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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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I don't know if you use AI, but I put your question into chatgpt and it came back with some suggestions including questions to ask your doctor. But I don't know how to get it to you, or if it's even allowed on this forum. But if you use AI you might try that. It should not be taken as medical advice, but it may give you ideas on what to ask your doctor about various possibilities.
Hi, a gastroenterologist would be a good type of doctor for that…they are likely to want imaging… don’t let it go on- take care of this sooner that later to avoid some really tough problems…i alerted my team, i got imaging and discovered a good-sized blockage, so we moved up my surgery date , just in time. Best of luck !
@kbinnc, the use of AI can be helpful to put together ideas, questions and medical literature in a way we can more easily understand. Mayo Clinic Connect includes guidance on how to best use AI in the Community Guidelines: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/.
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2 ReactionsI am finally out of whatever this was. I simply can’t understand why my doctors never responded. I just took probiotics,bland diet and lots of water and worried for ten days.
@lkc12345 Maybe time to get another opinion soon…waiting too long can even be dangerous— if i had waited any longer, i might not even be here today….
@kbinnc
Hello @kbinnc:
My opinion, after years of research in the post-secondary arena is that AI should be the last source of information anyone should ever seek.
Just scroll down past the AI section and search for scientific based articles and peer reviewed publications. AI, again an opinion dumbs things down. Again, one individuals opinion. Joseph
@jofree I don't think AI should be a full-stop for other inquiries, but I think it's a great start to figure out what to research more deeply, what to ask, and, personally, the 'dumbing down' is , for me a godsend. I find it alot easier and more effective to have at least a basic knowledge at the starting gate. I don't use the Google search AI--I prefer chatdpt because I can refine my questions and concerns in real time and in a dialog quickly. And I can ask for a list of studies on what I'm interested in finding out more about and get the info in seconds. But, as you say, just my opinion. 🙂
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1 Reaction@kbinnc
Thanks for your response: True, AI can be a good starting point to collect and evaluate areas or topics of interest: It does point out groups of interests and can dwindle down ones search. I appreciate your pointing this out to me. Joseph
And to be honest, the best thing for me has been post surgery I have a million questions about what I can eat, what has too much fiber, when can I have something carbonated...and good ol' chatgpt can tell me even when I'm in the grocery store. Even told me in about 5 seconds what I could order if I met someone for lunch at Panera. Tells you where MY priorities are, huh?
@marybird Pretty much all right hemicolectomies remove the valve. It has something to do with the a vein or something that runs along there. If you had a small tumor in the cecum, that is actually not a right hemicolectomy but rather a cecum resection. A proper right hemicolectomy removes part of the terminal ileum (including the valve), the cecum, and the ascending colon.