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.

I am 8 months out finally getting back to the new normal. I am 65 will be 66 in 5 months. Hang in there buddy and prayers for you.

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I recently had a colon resection (last week). I am on a bland diet, and internal "plumbing" is functioning welll. When may I introduce small amnts of less bland foods? I eat small meals. Thank you.

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Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

That is great, @apinzonc0627. I hope that all your follow-ups continue to go well. Will you post again and keep in touch?

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Es correcto @hopeful33250, Seguiré publicando, ya me interesa saber todo sobre este tema y saber las experiencias de otros, en esto que afecta a muchos en el mundo.

Saludos

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Profile picture for apinzonc0627 @apinzonc0627

Si es correcto mi medico Oncólogo, le está dando seguimiento ya me hizo uno después de los 6 meses de la operación y todo salió bien, ahora me toca otro para febrero del 2023.

Saludos
Antonio

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That is great, @apinzonc0627. I hope that all your follow-ups continue to go well. Will you post again and keep in touch?

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Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

Hello @apinzonc0627 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry that
I did not see your posts earlier. I am glad that your surgery and recovery were so successful.

Generally, after finding a polyp there are follow-up exams. Has your doctor given you a schedule for follow-ups?

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Si es correcto mi medico Oncólogo, le está dando seguimiento ya me hizo uno después de los 6 meses de la operación y todo salió bien, ahora me toca otro para febrero del 2023.

Saludos
Antonio

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Profile picture for jodiepage @jodiepage

I had similar reactions, and it is frustrating. At 2 1/2 months life and my confidence to go out and be more independent (with reservation and knowing the location of the bathroom) helped me started to return to normal. By then I seemed to have a better grasp on scheduling and the foods tolerated. Four months and suddenly everything seemed to get much better rapidly.

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My doctor was not concerned about my bowel movements as long as there was no pain. Aside from gas pain once, I do not usually have pain but I do have IBS. Glad my post was helpful. Best of luck to you.

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Profile picture for ppat4pr @ppat4pr

Thank you for this post. I am very concerned that I only have very small bowel movements. Will try fiber (Metamucil) & at least 64 oz. Hydration daily. My surgery was 4 months ago; going for MRI.

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I have smaller movements, often, after nearly 9 months. Talk to your doctor so he/she can determine if this is part of the new normal for you. My schedule is still not like before, but I feel so much better and have adjusted. Four months after the surgery things started to get so much better.

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Profile picture for leslieroberta @leslieroberta

Hi,
I’m 66 and had a reversal 11 days ago. Overall, I’m doing well but I’m having several bowl movements a day which is inconvenient and rectally painful. I’m still eating soft foods as I haven’t even had my 8 week post-op visit yet. My sigmoid colon was completely removed as well as part of my colon so I’m wondering if the much shorter colon will cause permanent BM’s on a daily basis. Has anyone experienced this?

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I had similar reactions, and it is frustrating. At 2 1/2 months life and my confidence to go out and be more independent (with reservation and knowing the location of the bathroom) helped me started to return to normal. By then I seemed to have a better grasp on scheduling and the foods tolerated. Four months and suddenly everything seemed to get much better rapidly.

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Profile picture for apinzonc0627 @apinzonc0627

Yo fui operado con una resección del Colon Sigmoide, en Enero de este año, me encontraron un pólipo que se me reventó canceroso, gracias a Dios ,he tenido un excelente recuperación y tengo una vida normal , no tuve la necesidad de ningún tratamiento hasta hora solo control y todo marcha excelente.

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Hello @apinzonc0627 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry that
I did not see your posts earlier. I am glad that your surgery and recovery were so successful.

Generally, after finding a polyp there are follow-up exams. Has your doctor given you a schedule for follow-ups?

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Hi. I’m so glad I found this site. I’m seeing a surgeon next week for sigmoid removal and re/section. My colonoscopy today was aborted due to edema. In my report it stated “ middle of stricture with blanched mucosa” along with pics. I have no idea what that means! I was a assuming this surgery would relieve my symptoms. After reading these posts I’m doubtful it will…ugh.

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