Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Hi, it took me a good 4-6 months to feel 95% better. I had a sharp pain at one of my incisions. It seemed to be nerve pain and took gabapentin at night for a week or so and that seemed to help.I don’t take it anymore. I’m at 9 months post—op and still have bouts of diarrhea if I do not take my Metamucil and loperamide. It’s difficult to get through but you will. Keep connecting with your surgeon with any questions and or issues come up. It’s been very helpful for me to have zoom appointments every other month for these past 9 months. Good luck and I hope things calm down for you.

@lorijbq While I can't tell you what to expect, I can share my experiences with you. At ages 53 and 55 I had invasive surgeries of the upper digestive tract. I was in the hospital for about 7 days after each surgery. The second surgery took a bit more recovery time than the first. I didn't notice a great difference in stamina and pain until after 6 weeks. I really begin to feel back to normal after 6 months. So you see, it does take more time.

When you have an invasive surgery and your digestive tract is altered through a surgical procedure it takes all of the parts a while to find their new normal. It is not a quick recovery so allow yourself the gift of time and rest as much as you can, try gentle exercise as best you can and appreciate the adjustment that your body needs to make.

After you get some feedback regarding these new symptoms from your doctor, will you let me know how you are doing?

Yes I will first thing Monday morning. The pain in my bellybutton has subsided. It’s just everyday it’s something née and scary. My plumbing feels like it will never be the same. I am 61. The doctors talked me into this because of reoccurring diverticulitis. Said if I do it now my chances of ending up with a bag were much lower than if I wait. So I agreed. Everything about me is different. I lost all muscle mass due to weight loss too. Maybe I’m expecting too much at 5 weeks.

Yes, I'm sure you were hoping to feel better by this time, @lorijbq. You don't mention your age, however, many of us have found that healing takes more time as we get older.

It is important to take care of yourself now. I really think it is important to report these new symptoms to your doctor. If these symptoms worsen, please go to a walk-in clinic or the Emergency Department of the hospital where the surgery was performed.

Will you call your doctor's office and explain how you are feeling?

Yes, I’ve had 2 post op appointments. Dr said if I have any issues to call office otherwise we are done. Surgery was April 13 th. I just expected to be better than how I feel by now.

Hi @lorijbq and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You started your own message perfectly! I can understand why you feel concerned about these new symptoms.

Have you contacted your doctor's office and told the doctor's nurse or PA about these new symptoms? If not please do so. This could be an expected result of this type of surgery. It will be good if you can put your mind at ease.

Have you had your first follow up appointment with the surgeon yet?

I had colon resection(sigmoid) 5 weeks ago and today out of nowhere my left side next to bellybutton is sharp pain. There is no bulging... I was concerned about hernia. I did have a bout of diarrhea this morning. Also a lot of pressure in rectum when I sit down. I’m so scared and discouraged. Also I’m new here and don’t know how to start my own new message

I’ve had 4 appts with surgeon regarding going forward with surgery on precancer polyp in appendeceal orifice( top portion of appendix) it’s an unusual rare place for polyps, rarely found! I’m really worried, as resection is also a possibility. So many complications. Has anyone had successful orthoscopic polyp in appendix. And after math of recovery? Thanks

What does people know about a illospohy? They leave the colon in there so what is the object to it?

thank you ,
getting there
thank god xxxxx best love x luck top you all

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