Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Hello, so sorry to hear of your pain and ongoing problem. I too had my sigmoid removed almost 11 months ago. I am currently under the care of another surgeon for an extra set of eyes on me. I have not been able to learn why I still have ongoing lower abdominal pain in the resected section. I too experience a burning pain most everyday. If I learn anything new on how to help our situation I will share it. I have had CT, MRI and no answers. All my best!

These unpleasant side effects definitely demoralize us. When I think about it psychologically; it is not you or me as a person but the disease. I think that’s a lot easier to say than to incorporate into our thinking. I will pray for you too.

You are so kind, and I appreciate your time and post. You made me feel so much better today. It is hard to explain to others that the surgery is not the fix compared to many other medical procedures. It is feeling like I traded one issue for a lifetime of timing what and when I consume any food, where I go and even that is not exact. Incontinence was not something that is easy to manage and hurts psychologically and destroys one's dignity. I cannot fathom how you were able to additionally deal with cancer and chemo treatment. I had cancer and the treatment side effects go on for a very long time even without a resection. You are very brave and understanding. Please, let's keep in touch and you are in my thoughts and prayers, Barb.

I sympathize with your side effects. I had colon cancer resection one year ago and then chemo for nine months. My side effects are different but I’m now suffering from diarrhea and some bowel issues. Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Tums are helping. I feel like if some of the stress from the outside was off of me my symptoms would improve. I pull away from people because of the negative feelings it makes it more difficult for socializing. I know socializing is so important to get us more healthy. Yet again it seems more difficult when we are not feeling well and we have these unattractive side effects that people do not understand. You are not alone! I congratulate you for reaching out, seeking help from doctors, and doing whatever socializing you can do. Trying to keep our spirits high while dealing with the side effects are extremely difficult. I am sorry for your situation.

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?

@hawkeye1976, like Teresa, I’m grateful that you returned to share that the pain was ultimately short-lived (although I’m sure the week felt long). This gives others hope and better understanding of the recovery process.

You’re about 3.5 months out from caecum surgery if I’ve calculated correctly. You said you’re feeling good again. Did your surgeon caution you about the amount or level of weight lifting and exercise you should do or how to gradually and safely get back into it?

@hawkeye1976

I'm so pleased to hear that the problems you were having were short-term. It is good that you are feeling better now. Take care!

Hi All, sorry for the late reply. The pain I was experiencing lasted about a week then suddenly disappeared. I'm wondering if it was even related to my surgery. I went down to see my surgeon and he said everything looked ok. No sign of a leak or hernia. So, not sure. I'm back to feeling good. Hopefully, it was just a blip in my recovery. Thanks all for the support.

Don’t worry. I was told that all colorectal surgeons say it takes at least a year to get back to normal after a colon resection, even a laparoscopic robotic one like mine. I was in extreme pain off and on for several months, especially on the right side where the robot arms went in to go to the left to perform the surgery. I would also have explosive bowel movements without warning. Both those issues have passed and it is now just over a year since my surgery. What remains are frequent bowel movements, ranging from 4 to 7 times over a 24 period, which are sometimes pencil thin or small clumps. I will be seeing my gastroenterologist soon but hesitate to have yet another CT Scan. Too much radiation.

I just read your comment. It has been just over a year since my laparoscopic robotic colon resection and I still have 4-7 bowel movements over a 24 hour period. I was told it would take about a year to go back to normal but I am not normal and am frustrated. I no longer have the urgent, diarrhea explosions of before but sometimes my stool is thin, pencil thin strips or small clumps. Other times, it is fairly normal in size and consistency. Wish I could say away from doctors but am making an appt with my gastroenterologist.