I actually thought the recovery was not bad at all, I might have just been very lucky but I was moving around day 1, walking everyday. Incisional pain wasn't that bad, I had staples no infections or draining. However, I have seen other people on here who had alot of issues. I had12 inches of my colon removed, my tumor was in the sigmoid area. All I can give as advice also me being a nurse, is try to walk as much as possible to relieve the gas that will build up in you abdomen and colon.

Hi!
Thank you for your reply. I am glad the surgery went well for you.
Was your colon stapled together?

I had my resection in May 2010. The doc removed 60% of my ascending colon. Not sure how many inches that is but my recovery wasn"t bad. I also had a hysterectomy and my gallbladder removed as well. I believe the hyst. part of the surg. was the worst part. You should do fine. For the first few months thoiugh I would make sure wherever you go, that you know there is a bathroom and where. Eventually that constant need to go diminished for me anyway. I hope for you as well. All the best to you for a speedy and full recovery. Keep us posted! Karen

No staples cannot be used inside because they cannot be removed I' m guessing they dissolvable sutures?

I had my entire ascending colon removed and my small bowel attached to the transverse. Also, while they were in there they took my appendix.
The nurses were great. I was in a lot of back pain immediately after but I think because I had a laproscopy they blew me up with air and what's left of the air kind of gets closed in and gives you pain in your back. May not be the same for you.
I was up and moving around within 24-48 hours. Passing gas and urinating post catheter was difficult at first but once that got going and I had my first movement, they put me on soft foods and sent me home. I was in hospital about 4 days. I could have stayed 5.
Once home, I healed real fast and felt great.

My husband had a subtotal colectomy. They stapled his small bowel to his rectum. He was in the hospital for 5 days. I agree with jlcolt. Walking is the fastest way to get things moving again. He had his surgery Aug 3, 2010. Good luck.

Good luck with your surgery. I had about 1/2 of my colon removed and the recovery was a lot easier than I expected. I was afraid because it's weird to think about it, but it wasn't bad. Couple days in the hospital and took it easy at home for a few more. They did mine laproscopically.

hi hun sorry you have to have this procedure, i had a resection done , keyhole last year (mar10), my scar is tiny and been fine since, as Lori said get up and moving and recovery is quicker just dont overdo it no lifting etc, i was in hospital for 6 days, ( this seems to vary ) but most docs usually keep you in till youve had a poo. Drink plenty of liquids, you will find this is all you have for a few days, then move onto soups, yoghurts, ice cream etc before solids, one tip dont drink fizzy drinks, you may find you avoid these for ever more. My bowel has never been better, i watch what i eat, drink plenty, i used to have ibs, but not any more, hope you are as luck as me, for me personally it wasnt as bad as i had anticipated. good luck and you will be in my prayers and thoughts x

Hi Christine, I had my cecum removed also for stage 3C cancer.
I actually dont know any other details because I didnt ask. The whole thing was overwhelming, from diagnosis to surgery was days.
I agree with everyone else, walking was the best thing to do. My bowels were sluggish and I had to have some laxatives but the walking helped immensely. I got a MRSA infection after surgery and had to have IV antibiotics so it was weeks before I was really good, then I went right into chemo. everyone is different.
this site is wonderful and everyone will help as much as they can
Betty Jo

Thank you so much for your replies. I received so much great information from all of you!
Betty, I am so sorry that you had a MRSA infection on top of everything else.
Again, thank you to each and everyone of you wonderful people!
Hugs
Christine

I had a colon resection in January laposcopically and it was a very easy recovery, I was back at work in three weeks. One little weird thing happened though. My one incision was just taped closed on the outside and I was up and down too much and the incision opened up a bit. The surgeon said it was no big deal and I had to pack the hole with gauze every day. It was strange to have this hole or well in my abdomen. it did heal fine, almost 8 weeks, from the inside out but left me with what looks like a second belly button. Anyway exercise is fine but be careful of the bending.