Bowel Resection - what to expect?

[MD54999]

Hi everyone I've got Stage 4 Endometriosis which affects my ovaries, colon and appendix. I've had a laparoscopy to remove endometriosis from my ovaries for fertility purposes but I've now been advised that I need a further surgery to remove two parts of my colon and my appendix, which have significant Endo masses growing in those areas. I've been referred to a specialist colorectal surgeon for the surgery. I may also need a colostomy bag for the recovery period.

Does anyone know how long the recovery period can be for a bowel resection?

I've been advised that this surgery could have a negative impact on my fertility, which surprised me - does anyone know how likely this is? I'm doing a round of IVF as a precaution before the surgery.

How difficult is it to work/do normal activities with a temporary colostomy bag?

Thanks!

[Bexyrich]

Hi, I'm also waiting for a bowel resection, along with a full hysterectomy, so I'd be really interested in responses.

[Cocoacupid]

I’m having a bowel resection next month but I’m seeing my coleractal surgeon tomorrow so I will write on here tomorrow how long he expects me to be off work etc but I’ve waited since I saw my endo specialist last June to now having surgery in may but originally I was told a years wait as they have to have an mdt and meeting with all the surgeons and specialist about each individual case and on the nhs was told they only have two lists a month for this extreme surgery due to complications and things so as said will comment tomorrow and then will comment when I’m on the road to recovery.

[Cocoacupid in reply to Cocoacupid]

Also they will need to have an update mri so they can map out the extensive nature of surgery. X

[MD54999 in reply to Cocoacupid]

Thank you so much - that would be extremely helpful! Good luck with your appointment and with the surgery next month - hope it goes smoothly for you! Good to know about the MRI also - I've had a CT colonography but no MRI yet x

[Cocoacupid in reply to MD54999]

Thank you 🙏 xx as soon as I have finished in my appointment I will be able to give you a time scale of how long off work.

[MrsPaddingtonBear]

Hello

I had a hysterectomy last October that resulted in an emergency colostomy bag being done. My bowel was stuck to my womb and the bowel was torn. The surgeon stopped the surgery to call my husband to say I may not pull through. Thankfully due to my two great surgeons I made it. It was very tough. I was on a morphine drip for 4 days, fluids and oxygen. I also had two drains in my stomach and a catheter. I didn’t move for 4 days. On day 5 they got my out of bed and my legs just buckled,. I can’t imagine what state I must have looked, trying to grapple with a walking frame, a drip stand, a morphine drip, and carry two drain bags! The catheter was then removed. I then went on to morphine tablets twice daily and paracetamol with liquid morphine top up. I spent 11 days in hospital in total. I had a great team and amazing nurses. The stoma nurses come every day and show you what to do and help you to do it yourself. Once they’re happy then you are allowed to be discharged. They will support you. I’m having a reversal in June hopefully. I have good and bad days, sometime stomach aches, some foods are off the menu, you will get there! Good luck

[MD54999 in reply to MrsPaddingtonBear]

Thank you so much for your reply and you have really been through it - that sounds incredibly tough. A great medical team makes such a difference. Really glad to hear you are managing with the stoma - it seems like a big life adjustment but like you said some days are probably harder than others but you get through it. This really reassures me! All the best with your reversal. x

[Cocoacupid]

time scale to have off work was told 6 weeks if a lap but if it’s more open surgery nearing 12 weeks but I think it just depend a how people heal so will be a more individual thing .

[MD54999 in reply to Cocoacupid]

Thanks, that's really good to know! Hope your surgery goes well!