Wendy, I am a RN who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. I have a pretty extensive background in Oncology and Surgery. Your explanation of your experience was extremely helpful. I am now the patient 😢...Thank you so much for posting this!
I'm an RN who just got diagnosed last week with colon cancer. I have it in 2 parts of my colon and the Surgeon has said I'll need a Total Colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. I hate being the patient, lol. I've got my scans next week and then scheduled to speak to the Surgeon. Will you also need a Total Colectomy?
@marik6025 I've had my clinic with my Surgeon and am booked for surgery on the 21st of this month. Because I don't have Lynch syndrome or FAP the Surgeon has offered me a left extended hemicolectomy/ Deloyers procedure. Basically I'll get to keep my ascending colon. It will get freed up, untwisted and flipped upside down to connect to my rectum. I figure that's better than no Colon that was offered to me earlier.
I am also recovering from colorectal surgery. I thank God daily that mine had no cancer. Know I will pray for all those with cancer. 😢May God strengthen you through your journey.
Thank you for posting this video. Know I will be praying for you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord give you strength and peace.
🕊️ Thank you Wendy !!!,,, I'm in My hospital room just got out of robotic abdominal surgery , Just want to thank you for the video, it was extremely helpful, l wish l could thank you in person 🕊️🙏🕊️...
My protocol calls for a reverse approach where my treatment started with radiation, followed by chemotherapy. I will soon be going in for surgery as the final step. Your strength has inspired and helped a great deal. Thank you.
Thank you for your video. Just had Laporscopic sigmoid colon resection 1 week ago. Approximately 7 inches of the sigmoid colon was removed. Still healing & having some burning pain. Waiting for the pathology but surgeon said he was able to remove all the mass & it was no metastatic. Praying for you 🙏🏼
This surgery was recommended due to narrowing in the colon and chronic constipation and diverticulitis. Is the pain as bad as she described, but hers was done due to cancer. I’m scared and would like to find another way. I know I can’t live on laxatives. Thanks.
@@marciaoaklander hi I saw your comment on the video. I actually had the same surgery that your Dr is recommending for you constantly being constipated and slight pain in my left side because of diverticulitis. I had my surgery on June 26 2024 .. everything went very well. I was never on pain meds .. I pray you do well and have excellent results ! ❤🙏 one thing I did that did help with the constipation until I had. The surgery was pineapple juice. I would drink at least 8 ounces every morning. Pineapple is an enzyme and helps with constipation another tip that my gastrointestinal doctor gave me was strength, warm apple juice in the morning!! Hope this helps!!!
Thank you for sharing @Wendy. I was so scared because I was discharged less than 24 hours after surgery. I’ve been home for five days now. So far so good. My faith has to be bigger than my fears.
@@MrRuso316 hi, I use online daily devotions. Remember god already knows the prayers in your heart. Romans 8:26-28 New King James Version (NKJV) For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
@@MrRuso316 I’ve added you to my prayer list. Remember you are loved You are a child of a king Make time to spend a little time with him each day, you feel his warmth, you’ll find yourself talking to him more and more. Build your faith. I pray that you will not be distracted by the evil one who sets out to confuse you. Please just say Begone Satan And get on with thanking God And Praising God. Keep the faith - please.
Thank you so much for sharing, Wendy! I am having my colorectal surgery tomorrow (06/24). Your details and explanation were extremely helpful. Hopefully your recovery and improvement has been strong.
Thank you for sharing. Just had Sigmoid Colectomy surgery last Monday. About 13" of my colon was removed, the results came back caner free. It's been a week of moving slow and adjusting to the meds. I'm taking your advice and requesting to meet a Dietician asap. Prayers and good vibes headed your way.
Hi wendy had my op for bowel cancer a year ago only enema on day of surgery robotic surgery sigmoid colon removed no need for a bag left hospital after 3 days a year on and still cancer free off work for 3 months hope you recover ok.
Well I'm surprised it went so well for you! I had the same and a temporary ileostomy and the surgery got infected from the first day, it was horrific I was in the hospital for 30 days and looked like a holocaust Survivor, and even after being released the infection persisted and in severe pain even going into the tailbone for several months I was told it would be like your experience, but they failed to tell me to do all the prep early enough so I didn't start until the night before and they still told me to come in anyway even though I was still passing stool that morning. I think that's ridiculous, but you're saying that you did not do any prep at all except in enema the day of the surgery?
@7x779 that's right went into Derby royal at 07.30 had enema after getting a bed operation around 09.00 . Very sorry to hear of your experience hope you are well now.
My sigmoid colon had to be removed it was so diseased..... but My constipation is terrible and the bouts of diarrhea..... then the constant pain and burning that won't go away in my gut.... not sure if it's nerve pain or gut pain....
I had the surgery a year ago but it was an emergency surgery. I was in a head on collision and I also had an aneurysm in my stomach from the impact and the seatbelt cut my colon so I had to have 5 blood transfusions. I don't remember much because my whole right side was broken too just just glad to be alive.
Hi I had rectal cancer 3 years ago on ostomy bag I have had 2 hernia operations in a year now have horrible neuropathy from chemotherapy me and my wife got Covid after my operation hang in there 🙏🙏
I would recommend for anyone going for colorectal surgery to search for and read the ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) protocols. I've read so many difficulties people have had both pre and post op. I followed the 8 day pre op and was made aware of various post op possibilities. The ERAS protocols are something the hospital provides and you do your part, they do theirs. Includes diet, pain management and plenty of communication. ERAS was initially developed a long time ago in northern Europe and has expanded across the world.
Got diagnose with colorectal cancer. Getting the whole large intestine taken out 😢. The whole thing has to be taken out because I have ulcerative colitis. Hoping to get all the information I can.
@josiefernandez822 hi, I've got bowel cancer too and will need a Total colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis. As long as my scans next week show no disease progression then I should have surgery within a month.
