Rectal Cancer

Hi  and a warm welcome to the board. It’s a big operation and recovery can take a while but you will get there. If you type APR in the search box then you’ll see other posts but I’m going to tag a couple of people in who’ve had it recently and see if they wouldn’t mind sharing their experience? OldRhodie and superfly

Hi there and welcome. Sorry to hear you are in great pain. The first 6 weeks are the worst and then it gradually starts to get better. I didn't sit down for quite a while and found kneeling on a chair turned around the wrong way and then leaning on a table worked. That was a nice change from permanently lying down on my sides. Yes, morphine is your best friend during this time . I assume you are having the dressing changed regularly by wonderful district nurses?  I got an infection that put my recovery back a bit and my op was just before the first lockdown so that didn't help.I am now 22 months on from my APR (ELAPE) and don't really notice my wound. I used to need a cushion for driving the car but don't need that anymore. Good luck with it all, you will get there! Just need to be a patient patient! Yes, its all worth it to know that the tumour isn't there anymore! cheers Sean ( Superfly). 

Thank you Karen for your kind words of encouragement and support.  Appreciate it. x

Hi Superfly,

Actually, not got dressings to be changed by district nurses.  They are not coming in.  Had an appointment with the Consultant plastic surgeon this week and he is very pleased with the way the wounds are knitting.  Just one small area of sluff in all the wounds, which should hopefully clear up.  To go back in three months for another check. So that is incredibly positive.  Cushions - yes, I've got a few.  Pressure cushion, do-ring cushion, V cushion, etc.  Maybe too early for any of them to be soft enough/of any use?  Can't even sit on the edge of the memory foam mattress yet.  Fingers crossed it will improve.  Love walking around the house, so that helps.  Nice to be upright!  Thanks for bothering to reply to me.  Helps to know that others have come through what I am going through.  Best wishes. 

Big welcome from me too ! 
I have bookmarked your thread and will refer to it if others need someone to chat through this aspect of surgery with !

You sounds as though you are doing very well all things considering !

Court 

Court - Thank you for your welcome and positivity.  Happy to help/support anyone, if I can do.

Hi Hankbrogie,

Very warm welcome!  Karen062 is quite right.  I had my APR 8 weeks ago (without the buttock flaps) because I had a very low rectal cancer (virtually on the sphincter).  I was in great pain when sitting, standing or walking which only subsided when I was lying flat.  The painkillers they gave me; epidural (didn't work), morphine drip, paracetamol and tramadol; were ineffective for more than an hour or two.  Eventually after 3 and a half weeks, my surgeon prescribed gabapentin (which is for nerve pain) and that got on top of the pain (even if I felt very dozy on it).  After being on it for 2 weeks I was able to phase it out and am now pain free.

It was explained to me  that it was a huge operation and that, even though the external wounds were healing up (which my surgeon assured me they were), the internal healing was much more extensive and would take longer.  I think one doesn't realise the big impact it makes on your body, but you will get better. 

I now use a purple pressure cushion whenever I sit down - take it in the car and everywhere.  Didn't find the expensive donut cushion much use as it tended to try and separate my buttocks which put pressure on the bottom wound. 

Now trying to cope with my stoma, find the right bag and get more efficient at changing it.

Would love to chat if you would.

Jane

Hi Hankbrogie.It sounds as if I had a similar op as you in July but minus the V and Y flaps.I wondered what are they? I now have a hernia from the wound site in the bottom which is very painful and maybe wouldn't have happened if there had been  a more  robust closure.

Like you my tumour is gone and hopefully soon will be able to sit comfortably.

Hi Jennufer r,

Thanks for your reply.  V and Y flaps are flaps of sink on the buttocks shaped like V's and Y's.  I believe that this is quite a new way to operate/sew up, but it ensures a robust closure.  Certainly painful meantime!  Hahaha.  Never mind, the main thing is that we are both tumour free.  Wish you a continued speedy recovery.  Keep well. x

Hi Jane,

Thanks for your reply and the mention of a nerve pain tablet.  I appreciate that.  You have been through that horrendous pain that I have experienced.  So overwhelming at times and hard to believe that you will ever get well when you are in that much pain. I have a purple pressure relieving cushion but actually find it not a lot of good thus far. Hopefully, in times to come it will be useful?  Fingers crossed.  Good news that my leaking wounds are hardly weeping these past couple of days - so grateful for the smallest things.  Funny enough, although I wish I didn't have a permanent stoma, I am managing to cope with it and getting better at changing the bag.  My stoma nurse has been a gem - such a good support - and told me not to leave a gap between the hole of the stoma bag and my stoma (to eradicate leaks).  That helps.  Chin up Jane.  We will get there!  Hahaha.  Christmas is coming.  Keep well. x