Problems months after colon resection surgery: What Helps?

Hi,

First thing I would say - in my experience - is that expectation is the biggest hurdle. I found recovery wasn't linear. When I have had an injury in the past, typically each day feels better than the last. For me at least, this surgery was v. different. It would seem ok and i would think that I was back to 'normal' then I would hit a bump which would seem to set me back a little. Expectations. From what I have read and now had confirmed from the doc's is that this is all normal.

I oozed for a long time post op as well btw.

Overall you WILL be healing, but will be having little setbacks, all completely normal. I am now 5 months after the op, feel night and day better than I did after 2 months post op, I feel much stronger, but still if I lift too much, I get pain - and I know I have overdone it.

Try to put the worries to the back of your mind. We are all different and you will be healing in a way that is completely unique to you. I would of course speak to your doctor if the pain is continuing for a while and it is preventing you from sleeping, you could just be one of those who has longer post op pain. I would experiment too, do some pain meds work more than others ? do you get the pain at certain times ? can you sleep in a different position ? when i was getting a lot of pain, i slept on the sofa, I found being sat up propped on my side helped me greatly to get to sleep. Interestingly trying to sleep on the opposite side was too painful. Like I say try experimenting. Also food. I found that if I ate certain foods it could leave me in agony.

The number one tip though, try not to worry. I did too, it's natural. But after 5 months I see that recovery just takes a while with this sort of surgery.

That is extensive surgery! How are you doing?
My pain seems to be improving, however, I have an incision that is about 3 inches in the lower abdomen that has a small red section. Not sure if that indicates infection. Seems like one step forward and two steps back!

Hi,

First thing I would say - in my experience - is that expectation is the biggest hurdle. I found recovery wasn't linear. When I have had an injury in the past, typically each day feels better than the last. For me at least, this surgery was v. different. It would seem ok and i would think that I was back to 'normal' then I would hit a bump which would seem to set me back a little. Expectations. From what I have read and now had confirmed from the doc's is that this is all normal.

I oozed for a long time post op as well btw.

Overall you WILL be healing, but will be having little setbacks, all completely normal. I am now 5 months after the op, feel night and day better than I did after 2 months post op, I feel much stronger, but still if I lift too much, I get pain - and I know I have overdone it.

Try to put the worries to the back of your mind. We are all different and you will be healing in a way that is completely unique to you. I would of course speak to your doctor if the pain is continuing for a while and it is preventing you from sleeping, you could just be one of those who has longer post op pain. I would experiment too, do some pain meds work more than others ? do you get the pain at certain times ? can you sleep in a different position ? when i was getting a lot of pain, i slept on the sofa, I found being sat up propped on my side helped me greatly to get to sleep. Interestingly trying to sleep on the opposite side was too painful. Like I say try experimenting. Also food. I found that if I ate certain foods it could leave me in agony.

The number one tip though, try not to worry. I did too, it's natural. But after 5 months I see that recovery just takes a while with this sort of surgery.

I’m wondering if anyone is taking a fibre supplement like Metamucil? I’m 4 weeks out now and my doctor has told me I should take Fibre every day for the rest of my life. I’m nervous to start so soon but in the other hand perhaps it helps?

Yes I have taken Metamucil in the past. I was a bit worried it was too soon.
I did call my surgeon to book an appointment. I had a couple of questions but his secretary wasn’t too anxious to answer which I do understand.
I have a telephone consult this week so I will be sure to be prepared with my questions. I’ve found the after care (or lack of) frustrating.
Thank you so much for answering! I’ll start very slowly with the fibre.

I'm glad to hear that you have a phone consult this week, @kathyoung. Making a list of questions is a great idea as it's always easy to forget something important.

I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post after your phone visits and let me know how you are doing?

(Also, remember, if the receptionist who answers the phone at your doctor's office is not helpful you can always ask to speak, or leave a message, for the doctor's nurse.)