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.