Rectosigmoid Colon Resection - Terrified!

Hi all:

 I don't even know where to begin.  I'm scheduled to have removal of the rectosigmoid colon & 5cm mass in rectal wall on May 3rd and I am absolutely terrified.  I'm only 30 and have never been hospitalized before. The colon is very inflamed & has narrowed considerably, and then there is issue of the mass.  Biopsies from colonoscopy & transrectal ultrasound were negative for cancer, but my surgeon says he will not know until the pathology report details what is going on.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who's had a colon resection - ie how terrible was the surgery, how much pain were you in afterward, how long did it take you to get back to your normal routine, etc.  I feel like I have no real understanding of what to expect when I wake up. I'm also terribly afraid of having a temporary colostomy (which dr says is unlikely, but is a possibility, depending on what he needs to do when he opens me up.)

Thanks in advance for any responses. I'm so worried I can barely focus. 

Hi terrified,

I had the rectosigmoid colon resection surgery on March 19, 2007.  The surgery went well and there was hardly any loss of blood.  I did not have to wear a bag. My surgery was done laparoscopically.  The recovery went well, and I am almost back to normal. So take it easy and relax.