Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Thank you so much for replying. I will pass it along to son. Looking forward to reading the alternative!
Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

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.

Hello, my short answer to your son is no to surgery. If I had to do it again I would have explored more holistic options to heal the gut. Also, I have recently explored more meditation/Ti chi classes to send healthy energy to my gut and wish I had done this prior. Attached is some information I found recently. I hope this helps. Thanks for your reply

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.

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?