You had surgery to remove your large intestine. Your anus and rectum also may have been removed. You also may have had an ileostomy.
If your rectum or anus remains, you may still have the feeling that you need to move your bowels. You may also leak stool during the first few weeks.
If your rectum has been removed, you may feel the stitches in this area. It may feel tender when you sit.
You will probably have pain when you cough, sneeze, and make sudden movements. This will last for 1 to 5 days.
Activity:
Your doctor will give you pain medicines to take at home.
Press a pillow over your incision when you need to cough or sneeze. Ask your doctor when you should begin taking the medicines you stopped taking before surgery.
See also: Ileostomy - discharge
If your staples have been removed, you will probably have Steri-Strips (small pieces of tape) placed across your surgical incision.
Take sponge baths for the first 2 days after your staples are removed. You may shower after that. Ask your doctor or nurse when you can soak in a bathtub.
Your doctor will tell you how often to change your dressing and when you may stop using one.
See also: Surgical wound care
Do not wear tight clothing that rubs against the incision while it is healing. Use thin gauze over the wound to protect it, if needed.
If you have a colostomy, follow your doctor’s care instructions.
If you have a rectal incision, sitting on a pillow may help.
Eat small amounts of food 5 to 8 times a day, instead of 3 big meals.
Some foods may cause gas, loose stools, or constipation when you are recovering. Avoid the foods that cause these problems.
If you become sick to your stomach or have diarrhea, try drinking only clear fluids and not eating for a little while. Call your doctor.
To keep from getting dehydrated (not having enough fluid in your body), keep water or fruit juice on hand.
If you have hard stools:
Return to work only when you feel ready to. These tips may help:
Call your doctor if:
End ileostomy - discharge; Continent ileostomy - discharge; Ostomy – discharge; Restorative proctocolectomy - discharge; Ileal-anal resection - discharge; Ileal-anal pouch - discharge; J-pouch - discharge; S-pouch - discharge; Pelvic pouch - discharge; Ileal-anal anastomosis - discharge; Ileal-anal pouch - discharge; Ileal pouch - anal anastomosis - discharge; IPAA- discharge; Ileal-anal reservoir surgery - discharge
Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Coln and rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 50.
Updated by: Shabir Bhimji MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Inc.
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