Coping With Colon Resection

On July 30, 2008 I underwent the removal of about 12 inches of the sigmoid colon due to diverticular disease Simultaneously, my stone-filled gall bladder was removed and two hernias from previous surgeries were repaired. The surgery went well. I am to see the surgeon today, August 7, 2008, to remove the staples from the large incision on my lower left abdomen.

I am feeling and recovering quite well with no difficulties. However, I was not able to urinate for the first two days after surgery so therefore had a catheter inserted. Since I am 63 years old and have had BPH(enlarged prostate) for about 10 years I was sent home from the hospital on the fourth day with the catheter. I will also see the urologist today to have it removed and determine my ability to urinate. The urologist placed me on Flomax on August 1 to help with this problem. My surgeon and gastroenterologist both feel that the inability to urinate is due to the anesthesia used and are concerned mainly with the BPH

I passed gas on the third day and had a loose, black, bowel movement later in the day. Easing back on more solid food I have noticed more consistency and a more normal color. However, I still have some pains in the colon where the anastamosis is as the food passes through it. I feel this will go away as healing is completed.

I was able to get out of bed within two hours after surgery and have been fairly active since. I watch myself though and don’t move too fast.

Everything went as expected and as described to me by my surgeon I am happy I had it done electively rather than waiting until an emergency arose.