A Patient Guide to Recovery after Colorectal Surgery Part 1

This is a video in two parts that explains how a patient recovers after bowel surgery. Part 1 explains the preparation for surgery and recovery in hospital after bowel surgery. Part 2 gives useful advice on being discharged.
This video was prepared with the help of an educational grant from Coloplast UK. We hope patients will find this useful in preparing them for a bowel operation.

[@keem912ify]

Had this surgery Aug 11th..I watched video’s before and after..the comments had me so nervous! Now after the surgery I feel like an anomaly! This was such a smooth and pain manageable experience! I was walking two days after surgery and was home cooking day 5..the gas was the worst part, I had some pressure under my right rib. As a man the catheter removal was a weird feeling but not painful. My main focus is not stressing my incision and taking time gaining core strength again. Hope most people experience go as well as mine, KZbin comment section can bring a lot of unnecessary stress!

[@Lexibaby516]

I’m so glad I see your comment. Anytime I had a surgery. I’ve done the same thing and people are so dramatic which just gets you in a panic attack. I have a friend that is getting this done soon so I am happy to read your comment. I hope you’re feeling better.

[@keem912ify]

@@Lexibaby516 glad I can help somebody, I’m back at work (18 wheel driver), my incision spot is a lil sore, pulling down the trailer door is where I have to be precautions. Surgery was better than I had participated..

[@yvonnedavey8833]

I am having this operation in a few days time and comments have reassured me thank you very much.

[@keem912ify]

@@yvonnedavey8833 You’re welcome! I was in your position. I was nervous all the way up until they gave the something for it after they started my IV..hope your surgery and recovery goes and well as mine! Give an update so we can help someone else..

[@elijahwilliameby2030]

Nice to read. I'm going in in 1 week

[@doragibbons2977]

I had surgery 15 yrs ago I had a lot of stress after the surgery because I had a stoma but I was not looked after like the video I had no appetite eat nothing was in hospital first intensive care no one helped me to get out of bed just the day after my surgery nurse took me up to wash my hair 😳and shower I lost about 2 stone in2 weeks no follow up after my husband done everything for me because I was so weak 🙏 and after 8 months I was back to myself thank goodness and I never looked back😊

[@pyheng1817]

U

[@schaudhri]

Pleased to know it was helpful. Wish you a speedy recovery. Hope it all goes well.

[@fauzianalwoga1002]

Even though my mom might have a different illness i really pray she recovers just like this patient because she's the love of my life

[@rasheedahmb5439]

Insha Allah ❤️

[@BohemianPixel]

This is a great video, thanks for posting it. Very helpful

[@mr._durden_]

Literally just had it done, I'm in the hospital now, will be here for almost a week

[@rupturedspeaker3684]

matt shirley hi Matt I’m having this done soon for diverticulitis. How are you doing now?

[@sdcoinshooter]

I want to know too, I returned home from the hospital 48 hours after having colon resection, right now I am four days out. I THINK I am doing OK... walking a lot, things seem to be working, but would love to hear from someone that has been there.

[@pastorchristopherjones7177]

I had bowel resection surgery about 8 days ago. They removed about 12inches of my large intestine. The first day right after surgery was very tuff for me. I stayed in hospital about 4 days. At first my bowels didn’t move for 5 days. But every thing seems to be moving along well. I believe it because of Gods grace through much prayer. They told me good recovery is about 6 weeks. I’m going to take it easy at home for the amount of time.

[@user-lr5wg2ev9s]

I had hemicolectomy surgery 10 days ago, I am in the recovery stage, it seems that everything is going well, you just have to be calm and follow the doctors' instructions...don't make unnecessary efforts and eat as healthy as possible, I still need a few weeks of rest, but I think we are doing well...

[@assayhagos2107]

Had mine 2 weeks ago. You’ll feel very achey afterwards and I only started moving 3 days after but it was very slow and had minor illnesses after such as bladder issues because of the catheter & a temperature but that subsided & am building my strength now

[@explicitplayzz1672]

how r u now?

[@premalatha4233]

How do you feel now?

[@Ken_oh545]

Did the bladder issues go away? I had my op 3 weeks ago and am currently passing water in multiple short bursts not a steady stream. I spent my first 24 hours after my op asking for the catheter to be removed, what a horrible thing it is.

