Anterior resection recovery time

[Kittyshopping]

So, I potentially need a bit of my sigmoid colon removed. Just wondering if anyone can comment on the recovery process? My surgeon estimates 3 months to get back to normal assuming no complications. I'm well aware of what could potentially go wrong, but would like to hear recovery stories for a uncomplicated procedure. I need to gauge time off work etc.

I’m in my fifties and otherwise fit and well.

Hi I had an ileo-caecal (end of small bowel/start of large) resection in Feb 2017, they took 42 cms in total. I was up & about the following morning, discharged after 5 days, staples out 2 weeks later. I was driving after 6 weeks & back to work after 3 months - I would have gone back earlier but as I hadn’t been able to eat properly for 8 weeks before my op I needed to put some weight back on & my surgeon wanted me to have a colonoscopy to check the join site before he’d discharge me. I have Crohn’s disease but I’ve been in remission on minimum medication ever since. Good luck

Thanks. That sounds very positive. I’ve never had any kind of so called major surgery and so it’s quite a lot to get my head around. Glad you’re recovered.

I'm having part of my sigmoid colon resectioned next week as I have bowel cancer.

I won't lie, it hurts a bit! If I remember correctly for last time I was in bed for two days then up and about, discharged after 6 days. Not allowed to do anything for 6 weeks, then allowed to drive etc and back at work after 2 months. Gym was the worst, couldn't go back for three months and even then only light exercise. I had my bag reversal after six months.

Thanks. Sorry to hear you’ve been through it more than once. From what I understand a stoma is not always required but I have been warned it’s a possibility. Good luck with the op.