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 

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  • 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. 

  • Hello Paisley2021,

                                   ileus is condition where the nerves on the intestinal wall take a time to recover following surgicfal intervention,and affect peristalsis which is the wave like motion of the bowel that helps transports food through.l am no expert but suspect the tubes might be there to help clear any buildup whilst waiting for the bowel to restart.l had similar myself for a few days untileverything clicked back into gear,Its just a matter of time so a bit of help until then is no bad thing,

                                                                                                                  David

  • Thank you that sounds like what it is and has put my mind at rest 

  • Hope your Dad's feeling better. My Mum has to have bowel surgery soon too. Does your Dad need chemo after?

  • Hi yes he will also need chemo after but we are not sure when that will start as recovery from the surgery will Be at least 6 weeks

  • I wish him all the very best. 

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