Sigmoid Resection Recovery Question

[Madsea]

All-

I am 45yr old male, had sigmoid colon removed laparoscopically in early December.

Everything seems fine...except for bowel movements. Some days, it is almost getting back to normal. Others, it is a 9-15 time trip to the bathroom day, others...constant trips with diarrhea. No consistency and I cannot link any of the good days/bad days with anything I have ate or drank.

Everything seems to say “6-8 weeks” for “recovery”...but that seems to more about getting energy back, being more active, etc.

How long will it take to get some semblance of normal bowel movements again?

I need to fly for work in a few weeks and I am terrified of having one of the “bad days” while in the air...

Honestly, just hoping for some folks with experience to tell me what to realistically expect. If it is months, I can live with that. If it should be normal by now, I can harass my surgeon/doc. Just so little info out there about returning to normal bowel function.

Thanks!

[JJH]

1. First, I would try a good-quality probiotic in order to get a good balance of "good" vs "bad" bacteria in the bowel. I think the best ones are the ones that they keep in the refrigerator at the pharmacy and that might require a prescription.
   https://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=63676&p=500004#p500004
   https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-probiotic-supplement
   https://www.nutritionadvance.com/kefir-nutrition-benefits-and-drawbacks
   .
2. Second, for the flight preparation, more information is needed before preparing a plan:
   - How soon is the flight?
   - How long is the flight going to be? How long is the total journey likely to take, from home to destination hotel?
   - Is the flight non-stop?
   - Do you have a choice of airline or choice of aircraft?
   - Do you have a choice of cabin class (economy vs business)?
   - How long is your work assignment at the destination? Does it involve a lot of physical activity? Will you have convenient access to toilet facilities during this time?
   - For the return flight, do you have to return right away, or can you wait a day or two to prepare yourself properly for the return?
   - Will you be on chemo during this time? If so, what kind of chemo?
   - Do you have any other medical restrictions?

[CF_69]

My surgeon said it can take 18-24 months to get to “normal.”

Your body has been through a lot.

Drinking kefir has really helped me, but in my case I only drink it about twice a week or it overcorrects.

For the plane ride maybe pop a few imodiums before?

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm sorry you're having a hard time!*hugs* I had half of my sigmoid and half of my rectum removed in 2014. Since surgery I either have many small bowel movements a day, constipation or sometimes diarrhea. I keep a food diary to keep track of what I eat, my digestive symptoms and the medications I take for those symptoms. I eat less fiber when I have diarrhea. There are many foods I can no longer tolerate since surgery. I hope you feel better soon and that all goes well during your flight!*hugs* I eat light before flights.