Post Operative Questions

[Mags1952]

I have major colon surgery six weeks ago and I am still in a lot of pain up my back passage, left hand side of my stomach and across my back.  I take 6 x 10mg oxynorm tablets a day and I take this to relieve the pain.  I am worried I am not making as much progress as I should.  However, I am now a nervous wreck.  I was ill for three months before the operation and was expecting to get a stoma bag, I met the stoma nurses ect and I was trying to mentally prepare myself for this but I was scared out of my mind.  I was pen marked before the operation as to where the stoma bag would be fitted.  I really thought they would discover during the op I had cancer and as I said I was absolutely terrified.

Now, six weeks later I can't sleep without nightmares and I am an absolute nervous wreck.  I have briefly spoken to my GP about this but they are not happy at prescribing tranquilisers and I have been given 21 x 2mg diapazam to take in an emergency.  But I really feel every night is an emergency, I am scared of going to sleep.  I also cannot eat very well and have lost about 2 stones.   Can anyone advise if they have been in a similar situation and is there anything I can do to get better.  I would really appreciate some advice.  Many thanks for reading this post.

[jdwithhcv]

I can't be sure from your post why you had colon surgery - for cancer or not - and did you end up having the ostomy?

I had colon surgery and an ileostomy (temporary). The first surgery followed 8 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation.  They gave me a lot of dilaudid (hydromorphone) for pain, both during chemo and at the time of surgery.

In the weeks after surgery I was a mess, dealing with the bag, more chemotherapy, and healing from the previous treatment and surgery.  I dreaded the nights, the anxiety was torture. One of the chemo drugs was really harsh and caused diarrhea, dehydration and horrible nausea.  I lost more than 1 pound/day.  The slightest thing terrified me. I felt helpless, and despaired of ever getting back any control of my life and my body.  

What finally helped me was stopping the dilaudid.  It was tough for the first week.  I had blurred the line so I was taking the drug more for the emotional pain than for the physical pain.  I could't get back on my feet until I got off the pain meds - and what I needed most was to get back on my feet.

Your body feels out of control right now.  The whole process is terrifying and the drugs will keep you in that terrified state.  Have courage!  You are stronger than you realize.  Wean yourself off the pain meds, don't add more drugs.  You'll be surprised how much better you will feel.

Good luck.  Post again and let us know how you're doing.

jd (cancer-free since 2005!)

[Mikeinthesouth]

I have not had the problem and hope someone can give you some input. Want to point out that they have other forums here for medical issues if you can find one regarding your health issue it would be good and I think they have other forums asking dr.s questions as they might give you come great info as well.