@@josiefernandez822 Hi, I understand your concern but bowel cancer is incredibly slow growing - which is why it's often discovered once it gets a bit bigger and starts to bleed or cause problems. It's usually taken at least 2-3 years of growing before it's suddenly discovered. Between now and December I very much doubt your cancer will grow at all. You will do well with your surgery and recovery, I am sure of it. My whole colon needs to be removed and the surgeon has said they will attach my small bowel straight on to my rectum. I see him next week in his clinic to discuss my scans and options going forward. All the best to you.
I just came out from surgery, experienced hallucinations also a 90° visual rotation which meant I thought I was vertical while in fact was lying down on my bed, it was very far out. Luckily the main event - the surgery - went very well, no bag, pretty good pain recovery
it’s so wild to me how the non-nutrition specialties in the medical world not only don’t care more about avoiding sugar, but that they readily recommend it. colonoscopy prep clear liquid diet, beside the broth, is ALL sweet. the only thing i figure is that they don’t care about the sugar because it’s a temporary situation. but man, as another health conscious individual who genuinely doesn’t care for sweets except very specific ones on occasion, i really wish there were some more savory/healthy options for prep!!
I had hemorrhoid surgery about 30 years before my Colorectal surgery. I figured it would be about like that. I sure wasn’t prepared for when I woke up in ICU cut from my breastbone to my private parts. I was in ICU for 6 days and then out in a room for 5 more days. One of the older ICU nurses told me that the more I walked after they got me up, the quicker I would heal. I about drove them nuts getting me up to walk and helping me back in bed. The worst thing to come out of it is that my bowels 20 years after my surgery are still about like pudding and when the urge hits I better head for a bathroom quick or I have a mess.
I had mine Sept 2024. Negative Cancer diagnosis 🙌🏾 im finding it the hardest to motivate myself move forward. The surgery and recovery werent bad at all
I had laproscopic bowell surgery a couple of years ago. It was found that I had about 3 feet of extra intestine. My surgeon said that one in 1000 have this condition where your bowell keeps growing. So about 2 feet was taken out, one 2 in cut one cut for the camera one for the cutting tool and one for the drain. The 2 in cut is where a grommet was put to pull the bowell out to cut it. Quite an interesting way the surgeons do this. So I spent 5 days in hospital then home. I had hardly any pain at all. I was given some pain meds to tke home but I only used one the first night at home. My surgeon said that I can golf in 2 weeks but could nit use my driver for 4 weeks. I did golf in the 2 weeks after home and playes 3 times that week. Funny my golf improved without the use of my driver. But really I had no pain at all as I did what the surgeon said not lifting more than 5 lbs first 2 weeks and no lifting more than 10 lbs for 4 more weeks. So all in all it was quite okay.
Just had mine 24th and have a morphine button. Going home with hydrocodone and solace. And it works just fine. That's what he gave me after my emergency surgery and it worked fine.
I love this video. I had colon surgery 6 months ago and now can’t have a natural bowel movement. My doctor doesn’t know why. Just did a colonoscopy where they stretched my intestines because they had become super thin because of surgery. They also found metal staples inside with scar tissue around them that they removed. Now my intestines are a normal size but still can’t have a bowel movement on my own. I have to drink prune juice every 4 days. I’m hoping to get into Mayo to figure this out. I’m so scared. If anyone has any advice, it’d be very appreciated. ❤
I had my Colon Surgery and Hernia surgery at the same time. 6 weeks tomorrow 7-11-24! I guess I was lucky because I got up and walked the halls and barely used my pain pump. They only sent enough pain pills for 1 week then its Tylenol and Advil. I think I suffered for so long that I can deal with the pain now.
I have complicated diverticulitis and experienced a small perforation early this yr. At this point, no matter what I eat, I bloat miserably. 3 colonoscopies in 5 yrs. My robotic LAR is next Tuesday. I'm so terrified I want to back out. Maybe I can follow a strict diet
I am in the beginning of my 4 th week after have 12 inches of right colon and about 4 inches extra because of a rare polyp issue carpeting my ascending colon. Right now I surprised how much my abdominal muscle hurt when I try to sit, get up, twist and just movement in general. Pulling of the inscion. I very sore and sometimes I get a very sharp pain when moving and shifting. It seems more sore then it was the first 3 weeks. I do however have Fibromyalgia along with not having very strong abdominal muscles. The surgery made me go into a fibro flare which caused a lot of pain and muscle spasms. I was send home on 2 days of oxycodone. I began with Dilaudid? through my IV then changed it to oral off prone which didn't really cover my fibromyalgia pain. I just concerned how unbelievablly sore I am. I am afraid to go out in public by myself and to get pushed into when walking. I also have a hard time using my right hand to much as my pain is right side oriented. I don't have a post on appointment for a few more weeks as my surgeon was booked until then. Is the extreme tenderness unusal? The pulling and twisting from moving seems more pronounced on week 4.
@@erinnswan7063 I’m so sorry to hear about your pain. I remember my recovery being incredibly difficult for the first several months but everyone is different. I do recall having to ask my doctor repeatedly for additional pain meds because they would only give me about 5 days worth at a time. If you are having more pain than seems typical for you I would definitely discuss it with your doctor (or speak to their nurse if needed).
Thank goodness I don't have any side effects from morphine. My main concern is that surgery is harder as one ages---I'm 70. So far I haven't been diagnosed with cancer...
I had a 20mm polyp removed from my rectum during a colonoscopy. Biopsy came back that it’s a “small adenocarcinoma” I have an appointment for a consult and imaging/bloodwork. Really not looking forward to this. How are you doing? I hope you’re feeling better 🙏🏻
Hi John, do you have an update on your consult yet? I was where you were in Jan '23, a lot has happened since which included LAR surgery, an ileostomy in April, an ileostomy reversal in late July. if you need any pointers I can help.
