Colon Cancer Support Group
Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from mushroom-like growths that are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. The majority of the time, the diagnosis of localized colon cancer is through colonoscopy.
Periodically I suffer from a sharp hot knife like pain on the left side of my abdomen which is the side with my anastomosis. It starts if I strain at all during bowel movements but usually goes away. I take metamucil, a stool softener and try to eat more fiber. Sometimes I get bowel spasms. The surgeon said the pain is normal but this time it's not going away. It's there every time I have a bowel movement even if I don't really strain and it hurts if I blow my nose or sneeze. Is this just tightening of the anastomosis from healing? Has anyone else suffered from this?
DarknessEmbraced
Seeing my surgeon on Thursday to give me piece of mind and to make sure everything is ok.
DarknessEmbraced
Cancelled appointment with surgeon due to winter storm. The surgeon has said the pain is normal anyhow.
prayinglots
Sounds painful. Hope you are feeling better soon.
DarknessEmbraced
The knife like pain isn't as bad lately. I have to be careful not to strain during bowel movements.
Karen822
Hi I had a resection on my right side it'll be 5yrs. ago in May and what you describe is EXACTLY how I feel ...A LOT!!! Especially if I strain to move bowels. My surgeon told me that it is scar tissue and if it gets to the point where I can't tolerate anymore he can remove scar tissue. Unfortunately scar tissue always grows back so I am just trying to get use to it. I have an annual colonoscopy so I know everything is fine otherwise. I hope this helped Big Hug Karen
DarknessEmbraced
I'm sorry you go through the same pain Karen. It must be scar tissue for me too. I'm two months out from my colon resection. I have my annual colonsocopy and ct scan in October.
Karen822
I believe anytime you have surgery you'll feel some sort of pain. I recently had a Double Mastectomy with reconstruction and I'm in some sort of pain EVERY DAY and its been a year!!! Oh well nothing I can do right, It's better than the alternative. I do hope you have relief from your discomfort!
DarknessEmbraced
The pain isn't as bad 4 months out from surgery. I have more pain if I'm constipated or if I'm out walking around for long periods of time. It's more of a soreness.
DarknessEmbraced
I have been getting bloating, gas and cramping lately.
Join the Conversation