[@jaynegardiner4358]

I had mine 2 weeks ago to, due to Crohn's disease, had 30cm of small bowel and some large bowel removed. Been home a few days now, feels like I've been hit by a bus!!!

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

How are you now ? I had my emergency surgery last year and I am still very weak from it

[@annalaurenciamayer95]

Mine was exactly the same, i am 3 weeks post op, had ro stop antibiotics because of my mental health, I got them before surgery for 3 weeks also. I have diarrhea around 5-10 times a day, each day it is slightly better, but around every afternoon 4-5 pm, I get very depressive. Like I have PTSD. When did you feel like normal again?

[@kristalnthegirls]

I wish it was that easy to get up and move around. He made it look so easy! It is not difficult but it is very uncomfortable!

[@ianmackay17]

Kristal Biscardi I had it done 2weeks ago still painfull

[@pj6787]

The medical staff look so nice in uniforms, so professional.

[@TheManQns7]

Was released from the hospital a day ago. The pain I've experienced from this procedure is unlike any ever felt before. Walking is uncomfortable, so is sitting, and laying down. Low appetite is also expected, and again. A lot of pain in the lower abdomen, spinal area.

[@bigbadwolfholmez2164]

West David dang! That's horrible. Sounds painful

[@ColonelCarnage]

They make it seem like it’s so easy to get up and walk around and scarf down food. Day 6 now and my stomach still rumbled and hurts and I don’t have an appetite

[@saleengarcia204]

how long did it take you to get back on your feet and did u have any throw up or nausea after ?

[@grassman9622]

I had a right hemicolectomy 2 years ago. they had a vac dressing on my wound, and it was about 1 1/2 inches deep by 4 inches long. the operation was march 29th, and the wound was finally healed September 13th of that same year.

[@saricomey889]

Oh no

[@sikCommoSS]

Very Imformative thankyou :)

[@emzadia]

Thank you for doing this video. I am having a right hemicolectomy due to bowel stenosis at the hepatic flexure...in about 7 hours. Though things are done a bit differently here in the States, my confidence in a good recovery was boosted with this video. Thanks again!

[@lollipopcumdrop3404]

How are you doing ?

[@proctologoqueretaro]

This video series is very helpful for patients. Thank you.

[@NavneetKaur-wp3qc]

Video is good,should hv more closure look to drips and drains.thanks for posting.

[@fabiogomes7039]

Had mine 10 weeks ago, and my recovery was way better than I expected. Only 5 hours of my (robotic) surgery I was walking around and started a liquid diet the day after. I’ve experienced very little pain after the procedure, and in less than one week I returned to work (remotely).

[@HELLO-sd5hf]

Your body got edema after surgery?

[@user-ev1sh9ct3g]

Sure sure....Colon takes 6 weeks to heel but ok.....

[@AbcdEfgh-dd9pw]

Are these facilities available in AMDAVAD /Vadodara?

[@paulstuder2468]

Thank you for this video but I have just had this done and, while this video is accurate, it fails to note that the recovery can ve very painful.

[@martharivera2294]

Just had mine. The pain after waking up from surgery was horrible. I felt like my bladder was going to explode. I was told my surgery took longer than normal (surgery started about 9am, woke up from it at 5:30pm) because of thickening of tissue due to an acute episode which caused a small perforation and infection a year ago. Also my colon was positioned higher up on my abdomen and some blood was found. The surgery was on a Tuesday and I was discharged until Saturday afternoon. I was on clear liquids until Friday. Even though I was given oxycodone, muscle relaxers, Tylenol and Tramadol, I was still in pain. The effect would only last for two hours. I wasn’t able to sleep because every time I did, I would wake up with really bad headaches. Then also the nausea started. I was so hungry but could eat more than just a couple of bites because I feel full quickly, even with just water. The drain on my abdomen kept draining so I wasn’t removed until the day I was discharged. But no sutures or skin glue was applied to it. The instructions were to remove the dressing the day after. When my husband did, he could see the hole left by the tube. This was an elective surgery, but had I known I was going to suffer this much, I wouldn’t have gone through with it. 😢. Did I mention they did 6 incisions? I can play connect the dots now because I already had 3 incisions from a laparoscopic surgery I had before.

