Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Posted by joyce1 @joyce1, Feb 25, 2017

Three months after colon resection I had a severe stomach cramp this morning and have not had a bowel movement yet. This is the first time this has happened. So far things have been good.

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@robinmacdonald

I had that for several weeks, maybe a couple of months, with extreme pain on the right side where the robotic arms entered to go to the left to remove the diseased section.
And every time I had a bowel movement, I had burning urination also. Not sure why the bladder is affected but maybe it is just upset from being jostled around. I too had a CT Scan that showed no problem. I am now 6 months in following my 2/4/21 laparoscopic robotic colon resection. I have not had pain for months but the remaining issue is the frequency of bowel movements, sometimes as often as 8 times over a 24 hour period. And even though they are very soft, sometimes diarrhea, I have to strain a bit to go and the stool is sometimes pencil thin.. I am having an MRI Defecography to see what seems to be causing an obstruction but have to wait two months for that unusual test.
But bottom line, my special Rectal Therapist said all colorectal surgeons tell her it takes at least a year to fully recover from this major surgery. Try massaging your colon. It runs in an upside down U right under your rib cage and down each side to your hip bones. My pain was especially bad right under my left rib cage and that is where the colon turns to go down. Food can get backed up in those turns on each side so massaging there really helped me. My therapist trained me on this. The massage softens the scar tissue also so healing is faster.

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Great information, Robin. I'm tagging @dcoakley to make sure she sees your very helpful response.

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@colleenyoung

Hi Debbie, 5 weeks really isn't a long time to heal from such a major surgery. As you read through the past posts of other members, you'll see that you're not alone. Are you drinking plenty of fluids to help make bowel movements easier?

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Colleen, I said two conflicting things in my previous response just now. My major ongoing pain at first was in my right abdomen where the robot arms entered but I had a couple of painful heart attack-like sharp pains in my left abdomen right under my rib cage where the colon makes a sharp turn.

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@colleenyoung

Hi Debbie, 5 weeks really isn't a long time to heal from such a major surgery. As you read through the past posts of other members, you'll see that you're not alone. Are you drinking plenty of fluids to help make bowel movements easier?

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I had that for several weeks, maybe a couple of months, with extreme pain on the right side where the robotic arms entered to go to the left to remove the diseased section.
And every time I had a bowel movement, I had burning urination also. Not sure why the bladder is affected but maybe it is just upset from being jostled around. I too had a CT Scan that showed no problem. I am now 6 months in following my 2/4/21 laparoscopic robotic colon resection. I have not had pain for months but the remaining issue is the frequency of bowel movements, sometimes as often as 8 times over a 24 hour period. And even though they are very soft, sometimes diarrhea, I have to strain a bit to go and the stool is sometimes pencil thin.. I am having an MRI Defecography to see what seems to be causing an obstruction but have to wait two months for that unusual test.
But bottom line, my special Rectal Therapist said all colorectal surgeons tell her it takes at least a year to fully recover from this major surgery. Try massaging your colon. It runs in an upside down U right under your rib cage and down each side to your hip bones. My pain was especially bad right under my left rib cage and that is where the colon turns to go down. Food can get backed up in those turns on each side so massaging there really helped me. My therapist trained me on this. The massage softens the scar tissue also so healing is faster.

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@colleenyoung

Hi Debbie, 5 weeks really isn't a long time to heal from such a major surgery. As you read through the past posts of other members, you'll see that you're not alone. Are you drinking plenty of fluids to help make bowel movements easier?

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hi colleen, thanks for responding. im not having issues with bowel movement . when i empty my bladder i get pains. makes me feel lke i have a bladder infection/uti. the pain radiates to my back and my legs and i feel like urinating alot

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@colleenyoung

Bonnie, were you successful in getting your doctor to make a referral to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville? If not, did you know you can self refer?

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I tried to get appt w/Mayo 2X but they wouldn’t unless I had full blown cancer....diagnosis.

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@dcoakley

oh Im so frustrated also. Had my colon resection 5 weeks ago. dr. says i should be feeling better. but everytime i empty my bladder or have a bowel movement i get this horrible pain in my abdomen that sticks around most of the day. the doctor says the ct scan shows nothing. its all good he says. i feel like i have a bladder infection or something. Does anyone feel like that? im a strong person but this is taking me down mentally. my name is debbie and im 59 years old. can someone give me advice?

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Hi Debbie, 5 weeks really isn't a long time to heal from such a major surgery. As you read through the past posts of other members, you'll see that you're not alone. Are you drinking plenty of fluids to help make bowel movements easier?

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@mizreehop1896

I am 2 months post op . Was dong fairly good until I started waking up with the jitters every morning after a night of no sleep because of nerve pain gong down my legs. Never had that until after surgery. I am really regretting I ever had the surgery. I would rather deal with the Diverticulosis than this. Stinging, burning pain across lower abdomen and uneasy feeling in lower stomach. I go to bathroom constantly and have gone as much as 10 times a day! My urine just flows from me, not much control at all, I am getting really depressed because when you are hurting all the time , you don't want to do anything. I have prayed for the Lord to take this pain from me. Doctor says that everything inside and out is healed and there is nothing I can do to hurt my insides. THEN WHY AM I STILL HURTING ??? He says it is nerve pain and it will subside, but WHEN ? I just want my life back. I am 71 years old , but I have always liked to stay busy and now somedays I don't feel like doing anything but sit. Anybody out there going through this too ??