@@mtnbkrken05 Thank you so much for reaching out! I just had LAR surgery this past Thursday. I was home the next day. I fortunately didn’t need a bag. The pain’s been pretty manageable, but I’m miserable. I’ve got diarrhea with hemorrhoids 🤦♂️. This is brutal. I’m just taking it day by day. I hope you’re doing well. Are you out of the woods totally? Happy new year, bud.
Hey Johnny, I feel your pain for sure. I now know what it feels like to s--t lava in clusters for about 10 times a day. This was after my ostomy reversal and not having used my colon and my bum for 4 months. I'm still teaching my colon how to work again, getting much easier every month. They tell me it takes a year to completely return to normal, so by the end of this summer I'll be fine. I had the smallest cancer polyp removed as well in a colonoscopy, but they determined it was best to remove 20CM of my colon and part of my rectum to prevent any other polyps. I had 11 the last time and 8 before so, sounded reasonable. Glad you're managing your pain ok, I had a slight struggle with this at first, but I figured out that I can take the daily max dose of ibuprofen and Tylenol and just alternate them in the day and it worked for me. As far as the bum pain goes... NOTHING helped until I installed a bidet under my toilet seat. I don't know how I've lived all these years without one! @@Johnny-ip4mk
@@mtnbkrken05thanks for your comments. I've had the same surgery almost a year ago and it got infected badly, was in the hospital for one month. The original plan I was cut out about 12 in where the tumor was, temporary Loop ileostomy for 6 weeks and then reversal . But because of the infection which was excruciatingly painful I'm going into my tailbone it took several months on super strong doxycycline antibiotics to clear it and about 7 or 8 months since the surgery for the wound to heal Now it's going on over a year since surgery and about to have the ileostomy reversed I'm wondering what I can anticipate. It sounds like you were in for a whole new set of challenges after reversing the ileostomy in hooking your colon up again
@@mtnbkrken05I'm just wondering what I can expect. How are you doing now? Would you say you have normal bowel function or you still having to go 10 times a day. Are you able to wear a normal clothing or do you have to wear pads and such?
Oh, my surgeon suggested a tea: about a hand full of fresh ginger and a hand full of fresh turmeric, grind it up (I don't bother peeling), mix in about a Tablespoon of black pepper, store in a mason jar/Tupperware, add about a Tablespoon to water, boil, and then (one can strain or not strain, I strain) into my coffee mug and add lemon to taste. Do not add anything else. Enjoy your tea, 2x per day. This has worked wonders pre surgery and post surgery. The all natural tea has reduced inflammation and has assisted in weight loss. My father-in-law has lost weight and no longer eats, as I did, Tums like Tic-Tacs. Going to stay on it and pass the word.
That's a cool tip. Thanks for sharing. Its amazing to find out what has worked for people. When I was going through my chemo treatment I had a functional medicine doctor who suggested I have matcha tea and add in turmeric and black pepper for anti inflammatory purposes. I don't know if it made a difference or not, but I just had my 2 year check up and all is clear :)
Postoperative for healing you need full liquids, to soft diet. After healing, or healed colon, need a high fiber diet... Post-op RN. (Of course, decrease that if it causes pain)
I'm so conflicted about this advice to take fiber. I saw a study on a bunch of people that had all types of digestive issues, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, cramping, pain etcetera. They measured the Baseline of all of their symptoms then they put them on a high fiber diet and everything got worse for all of them. Then they put them on a low fiber diet and everything got a little better than the baseline. Then they put them on another diet and all symptoms were resolved for everyone. Completely healed. Do you know what that was ? Zero fiber😮 ??? It seems to make sense, have you ever put some Metamucil or psyllium husk in a glass and let it sit and watch it gel up and solidify And I also thought about the animal which has the shortest simplest digestive system, which happens to be cats, and the only food they can digest is meat because it's so easily digested and absorbed. How can that be that nobody has noticed and thought about this?
I felt the same way. It seemed like my surgeon was pushing fiber, but my GI doctor wanted me on a low FODMAP diet. I had to really try a lot of different things to ultimately stop the pain and start feeling better.
Very helpful, thank you! Hope you’re doing well now! I had a right hemicolectomy in April and still have some discomfort so looking for similar stories. Thank you!
Good luck to you as well Jennifer. I’m much better now and have been in remission for over a year. The discomfort will subside over time but be patient with yourself. My recovery was so much longer than I anticipated.
Hi, I had a right helictonomy 7 weeks ago to remove cancer. All gone really well. Only gripe I have is my flat stomach now juts out where I was stitched back together. Am now begining to do toning exercises. Does your stomach eventually flatten? I know it's a small price to pay but can't help but feel paranoid about it as a woman in her early thirties.
I totally understand where you are coming from. I would talk to your doctor about post-surgical exercise and give yourself time to recover first. Aside from scarring, my body physically looks the same as it did prior to surgery. Our bodies are incredibly intelligent when it comes to healing, so be patient with your body and yourself and I'm sure you will see it will come together to support you best. Even where things look different post-surgery, just remember that your body is now cancer-free. As such, it can look however it needs to in order to survive. Stay strong! :)
Hello, I’m fighting with Ulcerative colitis (sigmoid diverticulitis) and it’s been 2 years since i started having pain occasionally and keep losing weight. I’m planning of surgery but makes me bit scared. Pls tell me if surgery is the best option
@@keithsimeon9095 I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this and wish I knew, truly. I think it would be best to discuss with your doctor. I wish I had more wisdom but I’m not a health care practitioner. Wishing you all the best. 🙏
@@WendyBurbridgehi wendy, is the ileostomy reversed in your colon all hooked up now? Are your bowel movements normal? I had the same surgery and I'm looking forward to getting the ileostomy reverse soon wondering what I should expect and prepare for
I had my appendix removed and the whole right side of my colon removed. I was wondering how long it was for you until you became regular? It's been a month and still dealing with watery stools and flatulence.
