Sigmoid colectomy a year ago, no further treatment required

Hello Cartner

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is George, and I'm one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Very sorry to hear of the ongoing symptoms you have suffered following your surgery. It is reassuring to hear that your colonoscopy, CT scan and CEA are all normal, but not knowing what's causing these intermittent symptoms must be very concerning. Sorry to hear how you are feeling at the moment, feeling that the health professionals have dismissed your concerns and questions.

We do not have any access to medical information about your health within the NHS; therefore, I can only give general support and always recommend you discuss any questions with your GP or consultant to decide if these interventions are safe and appropriate for your situation.

Adhesions are a genuine possibility after abdominal surgery, especially following multiple procedures. Adhesion may not always be visible on scans which can add to the difficulty in diagnosis.

IBS could very easily worsen other conditions of the bowel, including adhesions, due to the nature of muscle spasms and cramps. Antispasmodic medication such as Buscopan can effectively reduce the severity of these symptoms but not permanently eliminate them.

When you meet with the consultant, it is worth discussing dietary advice as they often recommend trialling a low residual fibre diet to manage symptoms associated with adhesions and inflammatory bowel conditions.

There may be alternative approaches that can help alleviate such symptoms. Acupuncture is a potentially effective intervention to calm abdominal cramps and reduce pain. This research paper may be helpful. Massage therapy may also be effective in reducing symptoms such as yours.

A second opinion can always be sought in the NHS or the private sector. The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) are an independent, government-mandated organisation which allows you to select appropriate consultants in the private sector.

If there is anything else we can help you with, please feel free to get back in touch.

Best wishes

George, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref/GH/PN

Thank you George.

The information was useful . I will look at it in depth later.

Best wishes