Stretching pain post right hemicolectomy

[Nicolouna]

Hi everyone,

I had a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy at the end of August 2013. I recovered quickly and resumed my regular activities almost right away. My scar has also healed really wel. Since my surgery, however, I've been feeling some sort of "stretching" pain. When I take really big abdominal breaths or if i flex my abdomen, it feels as though I am pulling something in my right abdomen where my colon was removed. It is not painful and I would describe it as mild discomfort. Also, that discomfort seems to be a bit worse when I have gas or bloating. I was wondering if anyone has had this issue or anything similar. Could this be from the scarring after the surgery? My oncologist seems to think so but I'm paranoid.

[Nixma]

I would ask your surgeon. maybe you just have some scarring . I had the same surgery only in July 13. I think my surgeon would want to know.

[elise]

It took a long time for my abdo to be totally normal. Especially the spot about 3 inches below my navel, to the left. Surgeon told me that one bugs lots of people. 2 years out of surgery, it's normal.

Now I just have to make sure I don't eat huge meals

ps, I was the same, being up and going fast after surgery. I was running around 6 weeks post-op. But sit ups took much much longer.

[disco nap]

I had that surgery and I agree with Elise: it takes awhile to feel normal. You'll feel pulling, twinges, and other weird stuff. I am almost 4 years out and I still, every now and then, feel a little twinge there. Never painful, just different. Not to worry.

[Nicolouna]

Thanks for you responses. I've booked a follow up appointment with my surgeon. He says he may order a scan just in case, I guess we'll see. Hopefully it's nothing!

[dianetavegia]

Adhesions begin to form within 5 minutes of the surgical site being closed in 93% of people having abdominal surgery. No treatment is offered because more surgery means NEW adhesions. My gastro pointed mine out, asking if I ever feel pulling when stretching or taking a deep breath. He said 'many people complain of that'. So, scar tissue is most probably the cause.