How are you doing now? And I'm curious what what has your diet been when you were having gas and flatulence and stool problems? Have you tried a zero fiber and even perhaps a meat only diet? I have been thinking about this and it seems like the animals who have the most flatulence and very complex lengthy digestive systems all eat plants and high fiber And the animal with the simplest shortest digestive system which happens to be the cat, can only eat meat because that is the most easily digestible food there is How is it that nobody has noticed this or talks about it For an example, you might search for someone named Kelly Hogan on here
Hey there, I just had the same surgery 6 weeks ago. My stitches have healed well and I’m eating/ functioning properly but I’m still having internal pain in my core/stomach muscles. Did you have any pain like this after your surgery? Thank you!
@@ld4032 I wasn't ever diagnosed with LAR; however, I had many of the complications common to LAR, I believe. Gas, bloating, difficulty going to the bathroom, pain with bathroom visits, frequent bathroom visits, etc. My GI doctor put me on Miralax for a month, which was horrible, but did ensure that I was "going" every day. She also put me on a low fodmap diet to alleviate the gas. I am now introducing foods to test to see which do not produce gas. I have also removed the Miralax and am now trying magnesium before bed, which is seeming to be more effective.
Great video. I have to go in a week for the same surgery. They’re taken 12” out around a 2” mass that is cancerous. I think I got mine from low carb diet with too much red meat and fats over two years.
Same here -- I'm 5 months postop sigmoidectomy. Raised our own grass fed beef/dairy, lamb, pork, chicken for last 15 years... thinking I was eating the good stuff until I got cancer.
@@davidvealewell thank you for sharing that. For a little more detail, were you also eating carbohydrates or strictly on a meat only zero or no carb diet? Were you checking your blood sugar and were you in ketosis? Were you practicing intermittent fasting and or any longer term fasting? Or like most of us, were you just eating when you felt like it and along with the meat eating other things as you felt like it? Please help as I'm also trying to figure out what happened to me as well
Just a few pounds because I had to fast until the surgery and then was on a liquid diet for several post-surgery. However through the course of surgery and chemo I lost about 15 pounds.
Thanks for ur valuable update. I wish you God's speed.and a full recovery. With God all things r possible .He is our Healer read psalms 91 every morning as u wake u will b fully recovered im the ALL MIGHTY Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 🙏🙏🙏
I agree with you. My only hope going in was that I would make it through healthy on the other side, and I did, so I am grateful that life-saving interventions like this are available.
Wendy, I am a RN who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. I have a pretty extensive background in Oncology and Surgery. Your explanation of your experience was extremely helpful. I am now the patient 😢...Thank you so much for posting this!
I'm an RN who just got diagnosed last week with colon cancer. I have it in 2 parts of my colon and the Surgeon has said I'll need a Total Colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. I hate being the patient, lol. I've got my scans next week and then scheduled to speak to the Surgeon. Will you also need a Total Colectomy?
@@sheffield99 No, my area is higher up. I've had my staging work up, and my Gastroenterologist tattooed the site. I am waiting and monitoring.....
@marik6025 I've had my clinic with my Surgeon and am booked for surgery on the 21st of this month. Because I don't have Lynch syndrome or FAP the Surgeon has offered me a left extended hemicolectomy/ Deloyers procedure. Basically I'll get to keep my ascending colon. It will get freed up, untwisted and flipped upside down to connect to my rectum. I figure that's better than no Colon that was offered to me earlier.
@@sheffield99 so sorry you are having to go through this. It's not fun being the patient.♥️
@@marik6025 when will you be having your surgery??
My son had his sigmoid colon removed yesterday robotically. No cancer thank goodness. And able to eat straight away and drink - amazing
That’s great news!
Prayers requested for my surgery tomorrow ...Amen
Keeping you in my prayers @cherrypie3942
I hope you did well! God bless you!
Hope it all went well. 🙏🏽
Mine's tomorrow too. Are you back to normal yet?
@@rotunda57 For the most part. I still use Miralax daily but am working with a functional nutritionist to work on my digestive issues.
This video can be extremely helpful for so many people
I am also recovering from colorectal surgery. I thank God daily that mine had no cancer. Know I will pray for all those with cancer. 😢May God strengthen you through your journey.
Thank you.
I hope you recover. What symptoms did you have?
Thank you for posting this video. Know I will be praying for you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord give you strength and peace.
Thank you!
🕊️ Thank you Wendy !!!,,, I'm in My hospital room just got out of robotic abdominal surgery , Just want to thank you for the video, it was extremely helpful, l wish l could thank you in person 🕊️🙏🕊️...
Thank you for the kind words :)
Dietician input is so important. I had this during all phases of my cancer treatment.
My protocol calls for a reverse approach where my treatment started with radiation, followed by chemotherapy. I will soon be going in for surgery as the final step. Your strength has inspired and helped a great deal. Thank you.
@1042Rocky Best of luck to you.
Thank you for your video. Just had Laporscopic sigmoid colon resection 1 week ago. Approximately 7 inches of the sigmoid colon was removed. Still healing & having some burning pain. Waiting for the pathology but surgeon said he was able to remove all the mass & it was no metastatic. Praying for you 🙏🏼
That’s great news that it was not metastatic! Praying for you as well!
I hope you recover. What symptoms did you have?
This surgery was recommended due to narrowing in the colon and chronic constipation and diverticulitis. Is the pain as bad as she described, but hers was done due to cancer. I’m scared and would like to find another way. I know I can’t live on laxatives. Thanks.
@@marciaoaklander hi I saw your comment on the video.
I actually had the same surgery that your Dr is recommending for you constantly being constipated and slight pain in my left side because of diverticulitis. I had my surgery on June 26 2024 .. everything went very well. I was never on pain meds .. I pray you do well and have excellent results !
