Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

Hello everyone. I had my 1st colonoscopy 3 weeks ago (57yrs) and they found a non obstructing mass not too far in is the best I can describe it. the pathology came back as pre cancerous so I had a robotic assisted colon resection. This took place 3 days ago. The surgeon I feel was very informative regarding what he was going to do, I actually had a crowd of people talking to me while getting prepped for the procedure, it was very impressive. So the surgery took place at 10am. I was admitted afterwards then at 6am the next morning the surgeon arrived and told me that I had extremely defined stomach muscles that he had never experienced before and that it was a little difficult to get past them. I apologize for taking so long. My concern is this, I was released to go home that afternoon as long as I could function completely, urinate, pass gas, bowel movement and able to walk unassisted. I was all good. Now that I have been home I experienced an extreme burning type pain in my right side groin area when I am trying to sit or stand up. Pain meds dont even knock the edge off of it. It does stop a soon as Im either sitting or standing. Is it because of the muscles being cut or ? I feel sore in the rest of my stomach near the inscissions but it's nothing compared the sharp burning in the groin!! I keep reading everyone is having a long recovery process and I hope everyone gets better. I think I everything is good but that sharp pain scares the hell out of me. I apologize again, I really need to get this out. Thanks anyone that has read this far! As I said I received a lot of info going in but not much of what to expect afterwards about recovery. Has anyone had a moderate to short recovery period with this kind of surgery?

I now have short fiber neuropathy with numb feet and lower legs. Had sigmoid resection four years ago when a rupture required emergency surgery.

Great to hear that you are taking a positive step to address and share the actual issues that occur. It is not a one size fits everybody but a gradual process of healing and dealing with the changes. Certainly, so many will appreciate the great anxiety and stress involved as well as the experiences and side effects after the surgery. The group will help so many.

@jodiepage This is what makes every person’s journey their own. Finding what works for “you”. Some return to life as it was before their diagnosis. Others, find their “new” normal. There is a hospital located in my town that addresses colon cancer, but there is no education dealing with ongoing issues. Maybe, this is why? How do you present a “blanket’ plan for this? I still think education is needed, now more than ever. So, I am committed to push for this to happen here. Not everyone will reach out to this site (I share info about this group). Again, making it an individual choice. Thank u for sharing what happened to you and your journey. virgo 52

It is life altering for a while, it is all in the timing/scheduling/learn as you go. You will get to where there is a noticeable cycle related to the food and timing. I found that popcorn and gassy vegetables throw the timing off, but it is different for everyone it seems. Cantaloupe turned out to be a big mistake, for me. For a while I did use an anti-gas OTC and sometimes prune juice...depending on how everything was changing. 7 months now and in hindsight returning to my pre-surgery activities as soon as possible really helped more than anything. I mostly eat a lot of protein and some carbs.

The gas continued for several months and is less frequent now (6 months after surgery) but not easily controlled. It is a gradual process. The first month or two is the most difficult, four months was when I realized the symptoms were subsiding and returning to normal, again. However, my digestive schedule was crazy, like on night vs. day hours. As far as the urgency...first indication and head for the bathroom for a few months. Everybody heals at a different pace. Returning to most pre-operative activities as soon as possible really helped. I used warmed prune juice with a teaspoon of butter for the constipation days (yuck), the diarrhea days you just stay close to a bathroom. My surgeon was no help post-op, either.

It has been almost 1 year since my emergency colon resection when they removed 18 inches. For most of the 1st 9 months I was constipated unless I was on a steady diet of Dulcolax and miralax, which created other issues. My system is finally working better than it has in years. I am still taking the miralax. I do have weird twinges in my incision area, which I haven't figured out.

Hi. Texasdeb. As you can see that was pretty much my introduction to the connection group. Resection Surgery in 2019. I’ve been able to strike a balance with my digestion/elimination processes over this 3year period. I’m regimented, so I can enjoy activities and not worry about “accidents”. The first year was challenging and frustrating at times. There’s no playbook and it can be scary not knowing what to do. I guess I can only say to you it will get better. It takes time to put all the pieces together. I’m not the same as I was before my surgery. But, I’m definitely better than when I first came home and started to figure it out. Reading your entry, I remembered those feelings, so I can understand your struggle. Just keep at it. Virgo52

Hi Virgo. This is the first time I have replied to a post. I had 12 inches of my large colon removed due to ischemic colitis I had for years 2/28/2022. I had your same problem with worrying about an accident. When I was in the hospital they have me
Pads they use for new moms. I found them on Amazon. I still wear one in the morning as I’m back to work. After surgery I was so worried about keeping hydrated and drank a lot of liquids. My diarrhea got worse. My Gastro doc told me to cut back because the large colon is what used to absorb the fluid now it just goes straight out so I cut back and it helped. But now I’m having issues
with constipation. Can’t win. It’s been a battle. I still have pain in my side and hip area. I went back to work at the hospital I’ve been at for 41 years at 8 weeks after surgery. It was not easy. I would have nausea after a bowel movement still do but not as bad. Our poor bodies have been through a hell of a battle. Reading all the posts has helped me so much. The old saying misery loves company.
Hang in there. I am.

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.