To PaulMD and DrHeinrik

[getfit96]

What are some of the complications from colon resection surgery?  My colon was resected in 2/07, and had a temporary colostomy put in, they also removed 10" of jejunum in the small intestine.  The colostomy was reversed in 4/07, with a total of 28 inches of decending colon removed between the two surgeries.  My colon was slow to wake up after both surgeries.  Ever since the takedown surgery I've had ongoing problems with constipation, gas, and bloating.  I had no constipation or gas problems while I had the colostomy.  The area where the colostomy scar is often is painful if there is any pressure applied, even my clothes bother it (this is occuring even after scar revision surgery)  Directly underneath that scar where my colon was resected feels very firm and hard and is sometimes tender and causes some light pain.  My surgeon said I had lots of scar tissue when he performed the takedown. How long does it take for the colon to return to normal, if ever?  Do the cut nerves ever get back to normal?  Is it likely I'll continue to have problems for the rest of my life?  I've started taking a daily dose of MiraLax, 1/2 cup prune juice and 1 1/2 tsp. of magnesium oxide powder (2200 mg.) just to have a BM.  Is the MiraLax safe for long term use?  I eat a healthy high fiber diet, use 2-4 tbs. ground flaxseed but it doesn't seem to be enough.  Fiber supplements like Metamucil seem to make things worse.  I never had problems with gas prior to surgery, just lifelong constipation.

Thank you,

getfit96
  

[getfit96]

Hi,

Thanks for responding so quickly, I've been desparate for answers since this is having a big impact on my life and my primary care Dr. has been of no help.  I moved after my surgeries and no longer see the doctor that treated me.  He was my surgeon and
basically  he said he thought I'd be fine and sent me on my way.  I do have a preliminary appointment with a gastroenterologist's P.A on 10/28.  I will have a an appopintment with the gastroenterologist following that, and a follow up colonoscopy within the next few months.

How do they determine if there is a stricture?  

What methods are used to increase the size of the passageway?  I had a colonoscopy a year ago and at that time everything looked fine but there was still some inflammation where the colon was reattached.

Regards,

getfit96  

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

It would be best to discuss things with your doctor. The more common problems are actually the reverse of your case, which is mainly diarrhea not constipation. It seems that while a lot of bowels have been removed this is still adequate for absorption. If the surgeon reported a lot of scar tissue, one concern may be there is a stricture near the point where the continuity of the bowel was restored. This would behave as an obstruction and hence the constipation may result. On the other hand, if you’ve had constipation for a long time even before the cancer diagnosis, then the most you can do is dietary intervention. IF there is a stricture, there are methods that can be done to increase the size of the passageway.  If you are being worked up by your doctor, this concern for obstruction may have been raised already.
The nerves tend to restore their natural rhythm after 3 to 5 days after surgery. This is actually an effect of the anesthesia more than the surgery.
Stay positive.