Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Surgeon asked me if I wanted one before emergency surgery. I said a resounding no. Can't live life like that. It might have been temporary but did not want to be opened up again to restore normal function in hospital for how long? My stint in hospital was painful, difficult and long enough. There was an old man in hospital when I was there. He had a bag and refused to learn how to use it which extended his stay there and thus he couldn't go home. He insisted the nurses change it. I really can't blame him, I left before he did so can't update. His wife was a long-suffering angel of positivity dedicated by love to be by his side whatever he decided. A rare person who talked to all of us in the ward using her magic to cheer us up. All I can suggest is research research research and research again finding 100 - 1000s of people who have a bag and their lives now. The surgeons don't care what you decide. It's a job for them after all. Research natural remedies, change of diet - anything.

I'm not sure why colon and rectal surgeons are not more forthcoming about what to expect after colon resection.
Maybe they are trying to not pile on more stress to what already exists.
But would it really be of help to hear warnings of possible explosive diarrhea for months to come during recovery?
Many here have expressed regret in having had the surgery because of bowel problems later. Is doing nothing really an alternative to having colon cancer?
1- Increased intake of fiber is not always helpful, in actuality it can make constipation and diarrhea worse. I would not take fiber supplements.
2- I don't believe that many, if any doctors are recommending Probiotics after a surgery. People are taking a Probiotic while not having any conclusive evidence of their current gut health or how a Probiotic can be helpful in an unknown environment of 40 trillion living microbes and hundreds of species of bacteria.
I'm not seeing where Probiotics should be introduced into a colon for instance, where colerectal cancer has once lived and the likelihood of its return.
3- Avoid dairy. Avoid added sugars. No meat. No fried foods. Keep it simple. Eat plain pasta. No baked goods.
4- Whatever you eat, eat it at home. Forget going out to restaurants and fast food.
5- Drink water. Give up hot food and drink during colon recovery.
6- Eat fruits and vegetables from canned or frozen. Fresh produce is not the best choice.
7- Whatever you eat, cut it up to give your digestion a break.
8- Stay with foods for awhile that are easily digested.
9- Plan small meals and eat something throughout the day when hungry. Forget 3 meals at prescribed times of the day.
Eat small meals and snacks numerous times a day.
10- Nuts are a great snack but give them up while your resections mend and heal.
We are talking about fragile tissue and staples.
*Do not allow yourself to become constipated as straining can push the resection seam apart or in the least, create a leak.
These are suggestions to try for those having bowel related issues after colon surgery, resection in particular.
When it comes to diet after colerectal cancer, you will find that this is no one size fits all.
You experiment over time and your diet is constantly evolving as you eat this but not that.
Eventually, you will find what works for you!

I am reading all these comments. I too have no quality of life. I'm afraid to eat. Can't sleep because the pressure in my rectum, like a broomstick and it is constant. I have no peace 24/7. I am trying everything from acupressure to exercise to laxatives which they don't advise. Has anyone considered a colostomy bag. I know it has it's own set of issues but at YOU are more in control. My aunt and my girlfriend have one and their quality of life is better than mine. The stress of all this is not good and I worry how long I can sustain this. Please, I would appreciate any comments. Bless you all.

Try enzymes with probiotics. I get the MAV nutrition brand thru Amazon.

My oncologist started me on a pig enzyme that he warned was pricey even with good insurance. I think it was called Cretin. I then went to Amazon and found the one pictured below at 1/3 the cost. I don't believe I will ever poo normally, but this really helps. The brand is MAV nutrition. Sorry the pic is not clearer.

For several months after the op I couldn't eat anything when I went out all day. It did improve but I still have frequent, urgent calls when out and have pulled off the road with car doors open so people can't see me.
If I eat out I remain close to shopping centres in case. I can't go anywhere that doesn't have a toilet in a short distance.

What sort of Enzymes? Any? I live in Australia. I am two years post-op with explosive, diarrhoea still.

Scroll to read my comment.
For a few months after surgery, I didn't eat anything all day nor breakfast just to be able to go out doing enjoyable things and then come home starving. Didn't drink water either 'cause I had to go then.
I now get ready to leave home and sometimes have to run back indoors to go.
I did follow the FOD food map for about a year but it didn't really help.
I am on it again from yesterday.
If I go too many times in a day, I have to use rectal creme to stop the painful burning and itching. It works instantly.
It's hell really.

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.

Iam sorry you are having problems
Before my surgery I was very active I worked 7 days a week.now it takes a real effort just to clean.i don't have constipation but I have the worst diarrhea anything I eat or drink running to the bathroom is a complete pain.so I could imagine you having so much constipation one of the things that I have found is dulcolax chewable they work within 30 minutes my husband gets constipated frequently and just one chewable is able to have a bowel movement
They are expensive but if it works
It's worth it.i wish you lots of luck one more thing I have not been able to eat.its been 6 days now.anyone else have this problem