Removal Of Rectum, What To Expect???

I received test results today that indicated that my entire rectum needs to be removed with a resection of the colon. I was wondering if anyone has ever had this surgery and what I should expect. The doctor said I would have an urgency for a few weeks to have a BM and will be running to the bathroom. I also will lose some control over my bowels because of muscles that will need to heal. It is kind of scary to think about and I am only 45 not ready to wear diapers just yet. If anyone has any advice or wisdom please do share.

Sheryl

On 5/29/2008 Super01Mom wrote:

I received test results today that indicated that my entire rectum needs to be removed with a resection of the colon. I was wondering if anyone has ever had this surgery and what I should expect. The doctor said I would have an urgency for a few weeks to have a BM and will be running to the bathroom. I also will lose some control over my bowels because of muscles that will need to heal. It is kind of scary to think about and I am only 45 not ready to wear diapers just yet. If anyone has any advice or wisdom please do share.

Sheryl

Hi Sheryl,

I had my rectum removed in Nov. 07 and had a temporary colostomy.

I had the colostomy reversed Feb. 28, 2008.  And yes, I was running to the bathroom.  My doctor told me to take Metamucil and I was going to the bathroom 20-30 times a day when I got home from the hospital.  I switched to Citrocel tablets about a month ago and it made a big difference.  It cut bathroom time in half.

I also had radiation and chem before the first surgery.  They said radiation also was a cause of the bathroom problems and incontinence.  And yes, my muscles were affected by the surgery.  It has gotten better, but when I have to go, I cannot wait.  I wear a Kotex pad all the time.  It's better than a diaper!  Also, your anus will be very raw.  Try vaseline, Desitin, baby wipes w/out alcohol and soaking in a tub of warm water with baking soda.

I was convinced that I would never be able to leave my house at first, but I am back to teaching 2nd grade.  Thank goodness, I have a bathroom in my classroom.  It is a lifesaver.

I take Lomotil and Immodium everyday.  Some days are worse that others so I will take more medicine.

It will take time to get back to halfway normal.  I am 50 and have a lot of living to do yet.  I am not one to give up and I try to have a positive attitude.  God has gotten me through this much--I know He has more in store for me.  I will keep you in my prayers.  You can get through this too.

Rosalyn

I'm a 47-year old female with stage III colo-rectal cancer, and had a colo-anal reconstruction three weeks ago - I have no rectum.  I feel good, but things are just a bit "different".  I was able to keep my anus and sphincter, so no colostomy bag or anything.  Oh, and they wouldn't let me out of the hospital until I had a bowel movement --that took four days.  Within a week after surgery, I was ready to go to the mall (well, for a very short time). 

I feel a pressure to "strain" sometimes, which I know isn't good after such a major surgery.  The muscle relaxants the doctor prescribed help with that; the feeling is supposed to go away when I completely heal.  Sometimes I don't go for a couple of days, then I'll spend several hours going.  And my poop has a different texture. 

My surgery was also done laprascopically, so I didn't have to go through the healing process of full abdominal surgery. I strongly urge you to find a surgeon who can do this procedure laprascopically --I don't think there are many in the country, but it sure did cut down my healing time.

Good luck!

Kelly 

On 5/29/2008 KellyBelle wrote:

I'm a 47-year old female with stage III colo-rectal cancer, and had a colo-anal reconstruction three weeks ago - I have no rectum.  I feel good, but things are just a bit "different".  I was able to keep my anus and sphincter, so no colostomy bag or anything.  Oh, and they wouldn't let me out of the hospital until I had a bowel movement --that took four days.  Within a week after surgery, I was ready to go to the mall (well, for a very short time). 

I feel a pressure to "strain" sometimes, which I know isn't good after such a major surgery.  The muscle relaxants the doctor prescribed help with that; the feeling is supposed to go away when I completely heal.  Sometimes I don't go for a couple of days, then I'll spend several hours going.  And my poop has a different texture. 

My surgery was also done laprascopically, so I didn't have to go through the healing process of full abdominal surgery. I strongly urge you to find a surgeon who can do this procedure laprascopically --I don't think there are many in the country, but it sure did cut down my healing time.

Good luck!

Kelly 

 

 

 

Hi,

 I know I have written about this before but my husband has had the same surgery and the same problems as you .He had his surgery done at Lankenau Hospital in Pa.by one of the Best Dr.s in the country that do laproscopic surgery for this cancer .As a matter of fact his practice of he and his Father ( whom pioneered the procedure of Sphicter Preservation ) they are absolutly amazing Dr,s We,ve met more people from around the country who come to thier practice for this procedure .I f you would like to look them up on line go to ; Marks Colo Rectal fondation  in Lankenau Hospital in  Wynnewood Pa.

I do know that my husband had all the same problems with accidents and being in the bathroom for what seemed like hours .But it did eventually get better ...a lot better !!!!! So hang in there and what ever you do DO NOT stop going out into the human world ..Even if you have to wear a depends

No one knows that you have one on but you >>>Seriously get back to your old routine a.s.a.p. It will get better !!!!