Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Are you drinking enough water? I was told to drink 64 ounces daily. It has made a big difference in my ability to have bowel movements. They are not pre-surgery normal however. More like nuggets and I might “go” 4 or even 5 times a day. If I take Metamucil, they re more normal-like.

I have opposite from you.Since my colon resection I have never had a normal bowel movement,just watered diarrhea and I am on the 8 week.I get horrible stomach cramps and then I better find a bathroom asap!!

I had one in May 2022. Had cramping once before a bowel movement; otherwise, no pain. My movements however, consist of nuggets rather than a normal bowel movement. I wish you good luck and hope the cramping and pain subsides.

I was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer in 2007 when I was 50. Had the cancer removed and my brilliant surgeon was able to re-section so that I could avoid having a permanent colostomy. I had to be on the bag for 6 months while healing. Had intensive chemo via a port in my chest. Also radiology. I have been cancer free since. Once the colon had been resectioned, I have had progressive constipation the last 5 years, I am now 66. I feel as if I need to go to bathroom for a BM many times a day, but nothing comes out. I will go 3 days without a BM, and then my whole system will empty! I’m taking either Miralax, Exlax, or anything else that might help. I feel very discouraged and the constant urge to have a BM is so frustrating because nothing happens. Anyone else experience this?

I had robotic surgery on a Tuesday and had to have the big surgery on Friday.Seven weeks later and still having stomach cramps and diarrhea everyday😢I am afraid something is not right

I would recommend that you keep in touch with your doctor if you continue to have problems, @brenda57.

I hurt from left side to right side across abodomen.Cramping usually starts after eating and that is small portions like 2 eggs and slice of bread with milk.Somtimes I can cramp without eating and Dr claims I can eat anything.I know if I eat beef meat I really have to chew to make sure it can digest well or I will hurt even more.They claim I need to move around,well I do move around and after 30 minutes of moving around I hurt at bottom of belly😔They found fragment in urethra tubing that they claim might be making my back hurt,but back has been hurting since I came out of surgery.Seems like if I had a stone I would have passed it by now.I have no problem going to bathroom and not passing blood😔

Hello @brenda57 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I can understand your concern. Pain and cramping are uncomfortable symptoms and I'm sure that you are ready to feel well again. Please know, however, that everyone heals differently after surgery.

Have you had a follow-up appointment with your surgeon yet? If so, what was his/her opinion of your recovery? Are you following a recommended diet for surgery of this type? Most of us who have surgery of the digestive tract find that is works better to have small, more frequent meals rather than eating as we did prior to surgery.

Does the cramping and pain come at certain times, such as after eating or is it constant? Do you have other symptoms that are bothersome?

I had colon resection 6 weeks ago and still cramping and pain across abodomen😔Not sure if this is normal

SMH, no not that either. I am going to look into it and finding a gastrologist. Thanks so much.