Hi, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January this year and had an operation to give me a permanent stoma (colostomy). There was a 4 cm tumour growing on the edge of the wall where they eventually treated me with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They were really pleased with how the treatment responded but weren't totally sure if there was still residual disease. They recommended I go for APR surgery to remove my rectum and anus and take the gracilis muscles from the back of my legs and connect them within my pelvic area. The surgery was quite major and took about 7 hours which was 7 weeks ago this Thursday (op date 19 Sept). I know it's early days still but I am still in a bad way and it feels like I have cotton wool stuffed within my bottom area but does seem to be easing but on a weekly basis. Sitting down is tough but I have a plastic inflatable cushion I can use in small amounts to ease any uncomfortableness. They have said this could continue for three months and full recovery is 12 months but just wondered if anyone could share any experiences as to whether things might improve in the pelvic area as it feels not nice at the moment. Many thanks.
