Intestinal Resection - Short & Long Term Recovery

Posted by taly @taly, 4 days ago

I was dx'd with a SBNET at the ileocecal valve 3 wks ago and will schedule surgery this week. I live alone and have so, so much I need to arrange before I do this surgery..

The Dotatate PET showed only the one tumor, but I expect the Mayo NET surgeon will check out all the standard places small Pre-PET-findable tumors usually hide.

Can anyone who has knowledge of or has experienced intestinal resection, including regional mesentery and lymph nodes (or possibly even ileocecal valve as well), give me an idea of what to expect post surgery in terms of when I can be up and around and functioning, off pain meds, driving, doing most things except lifting?. Are Medicare stays at a skilled nursing unit usually an option?

Also what considerations for longer term like perhaps nutrition and how tethered to the toilet? Again, I live alone with many responsibilities which are not easily put aside, but expect to need to arrange some help for a period of time though I have limited income so can't just hire from private pay services.

Many thanks to all you generous, wonderful people!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

jlsgt | @jlsgt | 4 days ago

I have done what you plan to do. That was 3 years ago and I was 60 years old. Small bowel resection, several lymph nodes removed. I had a small leak, possibly a suture. Therefore I was on TPN for a month after surgery for that to heal. Not an easy recovery. You will need help. Hard to predict for how long.

fraaseo | @fraaseo | 3 days ago

I’ve had 2 small bowel resections with debulking of metastatic tumors to mesentery, peritoneum, lymph nodes ileocecal valve, abdominal walls, liver resection, removal of appendix, lower colon & gallbladder. Not going to lie, it was painful, had 44 staples to close incision. I was (62) in good health/shape prior to surgery but still was exhausted. Stayed in bed for 2 wks only getting up to use bathroom for frequent trips. After that I got up & started slowly walking around house & that helped tremendously. I had a hard time eating, no appetite, so I started drinking premier protein shakes (30g protein), jello, applesauce, rotisserie chicken, soups, broths, etc. By 3 wks I had more energy & felt better. Dr didn’t allow me to drive for a month; used a shower chair for bathing with help. Decreased my pain pills a week after surgery, switched to using Tylenol, ibuprofen & pain pills at night. Definitely wear a belly binder for support. I also used a small pillow over my abdomen when getting up. I wore baggie, long t-shirts as I couldn’t stand anything touching my incision. You will definitely need help for a couple weeks; see if the hospital has social services available that can assist with your needs. My surgery was in Oct & by Dec I was moving & getting around good, taking short walks outside. I wish you the best!