❤🙏 one thing I did that did help with the constipation until I had. The surgery was pineapple juice. I would drink at least 8 ounces every morning. Pineapple is an enzyme and helps with constipation another tip that my gastrointestinal doctor gave me was strength, warm apple juice in the morning!!
Hope this helps!!!
Thanks for making this video! It's encouraging to see you looking so well after you went through all of that!
@@rosenajia2384 Thank you!
Thank you for sharing @Wendy. I was so scared because I was discharged less than 24 hours after surgery. I’ve been home for five days now. So far so good. My faith has to be bigger than my fears.
Share your powerful prayers, we us.
@@MrRuso316 hi, I use online daily devotions. Remember god already knows the prayers in your heart.
Romans 8:26-28 New King James Version (NKJV)
For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
@jintyjoy thank you, im just in alot of need from him, my life is going down.
@@MrRuso316 I’ve added you to my prayer list.
Remember you are loved
You are a child of a king
Make time to spend a little time with him each day, you feel his warmth, you’ll find yourself talking to him more and more.
Build your faith. I pray that you will not be distracted by the evil one who sets out to confuse you. Please just say
Begone Satan
And get on with thanking God
And Praising God.
Keep the faith - please.
@jintyjoy really appreciate it 🙏, i need that in these precise moments i was praying and your text came to me like send by Jesus himself.
Thank you so much for sharing, Wendy!
I am having my colorectal surgery tomorrow (06/24).
Your details and explanation were extremely helpful.
Hopefully your recovery and improvement has been strong.
thank you so much for this video. I am going in this Friday for this operation, thank you for the added information, thank you
Hope your recovery is going well.
Thank you for sharing. Just had Sigmoid Colectomy surgery last Monday. About 13" of my colon was removed, the results came back caner free. It's been a week of moving slow and adjusting to the meds. I'm taking your advice and requesting to meet a Dietician asap. Prayers and good vibes headed your way.
I’m 2 weeks same surgery as you, I have so much gas is this normal ?? Uggh I’m going to bathroom can eat it’s the gas
I hope you recover. What symptoms did you have?
Hi wendy had my op for bowel cancer a year ago only enema on day of surgery robotic surgery sigmoid colon removed no need for a bag left hospital after 3 days a year on and still cancer free off work for 3 months hope you recover ok.
Well I'm surprised it went so well for you! I had the same and a temporary ileostomy and the surgery got infected from the first day, it was horrific I was in the hospital for 30 days and looked like a holocaust Survivor, and even after being released the infection persisted and in severe pain even going into the tailbone for several months
I was told it would be like your experience, but they failed to tell me to do all the prep early enough so I didn't start until the night before and they still told me to come in anyway even though I was still passing stool that morning. I think that's ridiculous, but you're saying that you did not do any prep at all except in enema the day of the surgery?
@7x779 that's right went into Derby royal at 07.30 had enema after getting a bed operation around 09.00 . Very sorry to hear of your experience hope you are well now.
Thank you. I am so happy to hear you are cancer free!!!!
My sigmoid colon had to be removed it was so diseased..... but My constipation is terrible and the bouts of diarrhea..... then the constant pain and burning that won't go away in my gut.... not sure if it's nerve pain or gut pain....
Wow that sounds really terrible. Have you talked to your doctor about nerve or gut pain?
@@WendyBurbridge yeah.... I am going to do a pain pump trial or a nerve stimulation trial
@@myalaynaangel Wow! I really hope one of them works out for you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayer.
Im six weeks post op colon resection. Doing good, very little pain, it all seems to be working. Good luck to you.
So happy to hear that.
I had the surgery a year ago but it was an emergency surgery. I was in a head on collision and I also had an aneurysm in my stomach from the impact and the seatbelt cut my colon so I had to have 5 blood transfusions. I don't remember much because my whole right side was broken too just just glad to be alive.
I’m sorry to hear that Kevin. Glad you made it through. 🙏
hope you are doing better and well now! wish you health and happiness 😊
@@sarinirangedera7476 thank you sooo much ❤❤
THANK Jesus you made it through! 🙏 🙌
What a miracle! God most definitely protected your life that day!
Hi I had rectal cancer 3 years ago on ostomy bag I have had 2 hernia operations in a year now have horrible neuropathy from chemotherapy me and my wife got Covid after my operation hang in there 🙏🙏
I also had neuropathy from chemotherapy. I still do and my oncologist said it’s just one of the terrible long-term side effects.
I would recommend for anyone going for colorectal surgery to search for and read the ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) protocols. I've read so many difficulties people have had both pre and post op. I followed the 8 day pre op and was made aware of various post op possibilities. The ERAS protocols are something the hospital provides and you do your part, they do theirs. Includes diet, pain management and plenty of communication. ERAS was initially developed a long time ago in northern Europe and has expanded across the world.
Got diagnose with colorectal cancer. Getting the whole large intestine taken out 😢. The whole thing has to be taken out because I have ulcerative colitis. Hoping to get all the information I can.
How did it go 😢
@@patrickhamilton1617 surgery will be in November. No set date until the authorization gets approved. Doing all my research before to be ready
@josiefernandez822 hi, I've got bowel cancer too and will need a Total colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis. As long as my scans next week show no disease progression then I should have surgery within a month.
Just found out it may be in December. I don’t want it to get pushed back further because I don’t want the cancer to grow
@@josiefernandez822 Hi, I understand your concern but bowel cancer is incredibly slow growing - which is why it's often discovered once it gets a bit bigger and starts to bleed or cause problems. It's usually taken at least 2-3 years of growing before it's suddenly discovered. Between now and December I very much doubt your cancer will grow at all. You will do well with your surgery and recovery, I am sure of it. My whole colon needs to be removed and the surgeon has said they will attach my small bowel straight on to my rectum. I see him next week in his clinic to discuss my scans and options going forward. All the best to you.
