Recovery post Sigmoid colectomy
In December '14 I had emergency surgery to remove the Sigmoid portion of my colon, and then 3 weeks ago it was reconnected by surgical procedure. I still have an open wound from the site of the stoma, which will take another 4-6 weeks to close over so I have a 5inch hole in my abdomen at the moment. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience of this type of condition and what advice/experience you could share in both training and dietary recovery in my quest to get back to racing. I would greatly appreciate any input.
Upwards and onwards!!
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Gerry.... I have not personally had such procedures, but I am a surgeon (for kids) and can give you some advice I think.
1. When they "reconnected" you (colostomy takedown and anastomosis), they had to open your fascia some to do this. Fascia is the tough connective tissue layer on top of your abdominal muscles. This must heal without "tension" being applied to it. Most surgeons would tell you not to lift anything >10# or a gallon of milk (weight equivalent) or run or do situps, crunches, etc. for at least 6 weeks. This is to prevent an incicisional hernia from developing. The open wound (I assume you're doing dressing changes a few times a day?) is not the issue, really. It may be sore, but that will heal just fine if you keep it clean and eat a normal healthy diet and do the dressing changes. I would do what your surgeon says for sure regarding when you can resume activities such as lifting, running, swimming, etc. If he/she told you nothing (which is lame) then I would recommend minimum 6 weeks of NO STRESS on that wound. By then, the open wound should be healed too (which is not really the issue, but still....).
2. As far as your diet, it depends on why you required a sigmoidectomy. The usual two reasons are cancer or diverticular disease. I'm assuming yours was the latter? If so, they probably told you (or should have told you) to make sure you're getting plenty of fiber. Other than that, a normal healthy balanced diet is all I'd say to you.
Just don't do anything significant for minimum of 6 weeks. Don't do anything that hurts....that is your sign that you're doing too much too soon. You don't want to develop an incisional hernia (will require another operation).
I suspect this is not what you wanted to hear.....sorry. You'll be good as new once it's healed though! The only activity I might let you do in that first 6 weeks is easy spinning on the trainer after 3-4 weeks. If it hurts at all, you gotta stop.
Thanks Jeff.
I have been approved to easy spin as you describe (which I haven't started yet as I have to wear an abdominal band to do it). And you are right it was not what I wanted to hear but I am half way through that six weeks now so I get that patience now will benefit me later.
For diet the advice was low fiber for 6 weeks and then gradually increase it after that period. The only other comment was to take more protein to promote healing. I really want the diet to be as tight as possible while I go through this no/limited activity phase so was looking for tips to get me through that.
I appreciate you taking the time to respond Jeff. Thank You
3 weeks and counting......
Gerry
Low fiber for 6 wks?....hmmm...well, I'm not a general surgeon, so I'd go with what your surgeon told you rather than me!
Good luck....be smart.....sounds like you are.
Conflicting advice I know. So far so good tho so will follow doctor's orders!
Thanks again
I haven't had the surgery, but I have Crohns and have had a lot of friends/fellow Crohnies have abdominal surgeries. You can't rush it, unfortunately. These things also change how you absorb nutrients, so you have to listen to your body as recovery may be altered due to nutrition. I myself have been put on low fiber diets in the past during/after flares. I at a lot of white bread with egg sandwiches! I remember the excitement when I was first able to have a salad in college. With my PT hat on, I will also say to watch core strength. Abdominal surgery really takes a toll on the core muscles, so be mindful of that as you return to activity. As you can, might be good to incorporate more yoga/pilates types of things to work on the core, though definitely avoid traditional ab work as that will stress the incision. Best wishes!