Hi, firstly I thank everybody who has supported me through this period of not knowing what to expect, after being seen by the Manchester consultant, who told me before the sigmoidoscopy that he wouldn't be able to to the op locally in a TEMS procedure, I'm now back to my local hospital and the consultant I first saw, Chris Smart. I have to say he's gone out of his way to let me know what's going on, and the colorectal nurses at my local hospital are superb. I now know I need to have a big op, as of yet I don't know what it's called, I see thw consultant next week, when I also have mu pre op. I know its in through the stomach to remove all of my rectum, my tumor is low down, only 4cms into my bottom. Which apparently is not so good as they're not sure if there will be enough left to be able to attach the ends, if that makes sense, and reverse the stoma, theres also a node that's got to be taken too, I trust him that he will do his best, and there's a 40% chance of it being permanent. I've had a hysterectomy that I flew through. SarahH21 says it's probably not like the hysterectomy recovery. Thank you Sarah, I'm sure many of you have had some sort of procedure that's similar, my tumor is T2a N1. I'd like to know other people's recovery, any problems that you've had, as I say, I'm a newbie and I don't know the name of the op, but I'm just glad that I now have a treatment plan, the waiting was horrible. If anyone can give me any help with recovery, ways to help with pain or your experiences. I'm also dealing with a back spasm now, my kitten decided to trip me up, but a couple of days rest will sort that.I am already on fentanyl patches, 100mcg/hour, with tramadol for breakthrough, and amitriptylene at night, with diazepam to help muscles relax and help me sleep. I can't take gabapentin or pregabalin, they send me weird, I thought I'd been asleep one afternoon, and apparently I had been out in the rain, in slippers and nightshirt digging the garden and trying to get in the car to post a letter, I was glad that Steve was there to stop me. Who knows what I'd have done if I'd been alone!!! Anyway, I'm waffling, I do that a lot!! If anyone can help with their experience of the op both straight after the op and then recovery at home, and any hints to make it easier I'd be very grateful. Everyone has been so nice on here, amd propped me up when I was slipping. My island is now no longer getting smaller and I'm now floating instead of sinking Thank you, sorry for waffling. Rosie
I was on paracetamol by day 3 
with a shot of oramorph when I wanted it, which I used to do at night to help me sleep.
But I was so weak I think the first time I actually went to the loo and emptied my bag was on my discharge day, 2 weeks after surgery. Not because I didn’t want to, but it was just too hard to get out of bed initially. I just couldn’t move and it was so hard. It’s the strangest sensation ever to have nothing left in your pelvis. So very weird until everything settles down. Seems like so long ago now!
Sarah xx
Wow Sarah you must have been so tender and bruised inside. It’s remarkable you got out in two weeks.
You’ve had remarkable surgery.
Ann
I was desperate to get out because the whole covid thing was ramping up-had to get taken to the car in a wheelchair. Just got home to see Boris on the tv announcing the first lockdown so I was glad to be out. Even though I was on a zimmer, I was home! Best thing ever, but a lot of healing to do-anyways easier at home in your own bed.
And the only time I’ve been to a hospital since was for a mammogram and my covid jabs at the little local hospital. Long may that continue!
Sarah xx
So that’s why you named one Stoma Boris. Because of what was coming out of his mouth!! When did Donald get named? 
Ann
Same time-one for poo coming out of his mouth and one for wee! I named them before I had them I think. Though we don’t see Mr Trump nowadays so I’m dating myself in the past!
Sarah xx
Ha ha we don’t see Boris either he’s always on holiday and keeps his mouth shut.
Both have left the building
You keep them going. It’s hilarious Sarah xxx
Ann
Oh, they seem to be both keeping their mouths shut! Unlike my personal Boris and Donald who have plenty to say!
Sarah xx
Well, I spoke with my consultant, he says that he thinks that having the op done via robotic surgery would be best for me, I'd get a better outcome, and there are more nodes that need taking out too,he said there's a woman at Wythenshawe Hospital who the best for me, he rang her, she is on holiday but took his call, she has no clinics next week but after hearing all about me, she has agreed to see me next Tuesday, with a view to doing the op early September. He thinks I wouldn't have the best outcome if he did the op, as the tumor is so low, so fingers crossed that's my path forward. I may need chemo after, but op wise could be a few weeks away. He also thinks I may not even need a temporary stoma, but I'm not convinced of that, how can the bowel heal if you're passing stool, so I'll wait until I see her and know the ins and outs. I'm still floating, I'll start swimming when I get the date for the op. Thank you for your advice and support, for everyone who's helped and advised me There's so much support from this group, I'm truly thankful. 
Wow that’s brilliant news. Robotic is meant to be a fast recovery. That’s what my Nieces friend had. She was up and running around in no time.
I think it’s possible to have the tumours removed with no stoma lots have it.
It’s a careful diet but you’ll have that if you have a stoma. The hospital will advice you
I think your right to prepare for a stoma and if it doesn’t happen then that’s one thing less to think about.
Ann
