How will I feel in the days following an intestinal resection

[Glen1985]

I don't know why really but lately I've been thinking about an upcoming small bowel resection I have and I guess I'm nervous about it really, but while I know it's not anything you can say for sure I'd like to ask something based on past experiences.

I am aware that the area it's at and maybe part of the cause of my problems at the moment there is a fistula between 2 parts of the small intestine. While I'm aware due to damage one half will be removed what's likely to happen to the other side of the connection? Also the specialist said that I'll be in for 10 days for this. Is that a long time for something like this or could it be I was told that based on how bad things are (While I don't know for sure how far it goes he did say the affected area was pretty bad)

Also how can I expect to feel the early days after the operation? I'm guessing I'll be on painkillers but also some sites say you’re put back onto solid food slowly. Is it going to feel really not right at 1st?

 

[Jennifer]

I don't quite understand your first question. A resection is when they cut out the bad portion and then reconnect the good portion. 10 days is a possibility. It depends on what type of surgery is done laparoscopic, laparoscopic with hand assist or full surgery and how well/quickly you're healing cause everyone is different. I had laparoscopic with hand assist and I stayed in the hospital for a full 7 days, then they let me go home where I had a full blown infection that night and had to go back for another 5 days. I think 10 days is great as I feel they send some people home too early (really depends on the type of surgery done though and how well you're doing).

You will have pain medication. Most likely a morphine pump for a couple days and then some other type (I forget what exactly though). You'll probably go on a liquid diet first for a couple of days and then be given small light meals to introduce food gradually. They have to make sure its healing right and that things are passing through normally before you can eat whatever you please.

You'll feel extremely tired and have some pain or discomfort the first couple of days. Eventually the tiredness should start to wear off (cause you won't be on morphine anymore) and they'll encourage getting up and moving around because that will help bring your guts back to life.

Its gonna take some time to fully heal and get back to normal which could be between 3 weeks to a few months depending on the person. Because I had an infection, it took me about 2 months to fully heal. Infections aren't common though.

 

[fateful_one]

Its so comforting to hear about others experience! I will have a laproscopic resection 12/28/10 and was told that if there is a resection w/ fistula, they may have to resect both areas or rather both ends of the bowels affected by the fistula. Sometimes they resect one area and just sew the other end of thefistula. Up. Finding an experienced colorectal surgereon is a must for ur situation, as fistulas can complicate things.