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Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?
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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I had a partial colectomy 22 month's ago. They removed two feet of my lower intestine. It's been a rocky road. The first challenge is finding the right fiber to keep things going. I've tried Benefiber/Metamucil/Organic Psyllium and Sunfiber.
I've had success with both Benefiber and Sunfiber. You also need to experiment on the right amount of fiber for your needs.
Finding the right diet for your new intestinal landscape takes time too. Too much fiber and the result is diarrhea. To little causes everything to come to a standstill. Scar tissue can be irritating, but I believe that dissipates with time.
Drinking enough water, taking fiber daily, avoiding gassy foods and some level of regular exercise is the right formula for me. I'm 70 years young (Lol), and I intend to fully get my life back. It just takes time.
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1 ReactionEveryone is different but I have been having good days and bad days for 4 months now. I’m doing hyperbaric oxygen therapy for my radiation proctitis down there because it hurts to poop it’s like sitting on a cactus.
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1 ReactionHello @kayhay,
You might like to meet @linda82. She describes the same problem that you mentioned. Here is a link to her Spotlight. I think you will find it helpful.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/sharing-even-the-embarrassing-stuff-to-recover-meet-linda82/?commentsorder=newest&pg=5