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Chronic pains after right hemicolectomy
Hi everyone,
I had a right hemicolectomy in March 2022 due to a benign tumor in my colon. It’s been over three years now, but I’m still struggling with persistent symptoms that are affecting my daily life.
I frequently feel full, bloated, and swollen in the lower abdomen. There’s a constant sensation of tightness and blockage, along with recurring constipation. The pain keeps coming back and is becoming harder to manage. It’s not sharp, but more like a deep discomfort that never fully goes away.
I live in Germany, but unfortunately, the doctors I’ve seen here mostly just run basic tests (which come back normal) and then prescribe painkillers, which only offer temporary relief. I feel like I’m not being taken seriously and it’s getting harder to function normally with this ongoing pain.
Has anyone experienced anything similar long after surgery? Could this be related to adhesions, nerve issues, or something else? I’d really appreciate any guidance, shared experiences, or suggestions on what kind of specialist to consult next.
Thank you in advance!
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Hi Ana,
I had a right hemicolectomy in 2016, stage 1 cancer. Did you have a laparoscopically surgery? I needed to take stool softeners in order to keep things moving after the surgery. I do not have any pain now except when I haven’t had a bowel movement in a couple of days. I will get a deep pain or uncomfortableness in the left side. A bowel movement tends to relieve that.
I take a magnesium supplement now that helps keep me regular, but I will take stool softeners if I occasionally get constipated.
Have you had a colonoscopy since your surgery? I have one every 3 years. My one last year showed my sigmoid colon “stretched out” due to the constipation and now I have a loop (called a redundant colon). I think that is where my pain comes from when I have not had a bm in a couple of days.