Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

I would enjoy hearing others stories or encouraging others who are waiting or recuperating.

Love to participate.

Hey bamagirl..... this is the part that stumps colon resection patients or surgery in “those” areas of the body. I think giving any definite outcome to a patient may not be advisable. Apparently, anyone that has this surgery is not like anyone else. I had 12+” after my colonoscopy showed cancer, the 45 year old male patient, choose to have surgery because of pain and discomfort (if I remember right) , another person had pancreatic issues in addition to her colon surgery, and you have had a series of surgeries that have been medically (I’m assuming) related. Knowing all this , I try to keep my chats simple and take that info into account. I am a very healthy 67 year old. I have a very clean diet, exercise daily, etc and still had this happen. If nothing else, I have become aware that this is now a weak area of my body and that my continued healthy lifestyle and my diligence in my medical responsibility (wellness exams, screening, vaccinations) will keep me as healthy as I can be. The rest is sometimes not in our control. I also had a complete hysterectomy when I was 32 years old, due to a IUD that was found dangerous and I was part of a class action suit. So, there you go, how do we that these conditions/surgeries are not somehow part of the “chain” of events that have brought us to this point in life???? Who knows

@corn50 and @bamagirlxyz, it is so helpful to hear from others who have been there. I agree with both of you that one must remain vigilant when experiencing symptoms. Having one cancer or serious health issues unfortunately does not exempt you from another.

Corn50, you may also be interested in following the Transplants group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/transplants/
Bamagirlxyz, I'd like to invite you to follow the Gynecologic Cancers group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/gynecologic-cancer/

Sharing your stories in relevant discussions in these groups will most certainly give valuable information and support to other members.

Oh gosh, congrats on finding treatable issues, and having them taken care of. My issues were different than yours, but here is my story. I had a radical hysterectomy along with radiation and chemo in 2001, due to uterine cancer. All good, but in 2017 I began having excruciating pains. It was found, with difficulty, that I had adhesions wrapped around the small colon, and I had a resection of about 7 to 8” Of the small intestine. Two years later, I am still dealing with diarrhea, sometimes gas pain that is overwhelming. But, I am ‘healthy’ and exercise, walk, and play tennis. I have to be able to ‘escape’ When in groups, due to gas. You will adjust - it is never ‘the same’, but you are alive!

I had this surgery in 09/12. Yes, there were some issues, it just becomes your “new normal”. The doctors-discovered some pancreas issues before the colon resection. That was satisfied, then watched as it reared again in a few years. In 11/17 I had a liver transplant, then in 07/18, I had to have pancreas surgery. You are better off maintaining a positive attitude, accepting your “new life”, being thankful for EVERY day and looking around - there are people everywhere in much worse situations. I am so grateful for my organ donor and Mayo Clinic for the transplant and pancreas surgery. It is full of skilled physicians, nurses and techs and EVERYONE there is a truly caring angel! Smile and enjoy life!

I’ll try the Keifer, currently taking a probiotic too. Thanks for the info!

Hi Sundance(RB). Thanks for the reply. Keifer is my best friend. I start the day w/a small glass, trying to get those “good” gut bacteria on board. Cranberry (unsweetened) is my go to. Started after I got home. Thought I had UT infection, but I think it was irritation from the catheter. Anyway, it helped so I just kept drinking it! I’ve read a lot about the sigmoid colon and it’s function. I read that the sigmoid is the holding place for your poop. At some point your bowel muscle will start to contract moving your poop ( excuse the slang) and (hopefully) exit you’re body. I guess my body is figuring out a new holding tank, huh? So, I think I’m starting to understand the “why’s” and with the use of Citracil, liquids and timed meals, I hope to be able to do my day not worrying about these urges. I bought a small box of “winged” pads to wear during my gym time. Did you use any protection during your day? If so, what did you use? Or has anyone in the group commented on what he/she found helpful? Thanks for listening and any advise/experiences you went through and are willing to share are greatly appreciated. Virgo

Virgo, So true about the lack of info from the medical industry. Mayo Connect is such a great place. No one ever judges you or condems you. It's so Wonderful to know you are not the only one out there going through whatever it may be.
MY info about Silver Sneakers is what has worked for me. It dosen't mean it will work for someone else. But what I have found is all the help and info you recieved on Connect maybe one thread will help you or that other person.
One last thing that has helped me in the last six months is I have a small glass of the Tropicana, I believe, Probiotics in the morning. I got that info from a trainer at the Y. Has really helped with some of the issues you talk about.
Good Luck and Keep Us Posted.
Sundance(RB)

Ps. I am somewhat of a gym rat. An older one! I previously exercised everyday and plan on getting back to it. Good for the mind AND good for the body! Slay those classes. Thank u again. Virgo