maybe someone with an ostomy can help

libris
libris Member Posts: 23
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
My surgery in Feb included removal of my rectum and sigmoid colon and a temporary ileostomy.

Nearly 8 weeks later the only pain I still have is in the (former) rectum area where they attached the colon to the anal sphincter. I still need to take pain meds (oxycodone) daily. Everything else has healed with no lasting pain.

Does that sound like something is wrong?

Thanks for all your help you wonderful people!

Comments

  • markatger
    markatger Member Posts: 314
    #2
    It sounds like we had very similar surgery. Did they re-construct your rectum with a J-pouch? That is what I had done in September 05. I too have a temp ileostomy.

    I am only 34 which may have helped with healing. My pain was not bad at all. I was off of pain meds within 2 weeks of the surgery. My worst problem was that I had two small bowel obstructions (which eventually resolved themselves.)

    I did have some tailbone pain when I sat on it too long, that I think may have had to do with radiation damage to surrounding tissue.

    So, hmmm... not sure if what you're experiencing is within normal limits. I'm sure you've talked to your doctor about this, right? If not, I definitely would. Maybe they can do some scans to make sure everything is ok. My surgeon is going to do a test called a pouch-o-gram done before my ileostomy reversal in May. I guess they can get a good look at my new rectum/pouch with this test. Not sure if you are far enough out from your surgery to have that test done. I think they have to push some sort of contrast material, maybe barium, into your rectum and you may not have healed anough yet for that. But I imagine there are other studies that can be done.

    Oxycodone is very strong. Still taking it 8 weeks out seems like a little unusual. But I don't want to scare you....it may be within normal range of people's experience. I would ask your doctor and maybe get second opinion.

    Best Wishes,
    Maria
  • cal79
    cal79 Member Posts: 57
    #3
    I had a similar surgery to you with a j-pouch constructed. I had terrible pain (mainly incisional) for around 3 weeks after surgery, and then some pain in the rectal area for about 6 weeks (although not continuously). After the first 3 weeks, the only meds I took were paracetamol.

    About 6 weeks out of surgery the doctor did a rectal exam and broke down the webbing of fibrous tissue that had formed. A lot of the rectal pain I was experiencing was resolved by this.

    This is probably something you should check out with your doctor. Everyone heals at different rates and I assume that at least some rectal pain would be considered normal, but I would agree with Maria that Oxycodone after 8 weeks could be a little unusual.

    Good luck and let us know how you get on :)
  • AlanR
    AlanR Member Posts: 3
    #4
    Hi, Keep the Faith. I am 70 years old.I lost my rectum 2 years ago. It gets better with time. Fight back,don't let it get you down. Eat, walk keep busy. Do you have a colostomy. Let me know I can help. when I got out of the hospital. I was on my own now I am a pro. I would be happy to help you,
  • Penrose
    Penrose Member Posts: 2
    #5
    Hi Libris: Sounds to me like everything is right as it should be. I've just had an ileostomy takedown but had my ileostomy in place from July 2005 until April 28th (5 weeks ago). The pain you're talking of sounds right on too - I had to tke pain med for quite a while after my LAR surgery. You know, the ileostomy bacame quite easy to live with after I got used to the idea of it. I also used Convex IT and Eakin cohesive seals which made all the difference in the world - not more burning skin around the stoma. It got to the point where I did just about everything - rode on planes, etc. I have a web page - Rectal Cancer - Still hopeful or can be reached under my name: Penrose on the user directory. Good luck! Hang in there! Hope to hear from you.
    Hugs

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