Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

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.

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

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

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

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.

Thank you for your wonderful response!
Please let us know the results of your CT SCAN next week.
I have a feeling that you will be getting a good report and finding encouragement for a good recovery!
Many blessings to you! Paul

Can't thank you enough for your response. The stool is there in the rectum area and is so annoying. I have to take a laxative suppository or force it out which is not good but sometimes my only option. Your kind words give me hope and I can't thank you enough. Bless you also on your journey. You are a special soul.

Supposedly the sigmoid colon is 18 inches, so with 9 inches gone I'm at 50% and you say that you are 100% .
I am sure that taking all of it makes a big difference by comparison.
Three months is truly nothing when speaking of recovery for colon resection and bowel surgery.
Definitely forget the fiber.
Whatever fiber you get, let it come from food, not supplements.
I don't know your age or how naturally active you are, i.e, if you can stay at home every day, etc.
I would slow down, rest more, no exercise like that prior to surgery, just light walking around the house.
At 3 months, some inactivity is not a bad thing to allow your colon to mend and recover. Rest, take naps, sleep and avoid stress.
Get your diet right for colon recovery and eat small, easily digested meals and snacks throughout your day.
You will make it through this but you've got to know that life and bowel activity is going to be different and sometimes challenging for awhile if not a year or more.
No one ever said that colon resection can be a speedy recovery. It is quite the opposite.
Best wishes to you always in this journey!

Thanks for your advise. My sigmoid is gone and that's the chamber for stool to form and sit before it goes to the rectum. I suffer everyday with pressure in that area. Fiber makes it worse so I eat more fruit. Some nights can't sleep and afraid to eat. Doing everything, exercise, massage, acupuncture. Everyone says it take time but it's been three months and no improvements. I go for another cat-scan next week. Just don't know how loncg I can sustain this. If anyone out there has any other suggestions I would so much appreciate it. Bless you all on your recovery.

I had Rectal Cancer in 2019 and underwent Chemo then Radiation, then finally in 2020 had surgery to remover aprox. 11" of my rectum. They installed an Ileostomy bag I had to use for 3 months while the rectum surgery healed. They then reversed the Ileostomy and now the plumbing is all working again. Although...not as it used to in the past. I do have times of normal BMs and then I'll have no BM for 2 days or so and then the next day, my bowels empty out. First very formed stool, and several times of BMs and then diarrhea. So I have to stay close to the toilet for that day. Having an Ileostomy bag wasn't too bad and the reversal went like a dream but I am not against having the bag for a while. All in all, I'm glad I had the surgery. Now the Cancer is gone and having good blood tests saying no cancer has returned.