[@susansmith4112]

I had this surgery Dec 6th. It was not pain free and rarely is. I had bad diverticulitis and they removed some colon that was inflamed. Had four flare ups in a year and trips to ER. Couldn’t keep down antibiotics which treat it. Some people have more pain after surgery Some less.

[@mr._durden_]

I just had a laparoscopic sigmoid resection, unfortunately there were complications, there was a leak they couldn't fix, so they had to open me up fully. I am in quite a bit of pain

[@iamatt]

That happened to me. Woke up with a bag. Got it reversed. Got peritonitis and it was freaking horrible. All back together now and cancer free. How are you doing since?

[@roselynbacalso2835]

normal side effects of colon surgery is loss of appetite,depression,severe pain in the abdomen that you have a hard time to site and walk. i experienced all of this from surgery.and even now 2 weeks more from my surgery im constipated. and my stupid partner,his family and the doctors said it is just normal. i wish the doctor tackle and talked about this before the surgery. i missed my beautiful formed shit before. i wish it come back soon.

[@scarlettcloete9457]

that made me laugh omg i’m so sorry

[@LiuMav]

Sorry to hear this. Happened to me too. Wish i gsthered more info first.

[@aaishikdas]

How are you doing now? My mom will be having the surgery on 31st....so asking

[@premalatha4233]

@@LiuMav any better now ? I’m at the same phase so checking.

[@rajstudio777]

Colorectal surgery is not sooo simple as u r seeing in this video. I undergone. Not soooo easy.

[@Lexibaby516]

I have a friend that I about to have this done and I’m looking into it for her. I work in the medical field but not in this department so I am not very educated on this surgery like I would like to be. How long did it take you to recover? Also, how long did you stay in the hospital and where did you get the cut?

[@rajstudio777]

Mine is APR surgery. robotics.i got stoma at left side. end stoma. i stayed on ICU for 2 days. i was unable to walk for 10 steps in first 5 days. @@Lexibaby516

[@madinaiman2624]

For me it wasn't either. I had colorectal surgery- anterior re-section with an ileostomy 18/03/24. In hospital 7 days. Went home, then almost a week later back in because of an anastomic leak. Had to go under general anesthetic 4 times in 12 days as they tried to manage the leak. Was a total nightmare. 7 weeks later and still recovering.

[@rajstudio777]

@@Lexibaby516 if it is robotic, u may need to be in hospital for 3 days. Then recovery time will be around 45 days.

[@jesseorellana5339]

This put me at ease. I'm still recovering, but for those nervous... there may be complications. But be honest with your doctor, tell them all your symptoms, and follow procedure. All will be good. A red flag to watch out for. I was lucky to have a doctor that took all I said incredibly seriously, even though some of my symptoms weren't showing on tests. My mom had a doctor who hand-waved most of her issues in favor of his own perceptions. If your doctor does not listen to your input, you may want to get a second opinion. My surgery may have been MUCH worse if my doctor hand-waved some of my CT scan invisible symptoms.

[@Bigmartymar24]

What were some of the symptoms you’re talking about?

[@Kimmy-pw8tm]

I have a stoma reversal and hernia repair in 4 weeks. I know the risks, but I will still have to wear a seton drain. What kind of foods do you eat? Right now I am thinking water, jelly , and scrambled eggs for the rest of my life

[@rajhansraj4423]

Wow they make it sound like this surgery is a breeze , just had mine and there was no way I was moving up and down on day one .... eating like the way this guy is, while in the hospital .. such bs !!

[@rajstudio777]

Yes you are correct. Still i am at hospital recovering. This video is so dramatic and looks like fake

[@user-ev1sh9ct3g]

Totally. I can guarantee there is no way you move with such ease and pain-free way. First days after colectomy SUCK! You feel like someone slashed you with a samurai sword

[@karencram5506]

had my resection 29th july,much more comfortable after two weeks, ,

[@Crohniponi]

Thats great to hear! May i ask why you had this done?

[@schaudhri]

+Crohniponi for patients to help them prepare for an operation and know what to expect.

