sigmoid cancer

Flower123 Hi Debbie. Good to hear that you’re through the op and I would have thought your histology would be through any day. Maybe you could chase with your colorectal support nurse? Recovery can be hard both physically and emotionally but it’s a case of listening to your body - rest when you need to but also start to gradually do a little more - a short walk outside, coffee with friends.

The bowel does not like being manhandled and can take a few weeks to settle down after the op. I know it’s not very environmental friendly but it might be more comfortable to use wipes after each bowel movement. If you’re getting that horrible burning feeling then nappy cream can help and also haemorrhoid cream which can have a slightly anaesthetising effect.

It may be early days for this but I’m going to attach a link to a paper that a lot of people have found good to read during their recovery 

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Please keep posting and reading other posts and don’t forget  that the support team is always available if you want to chat?

Take care

Karen x

Thank you Karen for the reply 

yes I suppose I should be slowly slowly although I feel just numb like I want to be at work although I know I need to understand fully and not feel guilty for not being in work, so going out I would be embarrassed going to the toilet in a cafe especially when I feel I have the urge to go.

I haven't been out since coming home from hospital I have found I get tired although I am hoping my partner will drive me to the beach with little dogs just to get some fresh airy am just wondered about going to toilet.

I still have stitches on my left side that haven't come out my right ones were removed.

I have friends who are always at the end of the phone, but I just sometimes rather text than talk.

I have some training BSL that want to start just haven't the concentration to start I just want to sleep.

Thanks 

Hi Flower123

I found having incontinence pads for outings that weren't near toilets helpful.

I also opted for a Macmillan toilet card and i got a RADAR key for the accessible public toilets.

I also carried a waterless soap for keeping bottom clean after messy moments.

It can take time to physically and mentally adjust to you current needs, but for me as the weeks passed life got easier and more predictable.