Colon Resection

FormerMember
FormerMember
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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 

  • Hi PJP

    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.

    Best wishes

    Marianne

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    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.

    Take care, all the best. 

  • Evening from Liverpool 

    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. 

    Here's hoping all goes well 

    YNWA

    Mike

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Stwhitm

    Hi Mike

    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...

    Best wishes

    Peter

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    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.

    Best wishes 

    Peter