[@donnag4940]

Karen Cram Its a very painful and long recovery. I lost 2 1/2 feet of small bowel due to severe Crohns disease. It actually got worse now. More medication, pain and in the bathroom constantly.😕

[@loyd6804]

Awful horrible surgery,I'm 3 months in recovery and still have some bad pain

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

It’s the most painful thing I’ve ever gone through I woke up in intensive care tubes everywere even up my butt for a week it was horrific that was 2 weeks ago 2 nd day at home recovering

[@HJ-gn7wp]

How old were you when you went for surgery?

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

@@HJ-gn7wp I am 54 it was when I was 53 yrs old

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

@@HJ-gn7wp it was emergency surgery

[@mountainwarrior8387]

Colon surgery ain't no joke! 3 weeks later, still hurt like hell and digestion is fucked up.

[@rrip1]

Colon and rectum removal 2 1/2 years ago was a decision that bothers me 18 hours a day everyday. I have paid in misery for all of my bad deeds in life.

[@Suxxt_]

This surgery is so horrible ..I have done before 2 months still my wound didn't heal everyday I go for dressing and it's painful ..I became so weak and want someone to look after me .

[@user-uu7tb7oj9i]

I’m in the same boat as you , it’s been 10 weeks and my wound is still struggling to heal , I have a temporary ileostomy , I just want this to be over so I can get my life back , the pain and having a stoma really sucks … and my surgeon isn’t really comforting. God help us all … had rectal endometriosis by the way …

[@mariabuzzard1664]

I had surgery 3/17, released the next day. I can walk without assistance, but, my digestive system not working yet. I'm in the bathroom every couple of hrs. Even at night. I've lost 15 lbs. Nothing taste good. Wish they would have explain the after surgery as well as the before.

[@tootsla1252]

My husband is 3 weeks post op. It took him about a week to get his appetite back. He is about 10lbs down from his normal weight. Hope you are feeling better. Best wishes

[@mariabuzzard1664]

@@tootsla1252 I'm doing great! My weight is up. But my cancer just came back. They say once it masatasise, it always comes back. Your husband well be fine

[@bongiwemotloung3074]

Hi, how do you feel now. My best friend will go for operation on the 13th of April this year, he's so scared. He's talking about side effects after the surgery. So I would like to know how are you holding up after your surgery, what he may expect after the surgery.

[@mariabuzzard1664]

@@bongiwemotloung3074 he well be fine! Just know that appetite well be low, but drink plenty of liquids. You don't want to get dehydrated. Get some pedilyte.

[@rgtravels8368]

I have same problem of going bathroom every hour.please give some suggestion or medicine

[@3653john]

As long as you can still make tea ☕️

[@laneylydon9029]

I know what it is like after my c sections I felt so ill

[@21babyjoker]

Extremely scare I might need one, and freaking out

[@LP-fw3wl]

Anyone who undergone this surgery should look into low anterior resection syndrome post surgery. Many surgeons wont go in details what quality of life you expect to have, your BMs will never be same as before. You will expect to have issues with frequency ( 5-20 times) depends how much colon and rectum removed, bloating,diarrhea, constipation, food intolerances, more prone to blockages from internal scar tissues. And the list on n on

[@Lexibaby516]

Wow, I work in the medical field but not in this area and I have a good friend that will need this surgery and I am taking off so I can take care of her. I keep seeing how painful the surgery is. If she doesn’t get the surgery she will end up having to get the colostomy bag and she’s only in her 40s. From diverticulitis so I was just going through these videos and reading comments to check. Are there any suggestions you can give me. They’re highly appreciated.

[@lorraineb229]

contradictory. you're going to take a laxative to empty the bowel but "you can eat 4 hours before the surgery". clear liquids for 48 hours before surgery along with laxatives the day before to empty the bowel.

[@schaudhri]

There is a balance between keeping the bowel empty and not starving you so that your body metabolism does not go in to breakdown mode called catabolic state.

[@susancarter8025]

I couldn't pass wind and wanted to go home so I told the nurse I couldn't do it with her watching. Made her turn her back and made a sound with my mouth!

[@bobbydouglas16]

Hahahahahah

[@giyoungpark2266]

Are you serious 🧐 ?

[@susancarter8025]

yes. i am serious.

