colon resection

[Sue357]

Hi.  I am almost 5 weeks post op from a laproscopic colon resection, due to multiple diverticulitis attacks ( 6 to be exact ) in the last 5 months. My surgeon was able to successfully remove 7 inches of sigmoid colon and re-attach so I was spared the colostomy. After the procedure, the surgeon told me that the part of the colon that he removed was very very small!  He said he had a difficult time and had to use a 25 guage (?) connector due to the narrowness of my large colon.  He also said that the diseased part was only 20 gauge and he could barely get his finger inside.  Two questions:  How long is it normal to have pain from this procedure?  My pain level is down but still in pain, especially later in day, after work.  ( I am a teacher ).  The second question is what would cause my colon to be so small in the first place?  Thanks so much.

[DALEYOOO1]

Sorry my "address" is DALEY001!

[Sue357]

Hi.  I understand how you feel.  I fought this surgery tooth and nail!! However, due to what could be "catastrophic results" if I didn't, according to all the docs.  I consented.  I had it electively.  Mine was a hand assisted lapro procedure ( done lapro but the surgeon puts his hand in...makes sense right? lol) Anyway, I was in the hospital for 5 days, which is much shorter than if you have the open cut.  I am a huge baby and am just now starting to feel better.  My docs all think I am neurotic but I have been a clinical depressive, with anxiety since the age of 9.  Also, found out that I was going through menopause at the same time. Go figure...Well, I was back to work in less than 3 weeks.  I am a GED teacher.  I have a very low pain tolerance and stayed on pain meds much longer than they wanted.  Now, I take citrucell fiber shake, once per day, and am having "normal" bowel movements.  They generally do not let you out of hospital until you have started up again as it is a pretty invasive surgery and the bowels tend to "sleep" afterwards.  I also have a high pain med tolerance ( who knew) so was keep on liquid dilaudid while I was there.  Yes, there is pain involved for sure but in hind sight, I am glad I had it done.  If you re read my post you will see how scarred up I was from all of the attacks.  I am not sure about the polyps but maybe they will not have to take a lot.  They took 7 inches from me although reading through the many posts here, I am finding that that is not as much as some people have had done.  I hope this helps....Feel free to send me a message or note anytime.  Good luck!

[DALEYOOO1]

Thanks for answering (am having a time navigating this site, just not too proficient in cyberspace)...am scheduled for July 25th and am glad you got back to work in a timely manner..I 'm giving myself two weeks max!  My Doc said I needed to quit saying "it's no big deal" as it really is major surgery but I 've never had anything this "big" before, in all my 58 years..guess I thought I'd just keel over some day!  Anyway I'm sure it will be a real eye opener and I won't be back in the gym that month! Is this getting older thing a real pain in the butt!!!???  Dale

[Sue357]

Hi.  Glad you decided to do the surgery.  What exactly is he going to do? Has he told you?  It was funny to read your post as I was the opposite; I have been such a baby about this whole thing.  And yes, this over 50 thing is a trip!!!   Well, I am 51 and hit 2 milestones last week.  My first grandbaby was born ( Yay!) and I had to go on hormone replacement therapy due to very low estrogen levels. Back to the surgery, if he can do it lapro, then 2 weeks should be good to get back to work, just know that if they do an "open" incision, they say the recovery is a little longer.  Take care and keep me posted.  Sue

[DALEYOOO1]

I've never did this online chatting thing but it's really nice to know someone's out there with similar probs. Anyway, first of all, my surgery is hopefully lapracopic with a small incision to take the 4-5 inches of colon out..that's it!  Now doesn't that sound simple?????  So congrats on the new grandbaby, I have four!  Two with my son and his wife, and now two with my daughter and her hubby!  They are the best thing to live for!!!  I've been on HRT for about 8 years, kinda long but I feel so great with them and I really don't have any risk factors for breast ca except this "old" age thing!!  One of the Docs here had me try this c-bioest trocars and what it is, is a chemical compound that the pharmacy makes up that is exactly like the hormones we produce in our body and is not derived from a mare's urine.  It comes in several flavors and you melt the little squares under your tongue.  Anyway I guess the main thing about having surgery is that we just want to get it over with and be back to "normal!"  Thanks so much for chatting!  I feel like I have an advocate!  Dale

[Sue357]

Hi.  Feel free to post notes on my profile or send me a message as this sight blocks emails.... 4-5 inches doesn't sound like a lot but I have been told that this is an invasive surgery so be patient with healing.  Keep me posted.