Bowel function after right hemicolectomy: Does it ever get better?

Posted by dw54rn @dw54rn, Aug 13 8:22pm

I had colon cancer and needed to have a R hemicolectomy , no chemo, or radiation. This was 9 months ago. Everytime I eat anything I have to have a bowel movement with 15 minutes after eating, it is very soft or liquids and some mucus. Will this ever get better? I have to live my life around my bowel movements, cannot go out to eat with friends cause I might not be close enough to get to a bathroom in time.

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cj4654 | @cj4654 | Aug 14 3:02am

Hey DW I had the same surgery w 6months of full chemo. I had that issue for about 6 months. Everything returned to normal for me. I to was afraid of the same issue. Gym, eating out etc. It could your body still adjusting but would not hurt to mention it to your surgeon.

sbt19 | @sbt19 | Aug 14 12:24pm

I had a right hemicolectomy in 2016 with no chemo or radiation. From the beginning, no problem. One bowel movement daily. I tended toward constipation before the surgery, so I think I have a slow digestive system. I would ask your doctor for a gastric emptying test to see how fast your stomach empties. Taking something like Metamucil to bulk up your stool may help. I don’t think it is the norm what you are going through. How were your bowel habits before the surgery?

dw54rn | @dw54rn | Aug 14 2:22pm

Metamucil makes it even worse!

cindy05 | @cindy05 | Aug 15 7:21am

I had the same surgery approx 3 years ago due to a volvulus. I did not have constipation isses before the surgery. Now I have chronic constipation and Ive been diagnosed with IBS-C. They just placed me on Linzess. I had to increase the dose from the lowest to mid dose. It seems to be working but things are not the same and I can not eat just anything as before. I never know if ill end up having to run to the restroom from eating even a salad. Its trial and error. I wil get through this but having to keep a FT job with a manager that doesnt understand is my main issue right now.

willum98e | @willum98e | Aug 26 11:22am

I had colon cancer (2b) surgery 6 years ago. Had chemo pill treatment for 3 months. Released from all monitoring recently.
I was advised that I would feel some changes because nerves were cut.
I like to take long walks in the evening but if its after dinner I can count on nausea/cramps. I can count on at least 2 BMs a day. They told me this is the "new normal". Could be worse!