Thank you for sharing 😊 i just came out robotic colorectal surgery. Ive learned alot waiting on pathology report! This helps alot!
I’m sending you my thoughts and prayers. I know how nerve wracking it can be to wait for those reports to come through.
@@WendyBurbridge thank you hopefully I find out tomorrow
H@@sherrioverstreet9119 how are you doing? My wife has this surgery next week.
I just came out from surgery, experienced hallucinations also a 90° visual rotation which meant I thought I was vertical while in fact was lying down on my bed, it was very far out. Luckily the main event - the surgery - went very well, no bag, pretty good pain recovery
So glad the surgery went well.
it’s so wild to me how the non-nutrition specialties in the medical world not only don’t care more about avoiding sugar, but that they readily recommend it. colonoscopy prep clear liquid diet, beside the broth, is ALL sweet. the only thing i figure is that they don’t care about the sugar because it’s a temporary situation. but man, as another health conscious individual who genuinely doesn’t care for sweets except very specific ones on occasion, i really wish there were some more savory/healthy options for prep!!
@themegfox I totally agree!
I had hemorrhoid surgery about 30 years before my Colorectal surgery. I figured it would be about like that. I sure wasn’t prepared for when I woke up in ICU cut from my breastbone to my private parts. I was in ICU for 6 days and then out in a room for 5 more days. One of the older ICU nurses told me that the more I walked after they got me up, the quicker I would heal. I about drove them nuts getting me up to walk and helping me back in bed. The worst thing to come out of it is that my bowels 20 years after my surgery are still about like pudding and when the urge hits I better head for a bathroom quick or I have a mess.
I had mine Sept 2024. Negative Cancer diagnosis 🙌🏾 im finding it the hardest to motivate myself move forward.
The surgery and recovery werent bad at all
@@theangellad Glad to hear your news. 🎉
I had laproscopic bowell surgery a couple of years ago. It was found that I had about 3 feet of extra intestine. My surgeon said that one in 1000 have this condition where your bowell keeps growing. So about 2 feet was taken out, one 2 in cut one cut for the camera one for the cutting tool and one for the drain. The 2 in cut is where a grommet was put to pull the bowell out to cut it. Quite an interesting way the surgeons do this. So I spent 5 days in hospital then home. I had hardly any pain at all. I was given some pain meds to tke home but I only used one the first night at home. My surgeon said that I can golf in 2 weeks but could nit use my driver for 4 weeks. I did golf in the 2 weeks after home and playes 3 times that week. Funny my golf improved without the use of my driver. But really I had no pain at all as I did what the surgeon said not lifting more than 5 lbs first 2 weeks and no lifting more than 10 lbs for 4 more weeks. So all in all it was quite okay.
Glad to hear it :)
Just had mine 24th and have a morphine button. Going home with hydrocodone and solace. And it works just fine. That's what he gave me after my emergency surgery and it worked fine.
Colase
Wishing you a speedy recovery :)
Thank you for sharing your experience
Absolutely! Happy to help!
I am recovering currently, very helpful
Great to hear!
I love this video. I had colon surgery 6 months ago and now can’t have a natural bowel movement. My doctor doesn’t know why. Just did a colonoscopy where they stretched my intestines because they had become super thin because of surgery. They also found metal staples inside with scar tissue around them that they removed. Now my intestines are a normal size but still can’t have a bowel movement on my own. I have to drink prune juice every 4 days.
I’m hoping to get into Mayo to figure this out. I’m so scared. If anyone has any advice, it’d be very appreciated. ❤
I had my Colon Surgery and Hernia surgery at the same time. 6 weeks tomorrow 7-11-24! I guess I was lucky because I got up and walked the halls and barely used my pain pump. They only sent enough pain pills for 1 week then its Tylenol and Advil. I think I suffered for so long that I can deal with the pain now.
So glad you're having a smooth recovery :)
I hope you recover. What symptoms did you have?
Thank you so much for sharing 🙏🙏🙏 I wish you full Health and God Bless 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you!
I have complicated diverticulitis and experienced a small perforation early this yr. At this point, no matter what I eat, I bloat miserably. 3 colonoscopies in 5 yrs. My robotic LAR is next Tuesday. I'm so terrified I want to back out. Maybe I can follow a strict diet
Thank you for sharing and praying all goes well 🙏
I am in the beginning of my 4 th week after have 12 inches of right colon and about 4 inches extra because of a rare polyp issue carpeting my ascending colon. Right now I surprised how much my abdominal muscle hurt when I try to sit, get up, twist and just movement in general. Pulling of the inscion. I very sore and sometimes I get a very sharp pain when moving and shifting. It seems more sore then it was the first 3 weeks. I do however have Fibromyalgia along with not having very strong abdominal muscles. The surgery made me go into a fibro flare which caused a lot of pain and muscle spasms. I was send home on 2 days of oxycodone. I began with Dilaudid? through my IV then changed it to oral off prone which didn't really cover my fibromyalgia pain. I just concerned how unbelievablly sore I am. I am afraid to go out in public by myself and to get pushed into when walking. I also have a hard time using my right hand to much as my pain is right side oriented. I don't have a post on appointment for a few more weeks as my surgeon was booked until then. Is the extreme tenderness unusal? The pulling and twisting from moving seems more pronounced on week 4.
@@erinnswan7063 I’m so sorry to hear about your pain. I remember my recovery being incredibly difficult for the first several months but everyone is different. I do recall having to ask my doctor repeatedly for additional pain meds because they would only give me about 5 days worth at a time.
If you are having more pain than seems typical for you I would definitely discuss it with your doctor (or speak to their nurse if needed).
I hope you recover. What symptoms did you have?
Thank goodness I don't have any side effects from morphine. My main concern is that surgery is harder as one ages---I'm 70. So far I haven't been diagnosed with cancer...
