After bowel surgery

My dad had surgery to remove cancer from his bowel on Thursday.  He hasn't had to have his bowel removed but is not doing so good.  He has said that his intestines aren't working properly and they have now put a tube down his throat and nose and that sometimes this happens for a couple of days. Is this normal or is there more too this. We aren't a loud to the hospital so I can't see him and I know he try's to protect us but need the full picture 

Parents
  • Hello Paisley2021,

                                  Sometimes it can take a while for the bowel to come back on stream after a surgical intervention,its almost like it goes into shock and can take a while to come back on song.We take the bowel for granted when it is working properly,but it is a very intricate piece of plumbing, so removing a piece and doing some repairs will take time to heal.Mine is still adjusting seven years after an operation,but most recover a whole lot quicker, Hopefully things will look a whole lot different for your Dad in a few weeks time,l think patience and a refusal to overstress is key,since their is a strong connection between mind and bowel,and overdoing the worrying will do little to help the healing process.Easy to say, harder to practice but really worth the effort,or lack of it if you just relax.Hope it continues to improve for him,

                                                   david

  • Thank you I have tried to tell him to relax and let the drs do there job. I'm just concerned about the fact he now has tubes down his throat and nose and not sure if this is normal after surgery..  I've told him it's going to be a long journey but think it's all becoming very real for him now and he is scared. Just want him home so we can see him. 

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  • Thank you I have tried to tell him to relax and let the drs do there job. I'm just concerned about the fact he now has tubes down his throat and nose and not sure if this is normal after surgery..  I've told him it's going to be a long journey but think it's all becoming very real for him now and he is scared. Just want him home so we can see him. 

Children