This topic is about dealing with persistent rectal pains or spasms after having an ileostomy. The person who started the discussion had their surgery on September 29, 2023, and is experiencing these pains, which can sometimes be severe enough to make sitting difficult. They are familiar with the concept of "phantom rectum" but are looking for confirmation and advice from others who have gone through similar experiences. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

- The surgery involved a Total Mesorectal Excision (TME), where the anus was preserved but the rectum was removed. The person had experienced rectal pain before undergoing chemoradiotherapy, which subsided, returned during treatment, disappeared again, and has now reappeared after surgery, particularly worsening in the last few days.

- They are curious about how long it took others to sit normally after similar surgeries and whether any supportive therapies or devices were helpful.

Advice and insights from others include:

1. For comfort, try different seating positions:
- Sit half-reclined on your side.
- Consider using alternative seating options like a hammock chair to help redistribute weight until sitting normally becomes more comfortable.

2. The time it takes to sit normally again can vary, with some people mentioning it took "a while," though no specific duration was given.

3. If the pain is severe or getting worse, it's important to contact your surgeon, oncologist, or visit an urgent care or emergency department, especially if it's after hours. Given the history of chemoradiotherapy and the current post-surgical situation, it's crucial to have thorough evaluations and ongoing discussions with your medical team.

4. Peer support is valuable. Others have reported experiencing persistent spasms and difficulty sitting or standing for long periods, emphasizing the importance of sharing strategies and maintaining communication with others who understand what you're going through.