Recovery after a sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis

[Ireland1901]

I had my sigmoid colon removed Aug 26. It's been a most difficult recovery. Since I go through a clinic for low income people, it's hard to get information. I had a total hysterectomy when I was 32. I just turned 55 after the colon resection.
Now I am bleeding vaginally as well as in the back. I have no one to ask if this is normal.


This discussion is related to Diverticulitis.

[Sue357]

Hi.  I had 7 inches of my sigmoid colon removed  in Jan.  I am 51.  I would check with the surgeon who did your surgery as bleeding does not sound normal.  I have not heard of that from this surgery.  I would speak with the surgeon about this.

[Ireland1901]

I am bleeding more then I think I should. I'm not bleeding out. I do have an appointment for getting my staples out tomorrow. I go to a clinic. Neighbors are taking me. Other then bleeding I feel much better then I did a few days ago. I can now drive to the Post Office and back and even went to the drug store and walked down the street. I will ask to see the surgeon. I have a problem with cat scans because I'm allegic to contrast dye. If they arrange one I have to take pills so I don't have a reaction a day in advance. I was bleeding into the drainage thing they put in you in the hospital. One time the nurses didn't change the dressing and there was blood everywhere. Once you can use the toilet they send you home. I don't like the hospital but I don't have a choice on my income level.

[Sue357]

I pray that all goes well when you see your doctor.  I am also glad that you are feeling better.  I was in for 5 days with my surgery, but only was supposed to be there for 4.  The 5th was because my hemoglobin dropped very low ( I am anemic) and I had to stay and get 2 units of blood before they would release me.

[Ireland1901]

They are sending me to a gynecologist. I am naturally worried that he cut something while removig part of the colon. It's one of those things where you arrive early and wait for a gyn to see you. I'm 55 and have not bled this way since my hysterectomy at 32. aI only expected to be there 5 days. Had a friend bring me extra supplies from hom. Something in the IV caused me to be some what delusional. It's taken weeks and I'm still sorting out my experience there.

[Sue357]

I pray that your visit will go well.  That kind of bleeding doesn't sound right but I hope that they will get to the bottom of your problems.  God Bless

[mzpeaceful1]

Right after surgery, I bled a lot but only rectal. My surgery was October 8th, 2008 and I have had a lot of problems. During surgery I had an asthma attack, then had to have a blood transfusion, now I am anemic and it seems like it is taking forever to get my energy back. I've lost 18 pounds which puts me at 110. I feel like I am withering away.  I hope you are doing better now.

[Ireland1901]

I've hit the 2 month mark. I have a lot of incision pain and it seems to worsen. The vaginal bleeding stopped as did the rectal bleeding. I had an ultrasound of the pelvic area and after it hurt a lot for a few days. They couldn't find the problem. I'm still exhausted. I now can go to the market and the Post Office without help. Some times there is pelvic pain still. After a month I couldn't do anything. I was confused and tired.
At least the confusion is gone.

[Ireland1901]

The doctor told me to expect some bleeding. He didn't say where. Now the bleeding stopped. I bled rectally and vaginally. I needed to lose weight but it sure is a hard way to lose weight isn't it. They didn't feed me for 3 days in the hospital. The last 3 days only liquids.They were supposed to give me solid food beore I left. The doctor dismissed me after 9 PM. I couldn't get anyone to pick me up. They woke me up at 4:30 AM and told me to go home. I dressed and waited until 6:30 to call a friend to pick me up. What was the point of waking me at 4:30 AM. You surely can't get someone to pick you up when everyone is sleeping.