That’s good news. I hope you continue to remain healthy. ♥️
I had a 20mm polyp removed from my rectum during a colonoscopy. Biopsy came back that it’s a “small adenocarcinoma” I have an appointment for a consult and imaging/bloodwork. Really not looking forward to this. How are you doing? I hope you’re feeling better 🙏🏻
Hi John, do you have an update on your consult yet?
I was where you were in Jan '23, a lot has happened since which included LAR surgery, an ileostomy in April, an ileostomy reversal in late July. if you need any pointers I can help.
@@mtnbkrken05 Thank you so much for reaching out! I just had LAR surgery this past Thursday. I was home the next day. I fortunately didn’t need a bag. The pain’s been pretty manageable, but I’m miserable. I’ve got diarrhea with hemorrhoids 🤦♂️. This is brutal. I’m just taking it day by day. I hope you’re doing well. Are you out of the woods totally? Happy new year, bud.
Hey Johnny, I feel your pain for sure. I now know what it feels like to s--t lava in clusters for about 10 times a day. This was after my ostomy reversal and not having used my colon and my bum for 4 months. I'm still teaching my colon how to work again, getting much easier every month. They tell me it takes a year to completely return to normal, so by the end of this summer I'll be fine. I had the smallest cancer polyp removed as well in a colonoscopy, but they determined it was best to remove 20CM of my colon and part of my rectum to prevent any other polyps. I had 11 the last time and 8 before so, sounded reasonable.
Glad you're managing your pain ok, I had a slight struggle with this at first, but I figured out that I can take the daily max dose of ibuprofen and Tylenol and just alternate them in the day and it worked for me. As far as the bum pain goes... NOTHING helped until I installed a bidet under my toilet seat. I don't know how I've lived all these years without one! @@Johnny-ip4mk
@@mtnbkrken05thanks for your comments. I've had the same surgery almost a year ago and it got infected badly, was in the hospital for one month. The original plan I was cut out about 12 in where the tumor was, temporary Loop ileostomy for 6 weeks and then reversal . But because of the infection which was excruciatingly painful I'm going into my tailbone it took several months on super strong doxycycline antibiotics to clear it and about 7 or 8 months since the surgery for the wound to heal
Now it's going on over a year since surgery and about to have the ileostomy reversed I'm wondering what I can anticipate. It sounds like you were in for a whole new set of challenges after reversing the ileostomy in hooking your colon up again
@@mtnbkrken05I'm just wondering what I can expect. How are you doing now? Would you say you have normal bowel function or you still having to go 10 times a day. Are you able to wear a normal clothing or do you have to wear pads and such?
Thankfully I had no pain. It just took a while to have a really good movement
How long is a while?
Same with me. It took quite a while. I think it was months for me.
This will vary by person but it was several months for me.
God bless you and prayers going up for you! 🙏
Thank you!
Is there a procedure for rectal transplantation?
Would you recommend a stomach band to help with support and pain?
If it helps you and your doctor doesn't have a problem with it then it could be worth trying.
Oh, my surgeon suggested a tea: about a hand full of fresh ginger and a hand full of fresh turmeric, grind it up (I don't bother peeling), mix in about a Tablespoon of black pepper, store in a mason jar/Tupperware, add about a Tablespoon to water, boil, and then (one can strain or not strain, I strain) into my coffee mug and add lemon to taste. Do not add anything else. Enjoy your tea, 2x per day. This has worked wonders pre surgery and post surgery. The all natural tea has reduced inflammation and has assisted in weight loss. My father-in-law has lost weight and no longer eats, as I did, Tums like Tic-Tacs. Going to stay on it and pass the word.
That's a cool tip. Thanks for sharing. Its amazing to find out what has worked for people. When I was going through my chemo treatment I had a functional medicine doctor who suggested I have matcha tea and add in turmeric and black pepper for anti inflammatory purposes. I don't know if it made a difference or not, but I just had my 2 year check up and all is clear :)
Postoperative for healing you need full liquids, to soft diet. After healing, or healed colon, need a high fiber diet... Post-op RN. (Of course, decrease that if it causes pain)
I'm so conflicted about this advice to take fiber. I saw a study on a bunch of people that had all types of digestive issues, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, cramping, pain etcetera. They measured the Baseline of all of their symptoms then they put them on a high fiber diet and everything got worse for all of them. Then they put them on a low fiber diet and everything got a little better than the baseline. Then they put them on another diet and all symptoms were resolved for everyone. Completely healed. Do you know what that was ?
Zero fiber😮
???
It seems to make sense, have you ever put some Metamucil or psyllium husk in a glass and let it sit and watch it gel up and solidify
And I also thought about the animal which has the shortest simplest digestive system, which happens to be cats, and the only food they can digest is meat because it's so easily digested and absorbed. How can that be that nobody has noticed and thought about this?
I felt the same way. It seemed like my surgeon was pushing fiber, but my GI doctor wanted me on a low FODMAP diet. I had to really try a lot of different things to ultimately stop the pain and start feeling better.
Very helpful, thank you! Hope you’re doing well now! I had a right hemicolectomy in April and still have some discomfort so looking for similar stories. Thank you!
Good luck to you as well Jennifer. I’m much better now and have been in remission for over a year. The discomfort will subside over time but be patient with yourself. My recovery was so much longer than I anticipated.
@@WendyBurbridge thanks so much for the quick response!! soooo glad to hear you’re doing well!!
Very helpful. Thank you.
Hi, I had a right helictonomy 7 weeks ago to remove cancer. All gone really well. Only gripe I have is my flat stomach now juts out where I was stitched back together. Am now begining to do toning exercises. Does your stomach eventually flatten? I know it's a small price to pay but can't help but feel paranoid about it as a woman in her early thirties.
