Sigmoidectomy recovery & bowel issues: How long to recover?

Posted by lindagail @lindagail, Apr 25 6:01pm

How long is it taking you to recover from irregular bowel problems post Sigmoidectomy? IAM at 6 mos. And still having problems.
LindaGail

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quitokid2 | @quitokid2 | Apr 26 4:42pm

I can't say for your procedure, I had an LAR in 2019 and have suffered LAR Syndrome since. Symptoms may be nearly the same. Just now started getting some major relief, my doc, the chief of Gastroenterology at VA hospital in Ann Arbor, (and he's Professor at U of M) started me on one loperamide (2mg) at bedtime and a heaping teaspoon of psyllium seed around 2pm. It's working for me, ask your MD and see. Good luck, Cary.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 27 7:59pm

Welcome @lindagail. I know 6 months seems like a long, but you've had major surgery. You are certainly not alone.

You might find some of the tips and stories shared in these related discussions helpful:
- Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/three-months-after-colon-surgery/
- Tips to encourage a bowel movement after resection surgery?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bowel-movement/

The unpredictability of bowel control probably means you're limited in your movements away from home. When you go to public place, I bet the first thing you do is to scope out where is the nearest restroom. Right?

You say that you have irregular bowel issues. Do you have loose stool or constipation? Or both?

lindagail | @lindagail | Apr 28 2:14pm

Thanks. Mostly loose stools. Psyllium has helped with that. My main problem is that my bowel doesn’t empty completely when I have a movement, which causes me to continue to have movements during the day. Also, Psyllium is hard to take.

myjiggers1 | @myjiggers1 | Apr 29 3:04am

Hi! 😊I can tell you I had my resection done in August of 23 and I still get the feeling of it not emptying out all the way. I am more lose than not and sometimes during chemo week and week after I gotta be fast on my feet or carry a spare pair of undies. Everyone is different and some of mine is contributed to metformin for other stuff. So I have never been regular on the regular. But certain foods can make it worse or better. I wish you better results on that front! Greasy foods and such compounds the issue too.

quitokid2 | @quitokid2 | Apr 30 7:35pm

In reply to @lindagail "Thanks. Mostly loose stools. Psyllium has helped with that. My main problem is that my bowel..." + (show)

@lindagail
If you're finding psyllium hard to take another option is calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon). Does pretty much the same, always check with the doc.