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oh Im so frustrated also. Had my colon resection 5 weeks ago. dr. says i should be feeling better. but everytime i empty my bladder or have a bowel movement i get this horrible pain in my abdomen that sticks around most of the day. the doctor says the ct scan shows nothing. its all good he says. i feel like i have a bladder infection or something. Does anyone feel like that? im a strong person but this is taking me down mentally. my name is debbie and im 59 years old. can someone give me advice?

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@bonnieb81

Yes, thank you, I have post-op on 8/9/21 tomorrow... the reason for my anxiety is not just the ususage of description of the polyp.. but the fact there’s a vast difference as to Unknown neoplasm and serrated sessike polyp ir adenoma! Sessile serrated polyps were the type found bt original Dr. (Surgeon) 2007-2008.. they are the type most frequently turning into cancer! It was my understanding that a ‘resection or biopsy of the polyp to assess cancer cells or benign does not remove entire polyp! So 13 yrs they had time to grow into cancer... (?) takes approximately 12 yrs I researched. Same Dr. Doing the colonoscopies and precancer lesion surgery plus other!! He had bad reviews on cancer stages for another individual. My trust is ‘shot’ since ‘he’ is now merged with current Surgeons group!!! His ‘verbal comments to me “ BONNIE Were all going there some day!! ... my last consult with him... basically ‘signing off on me.... last yr. 2020.. was totally disgusting and unprofessional. But... though I appreciate my current surgeon for taking needed action... I can’t help but wonder if it was ‘CYA’ for the orig. Dr. Now in the same group... my tryst is completely gone in the medical profession. I had asked (orig.Dr) for a referral to Mayo-Jacksonville, Fla. he said “ oh sure! They like that weird stuff!!!!
How professional!!! I’d like to end his career... but that’s not possible! Money, time and constraint on my hectic challenging life with my very ill husband!!! (Now 3 diagnosed Dementias... you know the rest! We’re 83 and 91!!! Alone!!

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Hello @bonnie81

I'm looking forward to hearing from you after your appointment. I agree that going to Mayo Clinic would be a good way for you to understand what is happening and to feel comfortable with your diagnosis.

Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?

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@phil123

Hi. I had high anterior resection 4 months ago for an abscess and diverticulitis. My bowel had attached to my abdomen from long standing inflammation. Thought all was well then about 6 weeks ago low left pains again. Problems from diarrhoea to constipation with no rhyme or reason. Dr thought I had a stricture. Been on a liquid diet. Had colonoscopy today and they can’t see anything. My scar has been burning and I get strange nerve stinging sensations in by chest skin since op. Maybe mine is nerve damage too. Feel really fed up.
Have you had any news diagnosis or are you any nearer to your solution?

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Hi @phil123 @glacier and @tbillz119. If I haven’t done so already, I’d like to welcome you. I notice that you are all relatively new to the community and 4-5 months post colon resection surgery.

As you’ve likely read in the previous posts, recovery does take time. 3-5 months is still relatively early in the recovery process as fellow members like @virgo1952 @sundance6 @kowalski @teresak can share.

Fatigue is particularly hard. You may be interested in the tips shared in this discussion:
- Fatigue and cancer treatment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fatigue-in-cancer-treatment/

What tips would you add?

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@bonnieb81

Yes, thank you, I have post-op on 8/9/21 tomorrow... the reason for my anxiety is not just the ususage of description of the polyp.. but the fact there’s a vast difference as to Unknown neoplasm and serrated sessike polyp ir adenoma! Sessile serrated polyps were the type found bt original Dr. (Surgeon) 2007-2008.. they are the type most frequently turning into cancer! It was my understanding that a ‘resection or biopsy of the polyp to assess cancer cells or benign does not remove entire polyp! So 13 yrs they had time to grow into cancer... (?) takes approximately 12 yrs I researched. Same Dr. Doing the colonoscopies and precancer lesion surgery plus other!! He had bad reviews on cancer stages for another individual. My trust is ‘shot’ since ‘he’ is now merged with current Surgeons group!!! His ‘verbal comments to me “ BONNIE Were all going there some day!! ... my last consult with him... basically ‘signing off on me.... last yr. 2020.. was totally disgusting and unprofessional. But... though I appreciate my current surgeon for taking needed action... I can’t help but wonder if it was ‘CYA’ for the orig. Dr. Now in the same group... my tryst is completely gone in the medical profession. I had asked (orig.Dr) for a referral to Mayo-Jacksonville, Fla. he said “ oh sure! They like that weird stuff!!!!
How professional!!! I’d like to end his career... but that’s not possible! Money, time and constraint on my hectic challenging life with my very ill husband!!! (Now 3 diagnosed Dementias... you know the rest! We’re 83 and 91!!! Alone!!

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Bonnie, were you successful in getting your doctor to make a referral to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville? If not, did you know you can self refer?

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