Hello Everyone....this is my first post...I'm a bit nervous but I guess I'm among friends!
Last June, a week before my Son's wedding (great timing!), I was diagnosed with Rectal Cancer.
Moving on, my treatment has included a temporary loop colostomy in August 22, followed by long course Chemoradiopherapy and finally an APER operation on 23rd February.
Through both of the other treatments I bounced back and thrived. However, this time I am really struggling..mentally and physically.
I have continual serous fluid discharging vaginally which I am told is not uncommon but it is certainly unpleasant and is hampering my drive to be mobile as it is worse when I am. Together with that, the pain in my bottom is horrible..a real throbbing aching pain...is this normal 6 weeks down the line?
I am hoping that some of you will be able to give me some feedback on any similar experiences.
Thankyou
Hi HOPE LOUISE
I noticed court tagged me into this thread so thought I should try and reassure you that you are so very recently through surgery that you have a LOT of healing yet to do. I had a different surgery (total pelvic exenteration) but the recovery was very long, and I have 2 stomas now.
I think it’s very true to say we feel we should be further on in the recovery process than we feel ourselves to be, but at your stage I was still vomiting daily and was unable to eat much. I was about 8 weeks out from surgery when I noticed I really turned a corner.
I had my rectum removed, so it was very uncomfortable to sit, but that eased off gradually for me as the rectal stump healed. I also had the discharge you mention, even though I also had my vagina removed. In hospital it simply poured out of me when I stood up to go to the shower for example. I had a nurse always following me when I got out of bed cleaning the floor! I was checked out with a Ct scan and had a collection of fluid in my pelvis which caused an infection which was treated by antibiotics.
However, 3 years on, I still have the discharge but no infection. It no longer pours out of me, nor does it hamper my life, but I still wear a panty liner 24/7-sometimes there is nothing, sometimes a few drops. I wasn’t really offered any explanation for it when I mentioned it at a follow up appointment, so I just live with it now, and it’s not a real issue.
I think we need to remember we’ve been through huge surgery, and everything takes time. I found little improvements almost daily, but also the occasional set back where I thought I wasn’t making progress. In reality I probably was but I just couldn’t see it! I rested and slept a lot, giving my body time to heal, and tried not to push myself too hard or expect too much. There were times after surgery I was so exhausted I literally couldn’t even manage to get up and shower so had bed baths and even brushed my teeth in bed with a bowl and bottle of water.
Your body has been through a huge amount over the last few months, but you will slowly get there-it sometimes seems like a very distant memory for me now. You just need to give yourself time.
Sarah xx
It was a complete life change, but I was hugely grateful for the chance to have the surgery, which removed my cancer with very good margins.
While recovery was long and slow, it did happen and I’ve had no issues from it since, nor needed any further treatment. Just be kind to yourself, and rest up as much as you need while you heal.
Sarah xx
Hi
I had APER surgery back in Feb 21 (anus and rectum removed, and stitched up) No more the dubious pleasure of sitting on a toilet!. I was in hospital for 5 days before being discharged. I wish I could say different, but yes, the pain/discomfort in the rear end takes a while to go away. Take the painkillers. There's no point in being overly brave. I was able to sit/drive after 6 weeks, and the discharge from the rear wound stopped after the same time. I'm 2 years on and comfortable, but yes, I can still feel it. This is major surgery and has to be accepted for what it is. But, the alternative was not worth considering, and you WILL come through it. I'm perfectly at ease with Eddie, my stoma and am now self irrigating each night that provides much freedom for 24 hours, evenbthough it cam be a bit messy at times!!.
Ive posted poetry in here in the past that may help, but just stick with it, stay positive, and life will get better each day 
Richard AKA Eddie Stomart
