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

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!

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. 

• 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.

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 …,,,  

Hi well done I'm 9 weeks post surgery but couldn't even think about driving.I can ealk most days but still having wounds dressed every day ,it's the middle one that is taking longer and can't sit for long so feel it's going to take a lot longer 

Well done you - 4 months on (end May) I was signed off for swimming last Friday and a bath ! But still weekly checks local surgery. Lots of protein helped me but I’m a vegetarian so it was very important. Protein builds the muscle you need to heal the cavity from the inside out. Did you have the vacuum dressing machine ? My Registrar felt that really does speed things up - although 5 weeks on it 24/7 was no picnic ! Read loads of books even Chekov ! Get well soon xx 

Hi ive not heard of the vacuum dressing I just have the nurse every day  they day it's healing but I still find sitting uncomfortable and I can't read as I have to lay on my side.Ive got to be patient and increase my protein

Thanks xx

It’s prob too late now in any case : it’s a machine that helps the wound come together whilst removing the “excudate” aka gunge which is collected in a reservoir - charged overnight so you’re plugged in …. One hour process to change dressing/empty reservoir every 3 days. All supervised by a Tissue Viability Team - not every HA has a team like that. You carry the machine like a shoulder bag 24/7. sounds like you’re nearly there - side lying is exhausting. Have a look at high protein yoghurts/cottage cheese - I aimed for 100g protein a day - looking up protein content of foods. 

PS ! The other invaluable thing was a VALLEY CUSHION - this was provided free of charge by my stoma supply company (RapidCare) its two inflatable cushions with a valley in the middle so it doesn’t stretch the perineum which is last thing you need. This is why doughnut circular cushions are harmful in this situation. You can buy Valley Cushions but quite pricey. Ask your nurse if you Havnt already got one - it was such a relief sitting for meals when I was side lying the rest of the time. 

thevalleycushion.co.uk/.../