What can I expect after colorectal surgery?

[Jonesie201]

I was in the hospital a few months ago and I have about 15 inches of my small intestine that is so damaged from years of scar tissue my GI doctor wants to remove it. It is the last part of the small intestine where it meets with your colon, which is a classic spot for problems in patients with crohns. The procedure is done laparoscopic, so I know the recovery time is shorter compared to the traditional way. I will not need an ostomy bag, thank goodness. I was just wondering if anyone has had this done and what you can tell me about it.... How did it go? How was the recovery time? How long were you in the hospital? Anything would be great, I'm pretty nervous. Thanks!

 

[Kazzawin]

Hi,
I had a partial cholectomy in 2009 due to severe diverticulitis and IBD. The results were mixed as it took me a long time to recover due to a lasting pain in my back and a numb thigh. The back pain took almost 2 years to go but still flares up from time to time. The thigh numbness nobody could explain but they do pull you around a bit when it's keyhole surgery. On the plus side, hardly any scarring and I didn't suffer too much colicky pain after surgery. The worst bit for me was the back pain and the trouble I had passing a stool which took me 7 days post op after gallons of prune juice, peppermint water etc and I have had constipation issues since. I was told before surgery that it can be a lengthy recovery as the digestive tract is affected by emotion and stress, both of which I was suffering from badly at the time. If you are a laid back person your recovery would certainly be quicker!

 

[hawkeye]

Not sure if you checked these out or not, but there are a couple of "stickys" in this section that may be of interest with surgery experiences -

http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=70040
http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=30212