Hi. I recently had a colon resection to remove a malignant tumour. I am keen to speak to others who are having the same or have had the same. I am still unsure about my diet and bowel movements. Any help gratefully received
I think that you will find that many of us here have had various resections in many Colon areas - either in the past, or currently undergoing treatments.
I had a left Hemicolectomy in May '18, which took out approx. 10" of my descending colon, plus a small section of the sigmoid. I was in hospital for four days. I found Bowel movements a bit painful for a couple of weeks, which gradually improved - but probably took at least six months to get back to more 'normal habits' (prior to diagnosis.) As to diet, I didn't change anything with mine, & just continued eating the things I normally do.
If you are personally concerned with anything, it might be better to ask a more specific question.
But, hoping that you are recovering well after your Op.
Hi there, I am 46 yr old female and mum and had a successful anterior resection in January this year. I am also on oral chemotherapy now, until September (capecitebane)
For the first 3-4 weeks I was very careful with what I ate and spent time reading up on which foods to eat to ensure I maintained a balanced diet. I generally ate small portions, around 5 -6 times per day, instead of large meals 3 times per day. I used to eat lots of spicy foods which I just cannot do anymore, at all! I avoid anything too hot or too spicy.
I also drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day. I did have constipation issues early on and was informed by my nursing team to use Laxido. This did work but eventually I found that fresh fruit smoothies helped with my constipation. I also kept a journal of which foods seemed to cause constipation and which foods had the opposite effect. This way, you will know which foods to perhaps avoid. I do ensure I have a bowl of porridge oats each morning which seems to keep me regular. I also now take regular walks each day, which I feel definitely makes my bowels work better and more regularly. I am now going to the loo once in the morning and once in the evening . It has been this regular since I took up walking 3 weeks ago! I think it definitely may be helping things.
It will take time to feel like things are working 'as normal'. Hope you have a good nursing team around you who can offer you some guidance. There is great information on the NHS website as well.
I had a resection in Jan '18 & had about 140cm of bowel removed. Recovery is very quick - I was back at Anfield a month to the day after surgery; totally due to surgical team, I'm definitely a whimp. I ate a low residue diet at first, but hated it and after a week went back to what the rest of the family were eating, just in smaller portions. Chilli & curry were back within a month. My remodeled bowels still seem to think that 3.00 am is the best time to activate - but hey ho. I was back to 10k steps within a month and decided in hospital to commit to a 'fun run' (oxymoron or what?) to raise money for CRUK. I thought I disliked running, I soon realised I absolutely detested it, but completed that year and annually since.
I wished it had never happened but it did. I've seen some wonderful things since surgery, two Champions league finals and a Prem title. My wife and me have been to some wonderful places inc.S/E Asia & Antarctica- all due to the wonderful surgical team at Liverpool's Royal hospital.
That's an inspirational reply..thank you. I have been advised to have a light diet for six weeks but I am trying adding different foods each day. I guess I am just conscious of becoming constpated and putting unnecessary pressure on the resection etc. I don't have an aftercare nurse, we were basically given the medication and told what food to avoid. I am seeing the oncologist week after next to see if there is any additional treatment needed, although the surgeon doesn't think so. Here hoping...
Thanks for the reply, that gives me confidence... I am still on a very light soft diet as recommend by the surgeon when i was discharged. I do try and walk each day to "get things moving!" I don't have a nursing team to hand, so it is vert much trial and error at the moment. Maybe the oncologist will offer some advice too.
