Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

@amariewilkinson In July 2022, I had about 30 cm (12 in) of my colon removed because rare cancer called goblet cell adenocarcinoma was found. Only 1 in 2,000, 000 people get this type. 35 lymph nodes were taken in my abdomen. Cancer free. However, I have very little natural feeling to have a bowel movement. I have found that if I walk and regularly sit on the commode, I can initiate a bowel movement. So, at least twice a day, whether or not I have a sense of a BM, I go to the commode. Walking and exercise have been a real help. I walk between 5,000 - 15,000 steps a day. A friend who had a much more serious cancer operation said to me, "Exercise is your friend." I have found this to be very true. My family has a history of colon cancer and so I have been getting colonoscopies every two years for the last 20 years. I will get the next one in July 2023. I will let you know how things go. In the meantime, I hope you can find some accommodation for your present situation. Each one of us is different. We must share what helps...

I had a total rectal resection last year (over a year ago). I’m very narrowed in the rectum but have been able to have bowel movements due to high fiber diets and lots of liquids. Up until I had a colonoscopy and lower EUS for a recheck and now I’m having trouble getting stool through. Has anyone experienced this? I’ve never had issues with constipation. Always opposite but can’t figure out if it’s swelling due to the procedure or what…? Help!

Excellent information! Just what I was looking for... "hope" that there can be "eating" in the recovery short term that will get better with time. Thank you so much for the list of YOUR ok foods.

Experimentation seems to be the best way forward after a colon operation. I'm 77 and had a colorectal resection a month ago to remove a tumour along with 10" of colon and was a bit nervous at first about what to eat, not wishing to stretch the new joints in the pipeline. But on the whole I've been pleasantly surprised at how easy it has been - some initial diarrhoea / constipation but a mild laxative cured the latter and now I'm eating like a horse again with lots of boiled / mashed potatoes, pasta, noodles, green leafy vegetables, carrots, fish, chicken, tomato juice, muesli and bio yoghurt. I've cut back on red meat and alcohol. So plain food on the whole although I did have a South Indian curry and a beer a couple of days ago, with no after effects! This diet seems to work quite well for me and I hope for others too.
I think plenty of exercise helps - my target is 5,000 steps per day but I only achieved that 3 times over the past week.

Experimentation seems to be the best way forward after a colon operation. I'm 77 and had a colorectal resection a month ago to remove a tumour along with 10" of colon and was a bit nervous at first about what to eat, not wishing to stretch the new joints in the pipeline. But on the whole I've been pleasantly surprised at how easy it has been - some initial diarrhoea / constipation but a mild laxative cured the latter and now I'm eating like a horse again with lots of boiled / mashed potatoes, pasta, noodles, green leafy vegetables, carrots, fish, chicken, tomato juice, muesli and bio yoghurt. I've cut back on red meat and alcohol. So plain food on the whole although I did have a South Indian curry and a beer a couple of days ago, with no after effects! This diet seems to work quite well for me and I hope for others too.
I think plenty of exercise helps - my target is 5,000 steps per day but I only achieved that 3 times over the past week.

I had a total rectal resection last year (over a year ago). I’m very narrowed in the rectum but have been able to have bowel movements due to high fiber diets and lots of liquids. Up until I had a colonoscopy and lower EUS for a recheck and now I’m having trouble getting stool through. Has anyone experienced this? I’ve never had issues with constipation. Always opposite but can’t figure out if it’s swelling due to the procedure or what…? Help!

I am eight weeks out from having a sigmoidectomy. No cancer. It was due to having a smoldering area of diverticulitis.
I am trying to venture out and eat more fibrous meals. I don’t think the doctors really understand how it feels to be restricted in your diet and then have to get back into eating normal again.
It’s definitely a one thing at a time and one day at a time thing.
Things taste so good when you’re eating them but sometimes your G.I. tract and colon doesn’t always agree afterwards. So this is where I am. Just trial and error. Looking forward to getting back to eating whatever normal is. After not having nuts or seeds are popcorn for the last 12 years even with my Sigmoid: removed I don’t believe I will ever try to go back to eating any of those. I have been conditioned.
I have been trying to eat salads and dad has been nice. Very nice in fact. A little nervous trying broccoli for the first time. Don’t feel like being gassy. Might put that off for a few more weeks. Hugs to all on here. I’m sure you wouldn’t be on here unless you were seeking answers.