ELAPE pain post-op

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Hello everyone.

I wonder if you might be able to offer experience.

I had my ELAPE operation 2 and a half weeks ago (I’ve been out of hospital for a week) and just got the call to say that the lab report says that the op was successful! Hoorah! I’m so relieved!
BUT I’m still in a lot of pain in the perineal wound area. My butt cheek flaps and laparoscopic wounds are healing very well and pain-free. Stoma is working well (so far) but I’m literally hobbling around and feeling like my butt is being gouged (which I guess it has been!).
I wonder if I’m overdoing it? I’m an otherwise fit and active nearly 50yr old and I’ve been following the physio advice of doing a short walk .

I wonder if anyone has had the same op and if they can offer any advice about when I might start to feel human again.
thank you - wishing you all well

Kareno62 over 2 years ago

I’ve not had this operation but if you type ‘elape’ in the search box at the top of the page then it will bring up previous posts. I’ve attached a link to one below and if you click on ewok’s name then you will find their profile page to be very informative

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../elape-i-m-back

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

wichitawillis over 2 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Thank you.

Lmr76 over 2 years ago

Hi wichitawillis, I had the ELAPE surgery last December 12th 2022. Although I’ve now healed, I still am uncomfortable. I still have a wound (natal cleft) that hasn’t properly healed. I’m now doing post chemo which slows the healing down. Just give yourself time as it’s a major operation. Best of luck

wichitawillis over 2 years ago in reply to Lmr76

Hi there. Thank you for the feedback. Had a meeting with plastics today who have taken half the stitches out and removed all dressing. I feel very exposed now!! Pain has improved over the last couple of days but is agonising at times (esp when I overdo it). Must listen more to my body. Fortunately I don’t need any post-treatment- I hope that all goes well and that you heal soon. Thank you again

wichitawillis over 2 years ago in reply to Lmr76

Oh also can I ask what painkillers you were on for the first few weeks? I’m on paracetamol with fast acting Oxycodone (but I try not to take too much of that)

Lmr76 over 2 years ago in reply to wichitawillis

Hi, I had tramadol and paracetamol for the first two weeks. My bottom cheeks aches more than a sharp pain. I had soluble stitches with mine. I was very numb in my perineum area. Best of luck. X