This topic is about someone who recently had an abdominal perineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer. This surgery involves the complete removal of the rectum and anus. Six weeks after the procedure, they are experiencing some discomfort and are seeking advice from others who might have gone through the same thing.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. After an APR, it's common to feel soreness and pain in the perineal area, especially when sitting for more than an hour. This is where the area has been sewn shut.

2. While walking, some people feel an uncomfortable sensation as if "something is going to drop out" of the closed anus. This feeling is often due to normal muscle behavior and is not unusual.

3. Surgeons have mentioned that this pressure or "dropping out" sensation can be normal. In some cases, it might be caused by an operative hernia, but this is not the case here.

4. Many people who have had APR report experiencing the same "falling out" sensation. They describe the closed area as feeling puffy, and surgeons have reassured them that this is normal and usually decreases over time.

5. Some individuals experience ongoing periodic mucus discharge from the old rectal tract and the same pressure sensation, which can persist for years, especially for those with Crohn’s disease. Certain movements, like kneeling, might trigger it.

6. After multiple abdominal surgeries, healing can be slower, and occasional back pain might occur. It's important to maintain regular follow-ups with healthcare providers and to be patient with the healing process.