[@tpvalley]

my mother has this soon, Im terrified for her. I heard a 1% mortality rate?

[@Nathaly0886]

It's been a long time... Just wondering.. did it went well?

[@darrellpierson5398]

dont be scared its not hard I had the surgery and I am recovery right now

[@bobbydouglas16]

Where did you have it done at

[@detroitergirl5842]

Are you feeling ok after those years?

[@ElsieCByrd]

my husband is having colonoscopy surgery next Monday I'm scare for him but I know God will take control of the doctors hands I believe in God and I have faith in God so I'm not scared anymore I'm the surgery in God hands I know everything is ok

[@sugacube7095]

A colonoscopy isn't surgery

[@detroitergirl5842]

@@sugacube7095 How do you feel now? Are you ok?

[@detroitergirl5842]

How is your husband now? Did he do any surgery??

[@paparudaruda2199]

@@sugacube7095 she meant colostomy

[@Enlightenment246]

@Joshua This happened 4 years ago, his either fine now or dead.

[@sugacube7095]

I'm having mine in up to 3 years so I'm educating myself, retaining the information and then I'm gonna try and forget about it ( I will have the surgery when I'm 16)

[@corneliaeleanore3215]

It will be okay

[@sheba8433]

Try cutting down on red meat and dairy and take Metamucil everyday..... you can heal your colon slowly. A friend of mine went vegan and his healed completely

[@scarlettcloete9457]

it’s been 3 years how are you

[@detroitergirl5842]

@@scarlettcloete9457 I am also asking the same question almost to all comments, no one answered me!

[@grahamday1582]

Not as easy as it looks can be painful 😕

[@Chanesmyname]

I truly doubt you will get anything like care this good in the NHS of today.

[@annkemsley3186]

I have to disagree. The care I received on several occasions was first class. I awoke after emergency admission to find I had a stoma and only a small amount of large bowel left. Later I had my anus removed. I can't fault the medical team they were awesome. My daughter and a wonderful surgeon saved my life. Which hospital? Forth Valley Hospital in Larbert x

[@Julie-ys3qz]

Patients with a stoma will pass wind via their bag!

[@tommac21]

I would do this just for the morphine. I had this witk my last back surgery. Stuff is awsome

[@Dexduzdiz]

Let me tell you now, Colorectal Surgery, will be the most painful surgery you go through. This is no F@&king joke. Don’t believe them when they say it’s not that bad. You will feel like you got hit by a bus a train and an airplane.

[@JJ-vy2rh]

I was up walking the next day

[@petrisimila1965]

Ei oo koskaan talutettu ja ei syötetty ruokia lautaselta ei oo annettu lääkkeitä kun ei ole koskaan ollut rauhoittavia lääkkeitä

[@tracyreynolds7432]

Tillie

[@richardhyden6527]

Had my colon resection stayed 4 days in hospital, to be honest I found the colonoscopy to be more painful

[@kidbowjb]

You're drunk with that comment

[@richardhyden6527]

@@kidbowjb HEY! kidblowjob i'm not a liberal pussy like you

[@roselynbacalso2835]

fake video

[@couzin2000]

Wtf???

[@roselynbacalso2835]

even farting and coughing for me super painful. i hate this video.super fake.just proving me that doctors just see humans just an animals and object.

[@detroitergirl5842]

How do you feel now? Is everything ok?

[@andrewarriola6127]

I'd go diaper forget the catheter If possible

[@keianao6369]

Catheter is MUCH cleaner.

[@rongiovagnoli7560]

Why are patients going trough with this debilitating and quality of life ending procedure. Are you all mad

[@premalatha4233]

If it’s diagnosed it has to be done, this is not by choice this is pure suffering pre and post op and it’s not some cosmetic surgery to choose.

[@rongiovagnoli7560]

@@premalatha4233 nothing has to be done nobody forces you to do anything

[@Lexibaby516]

Why do you think the patients are at the end of their life? I know people that had it in their 60s but I’m here to help someone in their 40s right now. It starts with diverticulitis.

[@user-ki6hf2if9d]

I went thru it at 78. I had no pain. Went home in 5 days. After surgery, I woke up in my bed in my private room. I asked for non narcotic pain medication after the second day.