Advice Needed for Upcoming Rectum Removal Surgery

I am having my rectum removed on May 1st. Any advice, please? x

Hello there.

Just a bit more detail, please.

You have been a member since 2015? Is this your first post?

The question begs, why are you having your rectum removed? I just had mine done in Oct. 2023.

And I returned to work last Wednesday.

Some issues for sure. I need some history, Minnie. Thanks.

Do not wear too thick of a pad; it puts pressure on the incision.

Have a soft pillow for sitting when you're ready - you may be leaning on one butt cheek for a week or two - DON'T use a “donut” ring pillow as this can spread the sutured area apart, and be kind to yourself. Many of us rectumless folks are on this site. We're here for you. 😊

Prior to surgery, I got one of those high-rise adjustable tables you get when in your hospital room to eat.

I suggest standing to eat with this type of table for 2 to 4 weeks.

Also, get another table and set your laptop and printer maybe on it so everything is elbow level. No bending. Set everything up before you leave the house.

When you come home, you are exhausted and weak. You aren't going to be lifting much.

Don't forget bed liners.

Also, that extended cup grabber, a mechanical two-finger thing. You can get that from the hospital or Amazon. If you drop the remote or socks, you can easily reach it and cupboard cans and things like that from above.

The first weeks home are rough. Hopefully, you have your adult children there helping you at least for a week or two.

I set up Meals on Wheels to deliver food that week.

As far as pain goes after surgery, you will feel none until the epidural wears off about 2 days later, then request pain meds. I had meds in the hospital for pain. Came home with oxy, hardly use it. A lot of discomfort.

Did you figure out how to pee at home? Still would like to know about rectum to come out. And what your expectations are of a cure.

Lastly, drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. It can happen.

Drink, eat, poop, pee, walk, rest, repeat.

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

You will learn how hard it is to not sit; we do it way more than one thinks. Standing, lying, walking—anything but sitting sucks after a while. 😁

I had my proctectomy in January 2023 after my colectomy in July 2022. It is a lot easier to have your rectum out. I had no problems. Sitting was not a problem for me. I agree with the above; don't use a donut. I recall that sitting on a thin cushion was helpful. Some people can have perineal wound problems and urinary problems.

We always worry about upcoming surgeries... until they are over.

So true, and yep, I am one of those with bottom-end issue peeps. Because it leaked.

Looked bleak. Got infected.

Then shingles! (on back and leg).

G-Day Minni, I hope you're as lucky as I was. When I got my Ken Butt, I had no pain down there at all. I don't know why, because most of you guys seem to have had a big problem there. Anyway, good luck. Regards, IGGIE

Good advice given by all. Just rest when you need to. Yes, a good pillow or cushion when sitting. No lifting or bending. You will be fine.

If you don't have a handheld showerhead, buy one. That was one of the biggest things the doc told me to make sure to keep the area really clean.

Plus it's fun to use with your significant other. 🤫