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recovering after colon surgery

I am having colon surgery in 2 weeks, had a colonoscopy done they found a flat lession in the lower right side ofmy colon, took a bisopy , came back a high grade displagia ( not sure spelled right), they  will be removing about 9 inches. getting really scared about this , been told of course not pleasant, have to be in the hospitsl 5 to 7 days, noeating or drinking 3 to 4 days. tube down nose into stomach, all this has me freeked out. I am 50 years old. how much of a % is there i could have to have this again and what can i do to prevent the chace of getting colon cancer?
Sorry i have went on so much just nerves i guess


This discussion is related to Polyps.
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I know a couple people who underwent colon operations like yours, and while the experience will be unpleasant, they will give you drugs to help with the pain.  As for the tube, you won't like it, but mostly it's just an annoyance.  They will give you either a little ice or a sponge dipped in water for your thirst after the op.  The worst part of the whole thing will be the surgical site, because the tummy gets pulled with nearly every movement.  But in two weeks after the operation, you will be able to wander around your house and in the yard with relative ease, and you will really enjoy all your favorite foods by then, too.  The good thing about hospital events like yours, is it becomes just a bad dream in a very short time.  And during the whole thing, so much is going on that you won't have time to reflect about stuff.  Me, I spent two months in the hospital with a broke back and a tore up leg in a cast, and even tho that was really bad, I now have no fears about going back in a hospital, because I've got "experience" with that sort of thing.  Besides, the nurses are truly angels, and the drugs are most pleasant.
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Avatar universal

Hi - I don't know if you have seen my previous postings but four and a half years ago I underwent a total colectomy for torrential diverticular bleeding.  You are in the age band when colon cancer can occur and I guess that the primary objective must be to take whatever steps are necessary to eliminate (as far as possible) this risk.  

If I were in your poisition, I would ask the surgeon the following questions:-

- if you take out the 9 inches will this eliminate the risk of further displagia - or will I require regular colonoscopies thereafter and perhaps another operation in several years to remove further growths?

- if there exists the risk of further growths in the future might this also increase the risk of cancer elsewhere in the body from "metastasizing"?

- although a more drastic operation, are there any grounds for considering a total colectomy at this time to forestall the risks from future growths - or can future growths be "managed" so as to eliminate all risks to health?

Now, if you log on to:-

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

you can read my own description of my total colectomy operation.

Please revert/email with any further questions that you may have and I shall be pleased to help.

regards
Morecambe
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