Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

I just had similar. My CT scan at 6 weeks showed nothing. Surgeon told me today it is nerve pain and is sending me to a Pain Specialist. I have gone backwards- from active/ healthy, to barely able to walk.

Hi my fellow colon re-sectioners! Been awhile since I have communicated to the group. A few members might remember me, more for my wildlife photos (Spring ducklings at Lake Sacajawea ) than for my rambling about my colon adventure. Well, I’m still calling it my “New” normal three years later. Reading the above comments, I can see a consistent thread with the questions asked and answers given. This Is what I do know: Surgeons are focused on the removal of the cancer. After that, most ( there’s always the exception). are not your go to (person, dr) moving forward with your life. Everybody has similar struggles with food choices, digestion, pooping😁, but it is a journey that is individualized because each person is unique and (because I believe this) knows best how to make this work. Members on this site are extremely generous and caring. The overall desire is to make that person’s (newbies) journey easier by sharing what worked for them. It is a journey, so be prepared for it. Also, be prepared to embrace the changes to your lifestyle to accommodate the change in your body. Things will work and then not. So be fluid and open to trying and then changing when it doesn’t (Isn’t this true of life anyway?). Pay It Forward. That’s the way to thank the ones that were here before you. Put your big boy/ girl pants on. You will face challenges and frustrations. Well, there’s more, but nobody likes a know it all, so I will stop here. Thank you to the “old timers” who were there for me when I reached out. Hello to the “newbies” that have found this site. Be pro active about your health. Yes, still curious about this journey called life. virgo52

That is a lot you’ve been through! I’m sorry that it’s been so rough & I agree that exercising helps! I walk/run as often as my family of 3 young boys will allow me to. I take them with me too sometimes but sicknesses have stopped this for me sadly. Hoping to get back with it soon! I agree it can help! Another thing that helps a little is warm lemon water in the morning plus lots of other water after that. Hydration is also our friend, but I can do all those things and still have issues. I’ve stopped my D3 for a few days to see if that’s helping the consultation issue.

@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...

Thanks, Lucy. I should of course have included bread and eggs as part of my staple diet!

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.

Glad to hear you are doing so well.

I am sorry you are having trouble. Have you spoken with the doctor that did your recheck? I would definitely mention it to them and see if they can help. Are you in any pain?

I had surgery in October of 2014. I am still here to tell the story! Thankfully I had a wonderful care team of Doctors and Nurses. I was 51 years old when I was diagnosed and I had my 59th birthday this past May. If you or your brother need to talk or have any questions, let me know. I am always happy to help people. I was in fear back then as well, so I get how he is feeling.

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!