What to expect

Hi NannyAnny

This is a great place to find out lots of information.

Im sorry you’re going through this.

I had a lower anterior resection removing a large growth August 4th.  

The four inch polyp was discovered in a colonoscopy after the Bowel screening picked it up.
However I had been having all the symptoms of a blockage for a long time and been feeling increasingly unwell.
I had a temporary ileostomy in a six hour operation. This isn’t the normal, many have a more accessible growth, so it takes much less time.

Two weeks later the results were Stage two. I’ll be monitored for five years.

I felt a huge wave of relief immediately after the operation and the dreadful IBS symptoms were gone. 

Is your husband having a Stoma?

With very best wishes.

Artsie.

Hi Artsie, Thank you for your reply.

There has been no mention of a stoma until this morning, when he got an appointment to be measured for one. I gather its just in case! I rather hope he doesn't need one as he already has one in his throat after cancer 14 years ago! I think he has enough to sort out every morning without any more, but what can you do? Can you eat normally?

Hi Nanny,

I had a bowel resection (left hemicolectomy,) two years ago. I was in hospital for 3 days after. No dietary information was offered during my stay, though I was given a rudimentary booklet giving possible ideas on how to improve your diet. In my case, on return home, I just ate the same diet I had been on prior to the Op. & made no changes whatsoever (to include continuation of drinking wine.)

It takes quite some time for the bowels to settle down...he may suffer constipation or diarrhoea for awhile, but medications can help with this. I also found it quite painful opening the bowels for a few days after...however, this quickly eased.

All good wishes

Marianne

Thanks, Marianne,

I thought he might have to be on a low residue diet, but glad if he hasn't!! I expected trouble afterwards with the bowels. He hasn't been the same since he had his colonoscopy!!!. 

Hi NannyAnny,

Please don’t worry about the Stoma. They’ll do it if needed and it’s okay to manage. I have an ileostomy which is notoriously reactive to foods. In fact my surgeon used the word unfortunately you will need….. which really made me think but I wanted the cancer out and if he’s stage 2 it’s definitely a good way to clear it out. 
After the operation my diet was mainly carbs sugar and salt. I know it sounds bad but it’s what I needed and I’m quite partial to cream cakes.  After six weeks I added foods to my intake and now I’m eating and drinking a good range. ileostomys cannot have skin on foods, seeds nuts etc as they can block. I can eat fish and chips, Cantonese chicken leaving the pineapple etc and wine. So it’s great.  On the positive side I’ve gone down two dress sizes. That lock down weight flew off.

I’ll be thinking of you.

with best wishes

Artsie