Struggling after Bowel surgery

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Hi,

I have recently had a anterior resection which went well but two weeks into recovery I am struggling with what I can only describe as bowel spasms, which are really uncomfortable and distressing. I’m trying to follow a low fibre diet as recommended and drinking plenty of fluids but this doesn’t seem to be helping and prescribed laxatives only seem to be making things worse. Does anybody know if this is “normal” following this procedure or has anybody else had a similar experience? This is really getting me down so any advice would be welcome!

Many thanks!

T_21 over 3 years ago

Fairly normal. It can take some time to settle down. 3 months after surgery I find gas moving along the bowel causes pain and I'm never too sure whether I need to go to the toilet or not.

Monkey58 over 3 years ago in reply to T_21

Thanks Prof _T

sorry to hear you are struggling 3 months on. My life at the moment seems to be revolving around the bathroom, spent the whole weekend there!
thanks for replying.

T_21 over 3 years ago in reply to Monkey58

It does get better. I was told that by 6 months things should be pretty good

Gemmary over 3 years ago

Hi, Monkey58, unfortunately yes it is quite normal. You've had a major trauma and things take time to settle. I found Dulcoease pretty good, else Laxido. Mine bounced between constipation and diarrhea for a while, but it will settle. Mine always seems to prefer constipation, but now 2 years after it is pretty ok. Just more bowel movements per day than before, as mine was rectal cancer and my rectum is now about half, so the storage capacity is much less. A lot of time in the early days particularly, it was impossible to tell between gas and poo. So you err on the safe side!!! Sorry to be graphic, but no other way to explain!!

Basically 2 weeks is very early, and it will get better. Stay safe.

Monkey58 over 3 years ago in reply to T_21

Thanks,

Just a wee bit scary at the moment. Maybe I have been expecting too much, you can’t rush these things

Monkey58 over 3 years ago in reply to Gemmary

Thanks Gemmary,

Not graphic at all, considering all the conversations about our “waste disposal unit” We all had before, during and after surgery! You are right of course 2 weeks is very early to expect good results, one day at a time, a learning process,

Thanks for your advise and comments too. Lots to think about!

stay safe and well too