Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

I am 68 years old and had a colon cancer resection on December 31st. Complications developed including 2 infections and some neurological problems that shut down my bladder and bowels. All MRIs were normal and things seem like they are pretty much back to normal. I have not had and sexual desire or the ability to get an erection. Is this normal? When will I return to my old self? Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, the tingling has moved to my legs and my feet are numb. It is hard to walk now.

Yep. Those nerves are saying “ hello we’re here”!!!!

The tingling pain is probably normal. Your body starts regenerating those nerves, and unfortunately, your body also naturally forms
Adhesions. I have had three resections and pain around my belly button happens a lot. I’m 3 months out and still have it

I had a sigmoid colon resection on December 31st 2019. About 10 days after I developed a bacterial infection. Antibiotics for 7 days seemed to get it but a week after it came back. I was put back on the antibiotics and had a test for D diff as well as a CT scan and test for creatinine. All were normal and the diarrhea and pain cleared up. In the last few days, I have had a tingling pain around my core and am more tired than I have been since the surgery. Is the pain something I should be concerned about?

Fortunate for me, other than a few episodes of very loose bowel movements I learned things not so agreeable, slowly readied into diet and now am pretty restrictive free. Good luck.

Oh boy. Well, I’m hoping to break the “mold” on this situation. Though, I gotta say, I’m starting to think this journey of mine is more than I was told. I have reported my c-diff to Risk Management in the hospital where I had my surgery. I don’t want another person to be a candidate for this. I will see what happens going forward. It’s uncomfortable for me since this is the only hospital in the town I live in and I worked there for a time AWKWARD. Colleen emailed me a link to the Digestive Health group, so I may start a conversation there also. FYI. Thanks for your info. I’m sorry you r in this situation. I wish I could give u a cure, but the more I read from others, the more I see a pattern for us all.

Been 1 1/2 years since removal of large colon. With resection. Still lots of gas, loose stools, frequent stools, indigestion.

Hi corn50. I’m jumping on board here, hoping that chat members will weigh in who have had a colon re-section surgery OR any surgery where there has been other issues as an overcome from the original diagnosis/ surgery. Or just weigh in and say how u r doing. I came home with c-diff and thought it was just MY body going through what many experience. Well, not so much. So, two rounds of vanco to take care of the c-diff (I hope) and I’m still dealing with frequency, eating patterns to try to control the time of day when I empty out. Healing at a snail's pace. Some indigestion, food sensitivity, gas-sound familiar??? A new one that just happen in the middle of the night-acid reflux. I guess this is not uncommon at 3-4 months. (Check out the digestive health section and/or colon re-section specifically) So, if you have any advice or have any of symptoms and r wondering what is the next step (like me) love to hear from you. Virgo 1952

I had the surgery and they took out 14” because of diverticulitis. Was left with a 8” vertical scar that started 3” above the navel & extended 5” below it. My only problem was repeat visits where they used balloons to stretch everything out again. He used the analogy that the existing colon was like waistband on an old pair of underwear and the stapled section was like the waistband on a new pair. Not kidding. Like everyone says each individual is different the thing you don’t want to do is to go full throttle when you start to feel good. At Mayo I ran into several people who who figured they were near 100% and regretted their rush back to normalcy.