1st Few Weeks after Colectomy and Beyond

Hello all,

I have just been given the surprising news that I have a condition that can only be corrected by a colectomy.  I have a 15 year history of chronic constipation that has been getting much worse in recent years.  After much evaluation, it seems that I have a very long, redundant, colon that loops back over itself in several places.  After losing about 140 pounds 5 years ago, my colon has even LESS room to do its loop-dee-loop and now has a habit of bending/kinking and slowing things down even more (causing insane pain and horrible bloating).  So things are dramatically worse.

My colon also lies flat on my pelvic floor, creating a severe angle at the path of evacuation.  That will have to be fixed, as well.  

I have searched and searched and can't find any "real" info on the recovery period and the quality of life after a colectomy.  Most of the info I find is on the immediate postoperative period of a laparoscopic procedure.  Will my BM's be normal? (they haven't been in so long, I wouldn't really know what "normal" is!)  How long will it take to normalize?  weeks?  months?  Do people tend to have a significant list of food intolerances after a colectomy?  I expect to lose my pain and bloating... will there be any other changes in my quality of life?  

I meet with the surgeon on Wednesday and will learn more.  He's a great guy and has done surgery on me before. But, for now, I'd like to hear from "real" people who have been through this.  

thank you,
Jules

[mammo]

My son had a total colectomy 26 years ago, and is now 38.  It doesn't sound like you are having a total colectomy, just partial?  My son had his entire colon removed, recovered quickly, but did have bouts with many trips to the bathroom at first.  I can't see this happening to you because they aren't removing your entire colon....correct?
My son is a marathoner, ultra-thoner, mountain biker, speed hiker, and will be competing in the Pro Am games this year in Jujitsu. So, as you can see, life goes on any way you want it to.  It sounds like nothing but good, can come from your surgery as you have suffered a lot.  Let us know how you do!  Best wishes...........

[Morecambe]

Hi - about five years ago I underwent a total colectomy for torrential diverticular bleeding and, in response to another Medhelp patient, posted my experience on Medhelp.  Try logging on to:-

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166

Do come back with any further questions that you may have after reading this posting.  You may also like to print off the page and show it to your surgeon and ask "is this what you would expect for me??"  

regards
Morecambe

[lazybeagle]

dostalj---

what doctor said your redundant colon was a problem?  I have been to Mayo Clinic, Univ Chicago and other places and all doctors Ive seen say that colons get big and floppy and that has nothing to do with symptoms.  I also have abnormal pelvic floor angle.  I had a partial colectomy to remove some and despite telling docs "I feel better" they just say "that was wrong to do."  I still have a lot of floppy colon and want it removed but looking for a doc that agrees its a problem.







,

[Maxipuss]

Hello,

It is so good to hear that someone else is suffering the same as me......I dont mean that in an incensitive way I have just been ill for so long and no one seems to have any idea or answers.  I am about to undergo a Subtotal Colectomy in a week or two and would also like some 'real people' advice about after the surgery and recovery and long term living.

How are you Jules?

Thanks

Babs