This topic is about a 33-year-old woman who recently underwent surgery for Stage-2 rectal cancer. After completing chemotherapy and radiation, she had a low anterior resection, which resulted in a temporary ileostomy. As she adjusts to life with a stoma, she is experiencing severe burning, itching, and sharp pain in the anal and rectal area. She is curious if these symptoms are normal and whether they might be related to stitches she feels inside the anus.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. It is common to have stitches low in the rectum or anus after rectal cancer surgery, which could explain the burning, itching, and sharp pains you are experiencing.

2. Sharp pains that last only a few seconds are often reported by others who have had similar surgeries and are generally considered a normal part of the healing process.

3. To confirm what was done during your surgery and whether what you feel are stitches, it is best to contact your surgeon.

4. Stoma or WOC (wound/ostomy/continence) nurses can be great resources for explaining typical post-operative sensations and identifying symptoms that might need medical attention.

5. Pain when sitting and intermittent discomfort can last for months or even years for some patients, often due to scar-tissue irritation.

6. Keeping in touch with your medical providers is crucial. If the cancer has been fully removed and healing is progressing normally, eventual reconnection is still possible.

7. Preparation H cream can help soothe external irritation, but make sure to check with your surgeon before inserting anything into the anal canal while stitches are present.