Post surgery discomfort - 4 weeks out

lauragb
lauragb Member Posts: 370 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Four weeks ago tomorrow, I had an anterior proctosigmoidectomy and coloanal anastomosis with a loop ileostomy. I also had a complete hysterectomy. I was in the hospital for 13 days because I developed an ileus but have been home now for about two weeks. On a happy note, my path report was amazing, no cancer cells left even in the tumor that was still there. 0 of 23 lymph nodes tested were negative!

Now for check-in...I am still uncomfortable, particularly as the day goes on. The muscles around my ileostomy get very sore more so toward evening, I have discomfort at the end of urination, feels kind of like a bladder spasm, and I feel pressure in the area (formerly known as my rectum). Sometimes I feel like there is something in there....phantom stool? I do have an appetite but deal with some slight nausea periodically. Anyway, I would love to hear from others about their post op aches and pains, what's normal.......I also was severely anemic when I left the hospital so I'm not sure how that figures in.
Thanks in advance for info.
Laura

Comments

  • swimmer22
    swimmer22 Member Posts: 60
    #2
    You are on track
    I had a very good recovery from the laparoscopic LAR (being male- no hysterectomy). I was back to work 5 days after hospital discharge but I was a little tender. The worst part for me was having to come home with a Bulb drainage tube. For about 9 weeks or so I couldn't lay on my side to sleep because it hurt the muscles around my ileostomy but that has resolved. I too did experience the phantom bowel syndrome and would just go sit on the toilet until it went away. It was like I felt like I needed to go to the bathroom but had to tell myself no use and learned to just wait it out. I do on occasion pass clear type mucus which they said is normal.

    Overall the ileostomy isn't as bad as I thought it would be; however, looking forward to the reversal in 2 more months! Take Care.
  • tommycat
    tommycat Member Posts: 790 Member
    #3
    Hi Laura,
    I had what you had
    Hi Laura,
    I had what you had done, plus the removal of my appendix. I was told it wold take about three months to really heal, and that's about what it took.
    Hang in there...it will get better/easier every day :)
    Your Friend in California~
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #4
    Normal
    I've experienced everything you did. It always felt like my bladder had so much pressure on it and felt like a bladder infection and it hurt when going the bathroom. Phantom pressure is very common and it took months and months for that to go away. Don't be surprised if you do pass fecal matter because that can happen to since you have a loop ileostomy. Keep walking. Know you are hurting, but this actually does aid in you healing faster. Some days you will feel better than others and think you are going backwards, but it's your body trying to adjust to the major surgery you had, plus your colon being rerouted. Awesome news about the path report. Forgot to mention, when you have the phantom pressure, sit on the toilet like you would be going to the bathroom. Sounds crazy but it does relieve the pressure. You will have to do it several times a day if the pressure continues. Good luck.

    Kim
  • lauragb
    lauragb Member Posts: 370 Member
    #5
    Thank you all so much. Some
    Thank you all so much. Some days it does feel like I'm going backwards and that is discouraging but just hearing others have been through it and know what I'm talking about makes me feel better. I haven't been taking any pain meds lately but may ask for some. How long were others on pain meds?
    Trying to stay in the light.
    Laura
  • lauragb
    lauragb Member Posts: 370 Member
    #6
    Thank you all so much. Some
    Thank you all so much. Some days it does feel like I'm going backwards and that is discouraging but just hearing others have been through it and know what I'm talking about makes me feel better. I haven't been taking any pain meds lately but may ask for some. How long were others on pain meds?
    Trying to stay in the light.
    Laura
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #7
    lauragb said:

    Thank you all so much. Some
    Thank you all so much. Some days it does feel like I'm going backwards and that is discouraging but just hearing others have been through it and know what I'm talking about makes me feel better. I haven't been taking any pain meds lately but may ask for some. How long were others on pain meds?
    Trying to stay in the light.
    Laura

    Medication
    Probably a couple months but didn't take it every day only when the pain got bad or overdoing it. Hope you feel better soon.

    Kim
  • tommycat
    tommycat Member Posts: 790 Member
    #8
    lauragb said:

    Thank you all so much. Some
    Thank you all so much. Some days it does feel like I'm going backwards and that is discouraging but just hearing others have been through it and know what I'm talking about makes me feel better. I haven't been taking any pain meds lately but may ask for some. How long were others on pain meds?
    Trying to stay in the light.
    Laura

    Pain meds can be your
    Pain meds can be your friend, especially toward the end of the day. Walking also really helped. In the beginning, I would walk from my house to the corner and back, and that in itself was a victory. Gradually I increased the distance and truly believe it speeded up the healing process.
    You would never ever know now that two years ago I had been that sick and weak. I hike, do pilates, ride my bike, etc. The body has an amazing capacity to restore itself :)
    You will be okay.....it is a process for sure, and it is not a quick one, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

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