Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Hi Paul,
So nice to see your post. It's been almost two years since my surgery and I am suffering more now then before the surgery. I have constipation issues but that's just the half of it. I need to take synthroid because I don't have a thyroid. Years agos had t cancer. This resection changed the whole dynamic of my gut. I am now having trouble metabolizing my medication. It sounds bizarre but the synthroid stays in my system and causes havoc. I experience every side effect from the medication from physical pain to osteoporosis. Every doctor is puzzled by this situation. I don't know where to go anymore and am frightened that there will be no remedy for me. It is taking a terrible toll of me physically and mentally. If there is anyone out there with a suggestion I would soooooo appreciate it. Thanks for your concern. God bless you and hope you are hanging in there. Faylene

Your post has always been remembered and with hope that you have now experienced a great improvement and recovery!

I would love to have you post your update report concerning the same.
It is of interest to me and I am sure to many others!
Thanks,
PAUL

I am two years out from the surgery. Still have explosive diarrhoea without any warning. I go about 4 -7 times a day. Didn't make it to home toilet at 3am twice and it sprayed all over the wall and toilet. Nightmare to clean up and I hate myself when it happens.
I have to pull into a quiet area when out driving to go. Don't make it sometimes and have to put a plastic bag on the driver's seat till I get home to change clothes and soak them.
Drinking hydrolysed water but it doesn't help.
It impacts me severely mentally and physically. I am unemployed but fearful of getting a job where I may have to run to the toilet or not make it.
Sometimes, it just comes out of me immediately after food with no time to go to toilet. I am soaking my clothes several times a week in the laundry.
I will have to go see my surgeon again, I guess.

I can relate to you 100%. I too have had colon resection and it's been 3 months. I wish I never had this surgery. My quality of life is worst now than before the surgery. No matter what I eat I feel lousy and always constipated. Has anyone out there had their Sigmoid colon removed? The stool now goes directly to the rectum and sits there. I have tried everything. I believe the colon is not stimulated enough so now I am doing acupressure and it helps a little. I am in such a depression that my next step is to see a therapist for medication to help me through this horrible phase. I am praying for you all.

Hi @krazianne, I'm tagging @bjstp329 to make sure they see your questions.

It's hard to be patient with our bodies. In the grand scheme of things, one month after a major surgery is not a very long time. It's been almost 2 weeks since you posted. Have things improved or been reduced? How are you doing?

How did that go? It’s been a month for me now and I’ve had that off and on when I’m feeling constipated. Doc told me that’s to be expected while I’m still healing. Have you ever had chills, nausea, and abdominal spasms accompany the pain with frequent visits? That’s what I’m currently dealing with.

Hi I had sigmoid colectomy 2 months ago now I feel pain and pressure in rectum along with mucus discharge,wondering if anyoone has experienced this?

Thankyou indeed for your prompt reply.
This is such a wonderful way to connect. I had begun feeling very isolated ,alone, and confused with my nutrition issue.
I did try to speak to a few dietitians but did not find their advice pointed enough to address my specific situation.
I wonder if there are onco- dietitians who can perceive my unique situation of zero tolerance to all protein foods…….

Thankyou indeed for your prompt reply.
This is such a wonderful way to connect. I had begun feeling very isolated ,alone, and confused with my nutrition issue.
I did try to speak to a few dietitians but did not find their advice pointed enough to address my specific situation.
I wonder if there are onco- dietitians who can perceive my unique situation of zero tolerance to all protein foods…….

Hello @apuakumamma and welcome to the Digestive Health support group on Mayo Connect. I am glad that you found this group as Connect has many members who have had similar experiences, and this is a great way to share the journey. Here is a list of many of the discussions about post-resection surgery. I'd encourage you to go through these comments and discussions and then feel free to hit "Reply" to any of the comments and ask questions.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/digestive-gastrointestinal-problems/
I see that you have had several surgeries, and the last one was earlier this year. As you know, it does take the digestive tract some time to heal and adjust to this new normal. One thing that might be very helpful to you would be to consult with a registered hospital dietitian. If you have not met with one of these professionals yet, I would highly encourage you to ask your doctor for a referral.

I've personally had three resection surgeries of the upper digestive tract and have found the suggestions and help of registered dietician to be valuable. Have you had this type of appointment?