Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Hello @bonnie81

I am so happy to hear that your surgery is over and that it was successful. I can certainly understand your concern (as well as confusion) over the different names given to the mass (or polyp_ that was removed. Radiologists who read the x-rays and scans are not always consistent in their interpretation. You should talk with your surgeon about the biopsy report.

Having read "no cancer" must be a relief. Until you talk with your surgeon about the biopsy report, try your best not to worry about the different terms that were used and enjoy "no cancer."

I would be interested to know what your doctor says about a follow-up PET Scan. Will you post again after your appointment?

My above comment said “ why can’t medical professionals keep their descriptive reports ‘consistent’ (not Consultant.... typo) when the wording is so extremely important!! At least I think so as a patient!

Well, me again (Bonnie) 6 days post surgery, seems to have been successful... an Internal Medicine Dr. Saw me post surgery in hospital, explaining the surgery saying “ you will know in approx a week what the ‘mass’ actually was! “ a small mass on top of appendix!” Well... I had been told snd based on the radiology report that the sessile serrated polyp” was what they had found in appendeceal orifice????? So the report came in on patient portal ‘NO cancer!!!!!’ Thats great but the wording disasters from 2018 and many colonoscopies and catscans since 2008-2009 on sessile serrated polyps and me as ‘high risk’ I’m still staggering from ‘mixed messages! ‘ my husband 91 has a Primary Dr. Visiting Dr. 34 yrs experience who mentioned to me... “ get a PetScan after your surgery??? So I’ll ask surgeon on my follow-up vusit in a week or so!!!! Why oh why cannot medical professionals get their descriptive reports consultant? The Surgeon called my precancer polyp an ‘unknown Neoplasm’ on the surgery summary!!!! ??????

5 months after my robotic laparoscopic surgery for a very enlarged and infected diverticulum, I am beginning to feel back to normal. Less frequent messy bowel movements (down to 4 or 5 in a 24 hour period) and less straining. With a special physical therapist’s help, I do frequent Kegel exercises daily and message my colon. I am careful not to eat very fibrous, hard to digest foods and take daily Benefiber and Culturelle, along with IBgard. All over the counter but recommended by doctor. The IBgard was recommended previously for a diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome but I think the symptoms might have just been from the diverticulitis.
My stomach is still a little distended but seems to be flattening out. I have been told it takes at least a year for a colon and digestive system to recover from resection surgery. And now the Pope has just had this surgery. We are in good company😎.

Thank you, I do still have questions but I’ve asked surgeon and he’s answered re: the procedure..?I still do not understand why such a huge gap in each surgeons opinion on the polyps, how many?? And the mass in colon concerning malignancy (Aug. 2020!) with no other cancer tests? The reports varied so much, it has left me still feeling very vulnerable. The surgeon doing the surgery does have my trust... and convinced me the polyp has to be removed. The ‘mass’ still seems to be a mystery.. if it’s really a mass or a mistake..by Radioligy.. or hidden in orifice. Will make all the difference in my recovery period, if it’s truly there. Thank you.

Fabulous, Bonnie. Finally. Any questions as you prepare for surgery?

I’ve finally got a date for my surgery 7/14/21! In Texas! A precancer polyp in appendix (the appendeceal orifice , going up into colon. So if no cancer cells then I’m free to go home in a couple days! But if reeection then a long recovery.. I’m 83I’ve written in here before. Thank you and others for your experience! It’s very scary... at my age. But so many thanks!!!!

I heard the pain and discomfort cld be associated with something called adhesion and laser treatment is prefered.
I wondered why is abdominal surgery so full of drastic aftermath for everyone😱

JMO as any life changing event, good or bad, we are altered physically, mentally, emotionally…. And as Amanda says, this site is a step in the right direction when we need support especially from others who have “been there.” It honestly amazes me the number of posters who somehow have or are overcoming their “challenges.” As an older adult (much older) and having had cancer (as has most of my family and spouse and his family)… illnesses have become a daily part of my life.
Looking back, and I did receive some help in dealing with the emotional site of physical illnesses several years later…. for me it was not enough and the doctors are so busy treating, caring for, directing patients through the various channels, sometimes do not recognize or have time for the emotional side of their patients’ lives… may I urge you to find some help sooner rather than later in coping with the changes in your life.
Unfortunately during COVID a lot of peer support groups and such have closed here in Ontario Canada, but I found one “warm line” phone in organization and while it will not mend a broken body or heart, it has helped me … and discussion on here has helped too: might have to try several organizations/groups etc.
I hope your body continues to heal, and want you to know, as many on here will comment, it IS a challenge… and like many others, your life might not be the same but it is amazing what the human body/mind can get through … best of luck. (Me too, I feel I ought to be more grateful for living through cancer/radiation many years ago, while others did not… you have been through a lot and it will take time….). J.

I would like to know if it actually does get better after the surgery or am I stuck in some uncomfortable, and unreliable shell of my former self. Because i have been cleared of cancer, but do not feel as celebratory as I should. I feel poorly altered.