Good morning! What a tempting subject heading hey?! So I would really like to get some idea of how long I can expect to be living in nappies post colon surgery! I am 3 week post op/2 weeks since I started eating following my Stoma reversal surgery. I had a huge tumour removes from my lower colon plus some on the upper right side - a year ago. I spent 2 months in hospital recovering - I had a fistula. Then I did 6 months of Chemo followed by a lovely 4 month break when I put on the 20kg I had lost and got all my strength back. Back to present day: the reversal was a success and I understand the colon is irritated, healing, sensitive. I am starting to struggle because I see no progress. I am still eating basic foods such as white bread, ham, chicken, fish, pasta, rice, i have introduced homemade vegetable soups, tinned fruit. But apart from a few quiet nights I am still experiencing loose output every hour or so. I am not in danger of dehydrating but would love to get some idea from you guys as to how long I can expect this to last. It would be reassuring even if it might be long. Fanx
Hi Chocoblanc. I was told that my new ‘normal’ bowel habits would be very similar to my stoma which they are in a way - my stoma was always very active in an evening/through the night and that is when I go now. It can definately take a few weeks/months to settle down and apparently things can improve up to a couple of years! I was told that immodium/loperamide might be something that I had to take in definately. Are you taking any of those? I’ve attached a link to a couple of booklets
https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/StomaReversal_BowelCancerUK.pdf
https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/RegainingBowelControl_BowelCancerUK.pdf
Page 4 of the Regaining Bowel Control talks about bike malabsorption which can affect people who’ve had part of their right colon removed which may be worth investigating? Diet wise you seem to be doing the right thing and you can always ring your Support/Stoma Nurse if you’re really struggling.
Hope it settles down soon for you
Take care
Karen x
Yikes!:/ Thanks for all the info and links. There was I thinking it would all just ping back! I guess I will just have to be patient and realise that my colon might always need tlc! Thanks for your support. Have a great day!
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007