I totally understand where you are coming from. I would talk to your doctor about post-surgical exercise and give yourself time to recover first. Aside from scarring, my body physically looks the same as it did prior to surgery. Our bodies are incredibly intelligent when it comes to healing, so be patient with your body and yourself and I'm sure you will see it will come together to support you best. Even where things look different post-surgery, just remember that your body is now cancer-free. As such, it can look however it needs to in order to survive. Stay strong! :)
Hello, I’m fighting with Ulcerative colitis (sigmoid diverticulitis) and it’s been 2 years since i started having pain occasionally and keep losing weight. I’m planning of surgery but makes me bit scared. Pls tell me if surgery is the best option
@@keithsimeon9095 I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this and wish I knew, truly. I think it would be best to discuss with your doctor. I wish I had more wisdom but I’m not a health care practitioner. Wishing you all the best. 🙏
Will my surgeon look at my colon too? I’m having a loop ileostomy. Thanks
@@LisaRado-tv2lm I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask them. Sorry.
Was this surgery for colon cancer?
Yes. It was to remove a tumor.
So very helpful...hope you doing well
Thank you. I am doing well now. :)
@@WendyBurbridgehi wendy, is the ileostomy reversed in your colon all hooked up now? Are your bowel movements normal? I had the same surgery and I'm looking forward to getting the ileostomy reverse soon wondering what I should expect and prepare for
Great Content ❤❤❤
Im pre-diabetic but it’s reversed for now. I’m not supposed to have sugar
I had my appendix removed and the whole right side of my colon removed. I was wondering how long it was for you until you became regular? It's been a month and still dealing with watery stools and flatulence.
How are you doing now? And I'm curious what what has your diet been when you were having gas and flatulence and stool problems?
Have you tried a zero fiber and even perhaps a meat only diet?
I have been thinking about this and it seems like the animals who have the most flatulence and very complex lengthy digestive systems all eat plants and high fiber
And the animal with the simplest shortest digestive system which happens to be the cat, can only eat meat because that is the most easily digestible food there is
How is it that nobody has noticed this or talks about it
For an example, you might search for someone named Kelly Hogan on here
It was several months for me.
Hey there, I just had the same surgery 6 weeks ago. My stitches have healed well and I’m eating/ functioning properly but I’m still having internal pain in my core/stomach muscles. Did you have any pain like this after your surgery? Thank you!
@@littlecozettescrew6818 I had pain for months. It took some time but it eventually got better. Sending you healing thoughts and prayers.
Your LAR was a single-stage procedure (without a stoma reversal), wasn't it?
That is correct.
@@WendyBurbridge Did you experience what's called 'LAR syndrome' and, if so, how did you cope with it?
@@ld4032 I wasn't ever diagnosed with LAR; however, I had many of the complications common to LAR, I believe. Gas, bloating, difficulty going to the bathroom, pain with bathroom visits, frequent bathroom visits, etc. My GI doctor put me on Miralax for a month, which was horrible, but did ensure that I was "going" every day. She also put me on a low fodmap diet to alleviate the gas. I am now introducing foods to test to see which do not produce gas. I have also removed the Miralax and am now trying magnesium before bed, which is seeming to be more effective.
@@WendyBurbridge One more question: what type of anastomosis did they make (end-to-end, j-pouch et c.)?
@@ld4032 I actually don't know. I was pretty much told they took two hose ends and connected them. Sorry I don't have that information for you.
You gonna get the re connection surgery?
They did the reconnection in the same surgery.
Great video. I have to go in a week for the same surgery. They’re taken 12” out around a 2” mass that is cancerous. I think I got mine from low carb diet with too much red meat and fats over two years.
So sorry to hear that Douglas. Best of luck to you with your surgery.
Same here -- I'm 5 months postop sigmoidectomy. Raised our own grass fed beef/dairy, lamb, pork, chicken for last 15 years... thinking I was eating the good stuff until I got cancer.
vax
@@colleenlouise4521 -- no vax in my case.
@@davidvealewell thank you for sharing that. For a little more detail, were you also eating carbohydrates or strictly on a meat only zero or no carb diet?
Were you checking your blood sugar and were you in ketosis?
Were you practicing intermittent fasting and or any longer term fasting?
Or like most of us, were you just eating when you felt like it and along with the meat eating other things as you felt like it?
Please help as I'm also trying to figure out what happened to me as well
Thank you iam also rn having surgery in aweek.
You are in my thoughts and prayers @joanmeighan4738
@@WendyBurbridge God bless you 🙏 ❤️
How much weight did you initially loose after the surgery?
Just a few pounds because I had to fast until the surgery and then was on a liquid diet for several post-surgery. However through the course of surgery and chemo I lost about 15 pounds.
Great information on post surgery prep and pain modification. How long was the pain post surgery during your recovery period?
Did you have a partial or total colectomy? I am likely to need a partial that I’m hoping to be able to have laparoscopically.
Thanks for ur valuable update. I wish you God's speed.and a full recovery. With God all things r possible .He is our Healer read psalms 91 every morning as u wake u will b fully recovered im the ALL MIGHTY Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 🙏🙏🙏
❤Hello
God bless you, tnx
Thank you. You too.
…no illeus?..u dodged a major bullet!!
Robotic sigmoidectomy in 3 days.
Good luck to you!
How are you doing now? Did you have an ileostomy Colin hooked up again or a permanent colonoscopy
Probiotics / Prebiotics
I definitely used probiotics and continue to take them.
too bad a lawnmower was running halfway through!
Sorry about that #firstworldproblems 😂
There is no proper recovery after colon operation. It is a very dangerous and horrible surgery in human body.
I agree with you. My only hope going in was that I would make it through healthy on the other side, and I did, so I am grateful that life-saving interventions like this are available.
@@WendyBurbridge mam what rectal and large transplant is possible.
I hope you recover. What symptoms did you have?