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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@petjoy

Hello idkaren. I am nearly three weeks out from right hemicolectomy had to go back to ED for pain. I was scared I might have a problem with leaking anastomosis but CT said ok. I have been told to eat normally so I’m trying to do that but have a stitch type pain in My right side. It’s so hard and a real juggling Match isnt it. I do wish you well and hope you get back to normality soon

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Gosh I feel for you. I have been back to Hosp. Twice for right side pain. One CT scan shows all ok. Won’t do any more
Because of radiation. Suggested not taking enough painkillers. Constipation
Main problems. Wish you well .

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Thank you so much for checking in. So very kind. I’m doing much better after I found this site and realize I’m not alone. I’m doing good and really working finding a good balance with exercise. I’ve done too much in the past and am trying to figure out what works best without overdoing it. Still have some pain and still very anxious about having cancer. I am a work in progress. Thank you again for asking. A lot of friends and family disappeared after my diagnosis so it does get lonely.

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@mciowamom

I’m not sure if you check this site anymore—your post was from 2019. I just want to say you made me feel so much better. I too have been Dr Google. I had 12” of my colon removed with both laparoscopic scars and then an abdominal scar because they couldn’t do it all laparoscopicly. I had my surgery 5 months ago and I still get pain on my right side and pressure when I stand for long periods of time. Thank you for telling me it can last awhile. My doctor says I still have sutures that haven’t dissolved too so that could be causing the pain. I appreciate you making me feel like I’m not crazy and to give it time.

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@mciowamom, how are you feeling today?

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@mciowamom

I’m not sure if you check this site anymore—your post was from 2019. I just want to say you made me feel so much better. I too have been Dr Google. I had 12” of my colon removed with both laparoscopic scars and then an abdominal scar because they couldn’t do it all laparoscopicly. I had my surgery 5 months ago and I still get pain on my right side and pressure when I stand for long periods of time. Thank you for telling me it can last awhile. My doctor says I still have sutures that haven’t dissolved too so that could be causing the pain. I appreciate you making me feel like I’m not crazy and to give it time.

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Hi there my friend I am three weeks out from a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. My problems are. Constipation and right side pain. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good aperient.? Eating more or less normally with plenty of fruit. Thanks

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@idkaren

I had colon resection..laparoscopic AND open due to adhesions on Jan 4. I thought I was healing great. But now it has been 8 weeks and I have hot pains all across lower abdomen and stabbing pain where surgery was. I just had a THIRD cat scan and they say EVERYTHING looks fine...but I HURT and I BURN. I am SO frustrated!

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Hello idkaren. I am nearly three weeks out from right hemicolectomy had to go back to ED for pain. I was scared I might have a problem with leaking anastomosis but CT said ok. I have been told to eat normally so I’m trying to do that but have a stitch type pain in My right side. It’s so hard and a real juggling Match isnt it. I do wish you well and hope you get back to normality soon

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@travelgirl

@tracey430 Probably the best way to describe the issues would be after eating. It was like food didn't agree with my body. My stomach would swell up with gas after eating. My right side ached a lot. Like I was having a gallbladder attack. But my gallbladder was fine.

Sometimes i would eat food and with in 20 minutes I was on the toilet with diarrhea. Then I would feel sick..

Eat small meals if you can .. Stay away from processed food. Processed, soft cheeses, spicy and creamy foods kill me. Coffee and sodas are now a big No.
Keep track of what you are eating to see what causes you to feel pain. Cause I could normally eat in the past made me feel sick after surgery.

It took a long time to heal. I am not sure how old you are but the I can tell you at 53, it took like I said over 2 yrs to get back to normal.

I think being anxious after having the surgery didn't help either. The unknown of what was to come? Could also of messed with my body.
Cause I obsessed over what had just happened to my body. That didn't help I don't think?
Plus I kept reading everything online making myself even more freaked out. Online you tend to see the most severe cases of everything mentioned
When I played DR. Google it magnified my symptoms.

I hope this helps you?

Try keeping track of how you feel after eating. Is that when you feel the pain?

Jackie

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I’m not sure if you check this site anymore—your post was from 2019. I just want to say you made me feel so much better. I too have been Dr Google. I had 12” of my colon removed with both laparoscopic scars and then an abdominal scar because they couldn’t do it all laparoscopicly. I had my surgery 5 months ago and I still get pain on my right side and pressure when I stand for long periods of time. Thank you for telling me it can last awhile. My doctor says I still have sutures that haven’t dissolved too so that could be causing the pain. I appreciate you making me feel like I’m not crazy and to give it time.

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@lorijbq

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

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Me too!! I had a rectal resection 8months ago, gastrograffin enema test confirms no leakage and clear for reversal BUT I have this mild, uncomfortable, spasm like pain and pressure in my rectum when I sit in it … I wonder if this is normal or I’m to deal with the for long term?
Anyone experiencing this

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@tracy430

I'm also 3 months post op. I'm always having some kind of pain. I just had my 2nd CAT scan since the surgery. Everything looks fine, all my labs are fine. I'm still severely constipated. I know I needed this surgery, but I still can't help regretting it.

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Did it get any better, I had surgery 3 weeks ago for diverticulitis and pulling and pain in my right side is horrible I've had two CT scans that say I'm fine but I can't sit or get up or do anything. I'm just wondering if it got ever got better

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Well, I think that you have quite a bit going on that would be of causes not related to colon resection surgery.
Some abdomen distention is normal after colon surgery.
Do not allow yourself to become constipated and eat foods that are easily digested.
I would be very concerned about a large mass in the breastbone area. And how much of your upper body pain could be attributed to the mass ?
Of all thats going on, the mass is closest to your breast, shoulder and neck pain, it would seem.
That and the hernias should take priority while having the scans, other tests and doctor consultations for starters.
Recovery from colon surgery can take many months and maybe a year. That should not be a cause of pain throughout your entire body.
Your doctors need to be addressing all of your issues and answering all of your questions. Make sure they do!
I sincerely wish you to have accurate diagnoses and proper medications going forward and relief of pain very soon!
* if you feel that you are not getting answers or relief, seek a second or third opinion as well.
Best wishes to you!!
Paul

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I'm not sure I'm in the right Support Group. If not, someone please redirect me. Back in April of this year I had a portion of my colon removed due to diverticulitis as well as a fistula that formed from my bowel to my bladder. My surgeon did explain upon one of my follow ups that it could take up to six months before feeling like I didn't have surgery. I believe him now. In addition, I have a hiatal hernia and another smaller hernia by my belly button. The upper part of my abdomen can become distended and hard mainly after eating and quite painful, even to the touch. The pain seems to be extending into my breasts, neck and shoulder areas. I've also been experiencing restlessness in my legs at first, but now all over my body...literally head to toe. Tingling sensations and sharp stabbing sensations. I have had poor circulation in my legs for years, but since the surgery, it's become much worse. Primarily on my left side, my leg is much more painful. Veins have "popped" up or have become more visible, even in my breast and left shoulder. I've had a Pelvic/Abdominal CT with and without contrast and will be having ultrasounds on my left leg & arm next week. Everything I've had done so far has not revealed anything major. My PCP has ordered a Chest CT because there seems to be a raised "mass" across my breastbone. Has anyone had this experience after this sort of surgery? I truly don't know what to think or how to proceed to find answers. I appreciate any feedback and again, if I need to redirect my question, let me know.

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