

I'm 44 years old . had an colon resection done about 2 months ago.. Everything was doing GRT.. Normal bv. Pain from surgery gone.. Woke up this morning with a sharp pain.. Almost like the first time.. Before they told me I had diverticulitis.. And removed the bad section.. Pain little lower than the first time.. But same.. No where near any of the surgery spots.. Should I get chk..

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Hi I had sigmoid colectomy 2 months ago now I feel pain and pressure in rectum along with mucus discharge,wondering if anyoone has experienced this?

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1 reply
myjiggers1 | @myjiggers1 | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @bjstp329 "Hi I had sigmoid colectomy 2 months ago now I feel pain and pressure in rectum..." + (show)
@bjstp329

Hi I had sigmoid colectomy 2 months ago now I feel pain and pressure in rectum along with mucus discharge,wondering if anyoone has experienced this?

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I would definitely be calling the surgeon. Xrays may be needed. Good luck! ❤️

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myjiggers1 | @myjiggers1 | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @idkaren "I had colon resection..laparoscopic AND open due to adhesions on Jan 4. I thought I was..." + (show)
@idkaren

I had colon resection..laparoscopic AND open due to adhesions on Jan 4. I thought I was healing great. But now it has been 8 weeks and I have hot pains all across lower abdomen and stabbing pain where surgery was. I just had a THIRD cat scan and they say EVERYTHING looks fine...but I HURT and I BURN. I am SO frustrated!

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I wonder if its the nerves healing. Possibly damage there as well due to the trauma.

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jeff1957 | @jeff1957 | Nov 18, 2023
In reply to @laser "It's been almost 3 years since my chemo treatments and I still have tingling in my..." + (show)
@laser

It's been almost 3 years since my chemo treatments and I still have tingling in my hands and fingers. My Dr. told me the chemo would have this effect but it should subside with time but may never completely go away. It has subsided quite a bit, no more shocking feeling when I touch ice but they still feel somewhat numb at times. I also have Diabetes so I started out with peripheral neuropathy in my feet and it has gotten worse since the chemo too. At least my cancer is gone and I'll live a longer life because I decided to get it taken care of.

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I’ve been having trouble with my big toe nails on both feet coming off read an article that was called chemo toe that said it was a result of the chemo treatments. Does anyone know anything about this

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 23, 2023
In reply to @jeff1957 "I’ve been having trouble with my big toe nails on both feet coming off read an..." + (show)
@jeff1957

I’ve been having trouble with my big toe nails on both feet coming off read an article that was called chemo toe that said it was a result of the chemo treatments. Does anyone know anything about this

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@jeff1957, you may wish to start a new discussion about nail issues related to chemotherapy. I'm sure others have experienced this as well.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 23, 2023

Here's how to start a new discussion:
1. Go to Cancer: Managing Symptoms support group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/cancer-managing-symptoms/
2. Click "Start a new discussion" (see link below the search field)
3. Enter your question and message.
4. Click "Post Discussion".

REPLY
petjoy | @petjoy | Dec 27, 2023
In reply to @tracy430 "I'm also 3 months post op. I'm always having some kind of pain. I just had..." + (show)
@tracy430

I'm also 3 months post op. I'm always having some kind of pain. I just had my 2nd CAT scan since the surgery. Everything looks fine, all my labs are fine. I'm still severely constipated. I know I needed this surgery, but I still can't help regretting it.

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I am four months post op. I am in my eighties. Because of constipation my surgeon suggested Metamucil. I take this morning and evening and it really helps. If I don’t I don’t “go”. Eat well fruit every day, prunes for brekky. Mind you Metamucil is fine ground psyllium orange flavoured. I do get lots of high tummy ache though.

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ahar1956 | @ahar1956 | Feb 1 5:00pm

Three months after colon resection I’m still experiencing gas diarrhea and some light pain discomfort whenever I eat anything and when I’m not eating. I changed to gluten-free diet I just want to know what else I can do. I’m taking probiotics. Could this be something other than recuperation.

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