Slow recovery after APR surgery...is this normal?

Hi,

I was told not to sit for four weeks. The first time I tried I managed less than a minute. I slowly built up the time and now I can sit as long as I want but sometimes it is very uncomfortable. Other people may recover a lot quicker. I spoke to my stomach nurse saying I had a lot of lower pelvic pain - but only sometimes. I'm still very careful when I sit down this nearly six months on.

I purchased an egg carton cushion which helped a bit.

Hope this helps.

It took me a year to recover, it’s a tough operation. Still have a little pain, well more discomfort if I sit down quickly. Hope you are alright now. 

Hi Ixypixy,

Just noticed your post. Did you have anal cancer, and if so what type did you have. Because this is a rare cancer its difficult to find people who have had it also.

Hope you are recovering from your operation.

Best wishes

Lily 123

Hi HelenaD,

Did you have the operation for bowel or anal cancer, and was it adenocarcinoma or squamous cell. Because this is such a rare cancer it has been very difficult to find other sufferers to share information.

Hope you are now on your way to full recovery.

Best wishes

Lily 123

Hi

I didn't sit for about two months and as others have said, you have to work up to it.  Little by little.  I was told that me being cautious helped the wound to heal.

I am now nearly one year since my surgery and still sit with care.  If I sit on a hard chair for any length of time it aches a bit, so you just have to be careful.

If Dad has had infections you would expect him to recover slower so I wouldn't worry too much, just get him to takes his time, there is no point in rushing and stopping the wound from healing.

Hope he gets on OK; there is life after this surgery although it doesn't feel like it at the time.

Keep the faith, it will get better.

Hi @Lily123

I had bowel cancer. Started out quite straightforward and had an anterior resection but then three months after being told all was ok I was told it was back but lower and had to have an APR which is pretty drastic. Don’t know how it was there when told it was gone!!

However it was bowel cancer. Take it very easy for about a year, it really takes that long to recover. 

I really wish you well x

Hi 

My husband had same problem after his surgery and due to slow healing and infection he found it very uncomfortable.  

I went on to amazon and bought him a cushion designed for patients with spinal injuries with the back part cut out and he couldn't believe how comfortable it was. 

Just a thought for anyone finding sitting difficult 

Hi,

Bit late in replying to your email.  I had an op for rectal cancer in July so I know it's a different.

 I have a recliner chair which I have found to be very comfortable even though it is a bit delapidated and needs reupholstering which I have put off as I've decided my comfort is more important.  I find sitting in this chair in a reclined position has caused no discomfort at all. I have just experimented with it and there doesn't seem to be any pressure on the anal area. 

The wound area was very sore to begin with and as I have a cat who likes to steal my body warmth by sitting on my lap I protected this area  with a small tray which I placed like a shield over that area.

Just a thought but might help.  Why not go and try out some recliner chairs at a furniture shops.

I know it's been a year...I am new to this forum and noticed your post. I have anal cancer. Adenocarcinoma. I just had apr surgery and am having a rough recovery.

Thanks

Rachel

Hi and welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to read that you have anal cancer and you're recovery is proving tough.

As you said this post is over a year old so you might not get any replies if the people are no longer posting on the forum. We also have an anal cancer group which you could join to share experiences and get support from others. If you'd like to join just click on the link I've provided and then choose 'Join This Group' on the page that opens. You could then introduce yourself and ask for any questions you like by clicking on 'Start A Discussion'.

The site also has an anal cancer surgeon available to answer your questions and if you'd like to post a message to Sanjaya just click on this link which will take you there.

I hope your recovery starts to get better.

x