Bowel Cancer left side

Hi I was diagnosed with cancer just above my dentate line (rectum) I had surgery in October. Removal of descending colon, rectum and anus. I’ve a permanent colostomy. It was a long op 9 hours and I won’t lie I felt like I’d been hit by a train afterwards. I was very uncomfortable. I was packed in my bottom and literally felt like I had a hedgehog rammed up there. I also had a catheter which was uncomfortable. These both came out within a day or two which was great and the relief was immense but definitely needed the air cushion to sit. I’m 3 months down the road and I’m recovering steadily. I still get tired but the first few weeks are the hardest. The stoma and bag are easy but I still have the odd accident. I’m very lucky, they got all my cancer and I don’t need chemo or radiotherapy. Just on surveillance now. I see or have regular contact with the stoma nurses so not abandoned. I also had some nerve damage to my legs that is the worst, especially at night in bed. My legs jump and twitch all night. The skin is like prickly heat. My advice is to keep on top of your  pain relief and do the physio they teach before the surgery. Buy lots of chewing gum, it helps fool your stomach to work. Hope it all goes well for you. 

Thanks TAFFYSCOTINENGLAND