RECOVERY FROM 'Salvage APR' operation (removal of rectum)

Salza 20 days ago

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GOOD NEWS UPDATE - ten weeks since operation, 3 weeks in hospital, 5 weeks on the vacuum dressing machine as I was one of the 30% of people whose wounds do not heal. I'm now driving, walking up to 3 miles (I'm a walker), just started doing careful yoga yesterday and gardening. Living on my own its very difficult not to risk lifting things but I've managed with help but always worrying about herniating. I have dressings changed 3 x week at GP surgery after 21 visits by community nurses over 5 weeks. I'm 71 and apart from controlled hypertension, I don't have other major health issues. TOP TIP: Check your protein intake. After abysmal food in hospital (vegetarian with bowel cancer related onion intolerance, mashed potato dinner anyone?)) I research how much protein I needed, which is based on your weight/height etc. I rose to the challenge of 100g protein a day - the community nurses put my eventual quick recovery down to this. They said they visit people who live on Mr Kipling and they just don't heal. Protein builds muscle and that's what you need to grow the cavity left by the op from the inside. It's true to say the first six weeks are the worst, or they were for me. Now I don't take turning over in bed, or sitting at a table to eat, or sitting on the sofa with my feet up for granted EVER ! Plus its Spring. So good luck to any APR op peeps out there.

RTD 20 days ago

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have a 75% change of having to have this op later this year, and have many concerns. You have given me hope that with determination and positive attitude all is possible. Well done you. From a fellow walker who was diagnosed with Polymyositis last year, prior to the bowel cancer being discovered, and who misses the freedom that walking brings. We live in hope!

Salza 16 days ago

Hi there RTD sorry to hear you may have to go through this but 70% of people leave hospital after 6 days or do I was just unlucky. But I’m fine now and just back from a personal best if 4.75 miles :between GP surgery dressing change and ear syringing somewhere else - caused by lying on side for 6 weeks ! Good luck xx PS a friend had radiotherapy and didn’t need the op - I did as mine was a “recurrence” ie rectal cancer in same place as 2021.

RTD 16 days ago in reply to Salza

Thanks for the encouragement. Glad you doing so well now. Had 25 chemoradiotheraphy sessions dec/ Jan, and now 2 rounds into 2 week chemo cycle of 6. Will be towards the end of this before I'll find out if the radiotheraphy has done the trick. Side effects not much fun. Just hoping they won't get too much worse, as I know it's best to keep calm and carry on.. Grateful for the great care and support I'm getting both from the proffessionals and family and friends. Great to have this forum too. So helpful.

Salza 16 days ago in reply to RTD

Apparently (more than one medic told me) the radiotherapy keeps on working and shrinking the tumour for many weeks - up to about 3 months. Of course everyone’s treatment is different ! No picnic is it ! One of the worst things I’ve ever been through - my friend had a temp ileostomy prior to radio to help but it was still awful for her as target was soooo low. I’m digging the garden now and walked 4 miles this am between GP surgery and ear syringe place - side lying six weeks filled my right ear with wax …,,,