Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

I'm so sorry that you're still having issues. My wife had a sigmoid resection due to diverticulitis 13 months ago and is in worse shape than before. We've been to all the major hospitals in the Philadelphia area until one doctor cared enough. It turns out that she has a stricture at the anastomosis which is preventing stool from traveling normally to the rectum. She is also very low on B12. Next month, she will undergo a procedure to dialate the stricture. I can tell you then if its been successful. But at least she finally has some hope. Unfortunately, its getting worse worse over time. She can't even sit normally or drive anymore. A day out for her is to go to the doctor.
I hope you feel better soon.

It’s tough to answer. I had the surgery 1 1/2 yrs ago. I still have pain, food issues, bowel issues, gas - I’m always shocked when I realize the day has gone by with no pain. with that being said - the pain isn’t as severe as diverticulitis and I haven’t had an infection in the last year. I do wish I had tried other options before it got so bad but once antibiotics stop working - you don’t really have a choice. I’m 46 as an fyi.

Hello, I had this surgery on my sigmoid colon on July 21st 2020. After, that, and 6 months of chemo I am coming upon a year. I have just about given up feeling normal again with all the bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc. Some of your testimonies have made me at least feel like I'm not alone. I know one of you said after two years you now feel normal. I don't know if I have another 13 months left in me. I'm 44, still out of work, off chemo just about 3 months. I don't know how to adjust to this with unpredictable embarrassing bowel issues that will certainly interfere with my work. I will say this is the first place where I have found others like me talking about this. Thank you.

I’m sorry you are experiencing so many side effects. I had a sigmoid colon resection 18 months ago. I experience more flatulence than before the surgery and still get minor pain in the lower left quadrant. Other than that it has improved my quality of life.
I am 74 and just retired prior to the surgery. Being at home a lot makes things so much easier. My hat goes off to those of you who are in the work force and raising your family through all this.

I do have a question: my son is 50 and considering have the same surgery. He has had many bouts of diverticulitis. My question is, would anyone reading this that has had the surgery do it again? I have difficulty answering that for him as I had it relatively easy whereas I know many of you have had difficulties.

So any input would be appreciated. I will pass your wisdom on to him.

Thank you! I really hope everyone is feeling a bit better!

It has been two months since I had the robotic surgery to remove the sigmoid colon/resection. I don't think I realized this was going to affect everything in a new normal. I get more answers here than I ever received from medical. When does the lump on the left side go down and when does all the flatulence subside? Am I going to have to live with the side effects for the rest of my life and time any social or activities as the diarrhea and gas are constant?

I’m sorry you are experiencing so many side effects. I had a sigmoid colon resection 18 months ago. I experience more flatulence than before the surgery and still get minor pain in the lower left quadrant. Other than that it has improved my quality of life.
I am 74 and just retired prior to the surgery. Being at home a lot makes things so much easier. My hat goes off to those of you who are in the work force and raising your family through all this.

I do have a question: my son is 50 and considering have the same surgery. He has had many bouts of diverticulitis. My question is, would anyone reading this that has had the surgery do it again? I have difficulty answering that for him as I had it relatively easy whereas I know many of you have had difficulties.

So any input would be appreciated. I will pass your wisdom on to him.

Thank you! I really hope everyone is feeling a bit better!

Hello, I too have had the worst luck getting answers from medical professionals. It has been almost 11 months since I had my surgery and I still experience flatulence on occasion. I did not have this problem pre-surgery. I am still experiencing burning like pain on my lower abdomen. I believe it takes a lot longer to heal than was explained. I am going to see another doctor for another set of eyes on my condition and I will share what I learn if anything. I pray you heal a lot faster. Thank you for sharing your story.

It has been two months since I had the robotic surgery to remove the sigmoid colon/resection. I don't think I realized this was going to affect everything in a new normal. I get more answers here than I ever received from medical. When does the lump on the left side go down and when does all the flatulence subside? Am I going to have to live with the side effects for the rest of my life and time any social or activities as the diarrhea and gas are constant?