Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

Posted by virgo1952 @virgo1952, Dec 1, 2019

It’s been 4+weeks since my resection. Found a cancerous polyp during a routine screening. Some frustration over the lack of information given by the surgeon as to what to expect afterwards. Late 60’s so I know the healing will take time. Mostly, struggling with bowel urgency/frequency and experiencing stomach pain from gas (pretty sure) is three months s realistic time frame for returning to “normal”? I’ve seen some posts that talk about two years? No further treatment so I was lucky. If anyone has had this surgery and went through or is going through the healing process, I would love to hear from you. Just kind of out there.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

note8book | @note8book | Nov 5 1:33pm

I had 12 inches of my colon on the left side removed last year because of diverticulitis as far as the sigmoid colon. The surgeon was able to resection it with staples. I was 82 at the time and it took me 8 weeks to recover. I did well for nine months afterward but now I am dealing with IBS and fibromyalgia. When my colon gets irritated it burns then my skin burns all over my body. I am on Lyrica but it doesn't do a lot for the burning nerve pain. I am going to see a pain management specialist and hopefully he can do something to help.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 4 10:25am

In reply to @virgo1952 "I know it’s early for me. Until now, I’ve been blessed with good health and lead..." + (show)

Hello @virgo1952,

I also want to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. Here is one more discussion that you might find helpful:
--How Do I Eat After Digestive Tract Surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/
Many members discuss eating plans that have helped them to adjust to the new landscape of their digestive tract after surgery.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 4 10:20am

In reply to @lilbear "Has anyone been able to eat fried food like French fries or onion rings?" + (show)

@lilbear I agree with @nycmusic. Fried foods like French fries can be harmful to the sensitive digestive tract.

nycmusic | @nycmusic | Nov 3 1:03pm

In reply to @lilbear "Has anyone been able to eat fried food like French fries or onion rings?" + (show)

@lilbear no, and I don’t plan to…in general they are hard on the body,especially the aging body….while they may taste good in the moment, they often are made with harmful fats cooked at very high temps…if you like ‘crunch’ there are all kinds of ways to get that. Many people use air fryers to get that effect in ways our bodies can handle.

lilbear | @lilbear | Nov 2 6:19pm

Has anyone been able to eat fried food like French fries or onion rings?

lilbear | @lilbear | Oct 30 7:21pm

In reply to @nycmusic "@lilbear Didn’t the surgeon visit you in the hospital after surgery ? My surgeon came by..." + (show)

@nycmusic He came in once then sent different residents! Today I called with problems and never heard back from them! I have a call into my primary since he doesn’t seem to care!

lilbear | @lilbear | Oct 30 7:18pm

In reply to @lilbear "@ajl4 I agree the doctors just do the surgery and then are of no help! Mine..." + (show)

@lilbear it’s so sad but true!

nycmusic | @nycmusic | Oct 30 2:48pm

In reply to @lilbear "@ajl4 I agree the doctors just do the surgery and then are of no help! Mine..." + (show)

@lilbear Didn’t the surgeon visit you in the hospital after surgery ? My surgeon came by several times with an army of young docs, and they were definitely involved in making sure I was okay, progressing properly, asking a lot of questions.

lilbear | @lilbear | Oct 29 10:43am

In reply to @ajl4 "I had my surgery March 2nd. Still running to potty 12-15x day. NO ONE told me..." + (show)

@ajl4 I agree the doctors just do the surgery and then are of no help! Mine said job done with no Consideration to how I am feeling! No aftercare instructions I’m so upset never know what’s normal!

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 14 3:59pm

In reply to @kathyoung "I had a bowel resection three years ago, about one foot removed from the sigmoid colon..." + (show)

Hi Kathy,

I'm glad that you are so happy with the results of your sigmoid surgery. It's great when it all works out so well. I'd like to invite you to a new discussion group on Connect, called How Do I Eat After Digestive Tract Surgery. I'm sure you can add some helpful information for others who had had or are planning on having surgery. Here is the link,
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/