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.

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lucy155 | @lucy155 | Jun 13, 2023

In reply to @ciebrown "When you say you were down. We’re u unable to work walk or what were the..." + (show)

My recovery included:
1) annoying frequent and small bowel movements. I had to stay close to a toilet for two weeks. It gradually improved (Metemucil helped)
2) eating frequent small, low fiber meals
3) gaining weight, strength and stamina back after surgery. This is a big one....I got tired easily, even though I wasn't in any pain or uncomfortable
4) Exercising to build myself back up.... first just walking, stretching and easy leg, arms exercises. After three months I gradually accelerated my intensity and was going to the gym.
Now, six months, I have all my energy back... put in full days of golf, gardening, cleaning, shopping. I truly am better than I've been in years. I'm so grateful.

ciebrown | @ciebrown | Jun 13, 2023

In reply to @lucy155 "I had my sigmoid colon resection December 14, 2022 and it solved many years of digestive..." + (show)

When you say you were down. We’re u unable to work walk or what were the problems

lucy155 | @lucy155 | May 30, 2023

I had my sigmoid colon resection December 14, 2022 and it solved many years of digestive problems. It took me about three months to completely recover. I have no pain, no constant diarrhea, and the best outcome.... eating a wider variety of food without bathroom issues! ...definitely worth the few months of recovery.

My resection was NOT a choice. My sigmoid colon, became abscessed and then perforated due to diverticulitis. Avoid the Emergency room and terrible pain. I would not wait. Be proactive as your doctor suggests.

fearfulnbrave | @fearfulnbrave | May 29, 2023

Hi Everyone I’m new Here, I’m 42 been dealing with diverticulitis since 2018. I’ve had about 3-4 flare ups 1 colonoscopy no issues. Gi surgeon suggests surgery.. sigmoid resection I made appt than canceled it😢.I am terrified. This left side consistently is achy. I don’t know what to do or eat.

paul28 | @paul28 | Jan 12, 2023

Iam 7 months since Sigmoid Colon resection and 5 months since Lung wedge resection.
No problems with either except almost daily watery diarrhea.
Is just now starting to get better.

jeff1957 | @jeff1957 | Jan 11, 2023

11 months past resection still dealing with some pain but not bad. Have to be careful about what you eat and especially how much is getting every day

suziq52 | @suziq52 | Nov 5, 2022

I am in the 4th week of recovery from a sigmoidectomy that was supposed to be laparoscopic but ended up being open. My surgery site is healing nicely but I did not anticipate so many bowel issues! Especially gas at night that prevents me sleeping. Any advice would be appreciated. It is so reassuring to know there are others out there with these issues!

shelamac65 | @shelamac65 | Oct 29, 2022

In reply to @bernedoodlebailey "Hi. I’m so glad I found this site. I’m seeing a surgeon next week for sigmoid..." + (show)

Really, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I had a sigmoid resection done 6 months ago and things are improving quickly now. Remember how long you had lived with the pain and discomfort. So it will take time to feel better and realize it’s major surgery so recovery will take a while. But don’t baby yourself, eat small meals, drink lots of water, exercise regularly when you’re up to it and don’t hesitate to call your doctor for an explanation of your test results, that’s important so you don’t worry about understanding your diagnosis. You WILL get there!