Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

the comment about surgeon's is right on - they cut it out and our done. I found a good gastroenterologist (not a surgeon) who is very helpful. the pains are real - and I guess we all have to keep figuring out what works best. Personally, IBGARD a peppermint based oil that helps (they didn't remove the diverticuli because they had to take so much for the colon cancer. Both spots hurt. I agree gentle stretching yoga walking; and other physical activity helps. Small meals - find your triggers. we are all on a long hard journey.

Thank you for calling them adult panties which is what I told a hospital administrator they should train their nurses to say. I said we’re not babies we don’t wear diapers. I have similar problems although mine didn’t start until recently and that is eight years after rectal cancer surgery and chemo. So I will go back. To a doctor I don’t know which one yet but I have something going on in the rectal area so I will check it out. I have had other problems as well I had three bladder lifts and a hysterectomy and I am incontinent but I wear a pair during the day and adult panties for sleeping my bowels don’t leak but I’ve been having a hard time. I only feel good When I’m on Imodium. After the surgery I was told to take one Imodium before each meal and one at bedtime and they said that eventually I might be able to stop one or two which I did for a long while but now I think I’m gonna be back on that routine for a while. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask me

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664
This is the link on the Mayo site explaining it. It’s too long for me to summarize appropriately.

what is biofeedback?

I had pelvic therapy without biofeedback. It didn’t help, but I wasn’t compliant either. You really have to commit to doing the exercises every day. I’m waiting to get into another program with biofeedback. I’m determined to succeed this time. My GI doc swears there’s a 70 % success rate.

So many of us hear you and go through similar situations and thoughts. Just to let you know that you are not alone.

After resections you can expect a new normal. I had 3 resections. I find I just accept these bodily changes and learn to live with them the best I can, The normal you knew years ago will not return…..sorry

Hi,

Yes, I've had numerous colon and rectal surgeries (more in other parts of body too). I am not always continent and lose control of bowels. My bladder is okay 95% of the time. I find eating small meals helps. The pelvic floor therapy did very little for me - but it is worth a shot. I practice yoga, pilates, hiking regularly. I stay away from caffeine as that is a diuretic and does wonky things to me. Not to be gross- but I use a sanitary pad for loose bowels rather than adult panties.

i too have had trouble with control over my bladder and bowels ever since colon surgery several months ago. Pelvic Floor Therapy has been suggested. Has anyone had experience with this type of therapy?

I'm 8 months post op for a partial coloectemy where they took 8 inches due to repeated diverticulitis (7 times). Yes they waited way too long! She got in there and I was a scarred twisted mess. So here I sit now all these months later switching between constipation and diarrhea. The diarrhea keeps giving me horrible hemorrhoids. And quite often my intestines hurt where they did when I had diverticulitis. Even ended up in the ER once for it. CT and work up later and they said it looks OK, sent me on my way. Keeps happening though. I personally think it's nerve pain, maybe. Idk. Somedays I wish I hadn't let them cut on me.. really just wanted to vent to people who understood.