Stoma reversal

Good Morning

I am wondering if anyone has experienced these symptoms?

I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer over 2 years ago. I had a bowel obstruction, emergency surgery to remove sigmoid colon . a stoma and 6 months chemo.

In June last year I has my stoma reversed.

All has gone really well but in the last few months I've had episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty with my bowels.
 

The last episode is not getting better. I'm in severe pain, mostly at night, not eating and feeling generally unwell. 
My oncologist did a Ct scan in March which was clear and he suspected bowel adhesions?

I am seeing my surgeon next week

I'm sick with worry, but worst of all just worn out with the pain and symptoms

Has anyone else been through anything similar 

Any advice would be appreciated

Julie

  • Hi Julie,

    Your story is very similar to mine with emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction in my sigmoid colon in Nov 2019 and stoma reversal November 2020. I had 3 months chemo, (was meant to.be 6 but was stopped because of Covid). I've had a couple of what I've assumed are blockages with severe abdominal pain and was eventually sick followed by liquid diarrhoea. I've since been told it was probably due to adhesions. I've just had a colonoscopy which was all clear. My last CT scan was 8 months ago. Mine resolved after 48 hours and I believe the last episode was caused by eating sweetcorn. It may be worth you keeping a food diary to see if what you are eating has any effect.
     

    If your CT scan was clear it does sound like adhesions. Hopefully your surgeon will be able to put your mind at rest. 
     

    Try not to worry, although I know it's easier said than done. xxx

  • Morning Molly

    Honestly thank you so much for replying

    I've got myself in such a state. Over the last year I've been carrying on in true Debra James style. Fund raising , holidays, out all the time etc.

    Family and friends have me on a pedastal but suddenly I've crashed. I've spent this weekend in bed (beating myself up for not being out there in the lovely weather) analysing the last few months.

    I have been having abdominal issues for ages. I've spent hours upon hours googling cancer symptoms and have been suffering from a myriad of symptoms which I've kept quiet about.

    The abdominal issues are there ( otherwise I'm completely bonkers) but my anxiety levels are off the radar and I'm sure are making things worse.

    This is the first time I've admitted any of this to anyone.

    I'm so happy that things are going well for you and long may that continue.

    Apologies for loading this on you Molly but it feels good to open up to someone who understands. 
    I'm now going to have a good cry, dust myself off and get out in the sunshine.

    I'll also take your good advice about my diet, which is presently terrible.

    Love Julie

     

  • Enjoy that sun Julie. Unfortunately once you've been through what we have you always think the worst. Also anxiety affects your bowel too! It's good you are getting checked out though but it sounds like it will be adhesions. 
    Lots of love 

    Lisa xx