Ileostomy and APR Surgery

Has anyone had an abdominoperineal resection (APR) surgery? I recently had this procedure in 10/2025 after having my original ileostomy back in 3/2025, so that's two major surgeries in about 7 months. Does anybody have any advice that any men can tell me about the numbness under there?

Hi there,

I had APR and surgery for rectal cancer in July 2023. After the surgery, I had numbness where the flap had been created to the extent that I could feel pressure but not touch (if that makes any sense). I couldn't feel if I was touching skin or a dressing. Two years on, some feeling has returned, but it's not the same as on the other cheek. On the plus side, tightness has reduced, and my range of movement isn't affected. The only real discomfort I experience is if I sit for a long period and there is pressure on the sciatic nerve. The key to recovery is to stay mobile but not overdo things. For me, it took about 4 to 6 months for the surgery to heal and another 6 months for the scars to flatten and fade. Hope this helps.

I have had an ileostomy for about 14 years. It has been 3 months since I had APR done, and it is taking a while for me to heal. I am beginning to wonder when the scarring is going to get better. I am still having a problem sitting; some days are better than others. I wish you the best of luck.