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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 6 days ago

In reply to @lilbear "Has anyone been able to eat fried food like French fries or onion rings?" + (show)

@lilbear no, and I don’t plan to…in general they are hard on the body,especially the aging body….while they may taste good in the moment, they often are made with harmful fats cooked at very high temps…if you like ‘crunch’ there are all kinds of ways to get that. Many people use air fryers to get that effect in ways our bodies can handle.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 5 days ago

In reply to @lilbear "Has anyone been able to eat fried food like French fries or onion rings?" + (show)

@lilbear I agree with @nycmusic. Fried foods like French fries can be harmful to the sensitive digestive tract.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 5 days ago

In reply to @virgo1952 "I know it’s early for me. Until now, I’ve been blessed with good health and lead..." + (show)

Hello @virgo1952,

I also want to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. Here is one more discussion that you might find helpful:
--How Do I Eat After Digestive Tract Surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/
Many members discuss eating plans that have helped them to adjust to the new landscape of their digestive tract after surgery.

note8book | @note8book | 3 days ago

I had 12 inches of my colon on the left side removed last year because of diverticulitis as far as the sigmoid colon. The surgeon was able to resection it with staples. I was 82 at the time and it took me 8 weeks to recover. I did well for nine months afterward but now I am dealing with IBS and fibromyalgia. When my colon gets irritated it burns then my skin burns all over my body. I am on Lyrica but it doesn't do a lot for the burning nerve pain. I am going to see a pain management specialist and hopefully he can do something to help.