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Blocked bowel

Samargaret
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A relative of mine has had endometrial cancer for which she had chemo, radiotherapy and bracki treatment she has just been rushed in having a blocked bowel as the cancer had already attached itself to her bowel she’s had a colostomy bag fitted and was in surgery a long time as she had her bowel redirected (it was a mess in there) this was 6 days ago and she’s no better infact she wants to die she is 79 should she be feeling a bit better by now or is everyone different 

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    I can appreciate your concern. Bowel surgery can often take at least 4 to 6 weeks, to fully recover from, particularly if older, so it is to be expected for a patient to feel rough just a few days after surgery. The ward team, and the stoma nurse specialist, will teach her how to manage her colostomy, and get her up and about as soon as possible. If her recovery goes well then she may be discharged within a couple of weeks or so. 

    She will need to take time to adjust her daily diet to help regulate bowel movements again. 

    There is more information here about adjusting to life with a colostomy stoma. There is also information on diet after treatment

    I hope this helps,

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Vanda

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Vanda

    I can fully understand your relatives feelings. I had to have a similar surgery as my bowel burst a week after having another gynae operation. I had to have a bag which, 10 weeks on, I still hate. I'm still recovering. It's not been easy but as each week passed, I found I could do more things and I'm now almost back to normal. Your relative will need a lot of support, physically and emotionally but she will get there. I found getting up and going outside, albeit in a wheelchair, was a game changer for me. Got me off the ward and back in the world of normality. Send her my regards and keep telling her, things do get better xxx

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