Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

Hi, I had my entire colon out, they were able to attach so now bag. I was told very honestly that I would not feel the same old self for 2 years! I would feel better of course in 6 to 8 weeks, but I would not be myself for 2 years. At the 2 yr mark, I woke up one day and realized I felt good, really good. They were right. 2 years

I had removal of my sigmoid colon in early January. I never felt that I had recovered. Was still having pain and severe pressure making me feel as if my insides were falling out. In late April I had an attack of severe pain and I started having severe internal bleeding which was none stop. I ended up passing out in a pool of blood. My husband rushed me to the ER at the hospital where my surgery was performed. The blood continued to pour out of me. After 3 colonoscopies 3 Ct scans and 2 nuclear medicine full body scans there was still no definitive answer as to what was the cause of the bleeding. I received 9 blood transfusions but as the doctors told me, I was losing blood quicker then they could even replace with transfusion. The decision was made to take me back to the OR to see if they could find the source. They ended up removing the entire right side of my colon. Since this surgery in early May I continue to have intense pain and pressure every single day. I am barely able to function. I have been told many different responses from my surgeon, gastroenterologist and my family doctor with the most common response was healing from these surgeries could take “a year or two”. I struggle with severe constpation and even after using a prescription med, stool softener, suppositories, and at least 15 other supplements the results don’t change. I wonder if this is just a lifelong problem. That will never go away. All I know is that I cannot go on for the rest of my life in constant pain. Has anyone had similar problems after colon removal and if so have you found a solution. I can’t take this pain anymore. I’d like to hear from anyone who has a similar condition I am now 10 months post surgery. Thanks for taking the time to read this long question. I appreciate it

Hi @charlie1958,

I just posted a link to other discussions about sigmoid surgery from the Digestive Health support group. I think you will find others there who can share with you.

Hi Colleen,
I have just realized that my response was in a cancer-retlated group. I had done a search for "colon resection", and saw @saintangered post about the burning, and thought I could offer my own experience with this burning sensation. Apologies.
I guess a GI group is where I should be?

Hi @stanley23,

No apology is needed! If you would like to read posts about sigmoid surgery in the Digestive Health support group, here is a link to those conversations,
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/digestive-gastrointestinal-problems/?search=sigmoid#discussion-listview
Some of these posts might be related to a cancer diagnosis, but many are not cancer-related. How are you feeling now?

Apologies not cancer related

@charlie1958, good to hear that the burning sensation stopped for you. How are you doing now? Will you need further treatment after surgery?

I had a resection 12 months ago. They did not do surgery on my rectum. I do have hemorrhoids though. Could you possibly have a hemorrhoid (?) that could certainly cause that lightning bolt! Try to get a picture of the area so you can see for yourself if there's anything red or sore

I am now 6 weeks post op from a sigmoid colon resection. Was NPO, and had to start TPN, which was just discontinued last week. Initially, once my bowels started moving, I, too, had that very painful burning sensation, which I described as “fire”. After about 4 days that did stop, I so hope that is the case for you. Best of luck with your healing.

I am a 47 year old male with approximately 15 bouts of diverticulitis over a two year period. I have no negative physical or emotional health history.

The last bout of Diverticulitis was so excruciating that it made my decision to have the Sigmoid Colon resection performed.

Up until then, I was always so scared.

I’m now 6 days post op. I experienced a bit of a rise in my kidney levels (this has since leveled out), am no longer peeing blood from the catheters, and am taking 4 or 5 different meds.

I was sent home after passing gas on the 4th day.

Besides being extremely fatigued with weak vocal cords, the only unfathomable pain I am having is when I have to poop or do poop.

I get a crazy painful sharp pain from my rectum area. It’s like a lighting bolt of an ache and I’m now afraid to go poop at all.

Does anyone experience this? How long does it last? Am I doomed forever?