Post Colon Resection Urges

[lukotheirish325]

I just had my second colon resection.  I've had a terrible feeling and urge to have a BM almost constantly even when there is nothing to eliminate. I am having anal pain from the pushing.  Does this constant feelling of having to "go" ever go away and is this even normal?

Thank you!!

[chatter7777]

i am 25 and having been dealing with chronic constipation for years nothing seems to work anymore. i was wondering if i under go surgery to have a resection, will i have a bag or will it be done all internally?

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Many kinds of moisturizers can help.  Ask your doctor if an emmoilient like eucerin would be appropriate, or bag balm.

[lukotheirish325]

I'm sorry, one more question. Is there a cream that you as a doctor would recommend for barrier protection against wetness and acids in the urine and stool.  I'm getting so sore that I'm bleeding and to try and go to the restroom is extremely painful from being so raw.
Thank you again for all your help!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

A Sitz bath consists of the rectal area being immersed in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times daily. Sitz baths are available in most local pharmacies. You can also do it yourself by using your bathtub by simply filling it with 2 to 3 inches of warm water. Don't add soap, bubble bath, or anything else to the water. Sitz baths work by improving blood flow and relaxing the internal anal sphincter.

[lukotheirish325]

He didn't specify sitz baths but I've heard of them.  What exactly are they, how do they benefit one and where do I find them?

Thank you!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Well, I probably wouldn't push then, and follow your surgeon's advice.  The warm baths are sitz baths I suppose?  I'm so sorry you're frustrated, I would be too if I felt like I had to go all the time.  It's reassuring that the surgeon said it's normal...

[lukotheirish325]

Thank you for your reply!
My resection is due to Colon Cancer.  It was a Stage II and resected very low in the rectum.  I spoke with my Surgeon yesterday and he said it was normal for as low as the resection took place. He suggested warm baths several times a day but not to strain at all as I can still end up with an ostomy if I'm not very careful.  Scary stuff and frustrating to pieces to feel like I have to go all the time!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

I'm sorry you've had another colon resection.  From diverticulitis or chron's?

There can be a feeling of an urge without any stool there to push out.  Talk to your surgeon about it, they'd want to know how you're feeling.

Dr. Enoch Choi, MD
Palo Alto, CA