Should I be worried?

[Al and Kate's Mom]

My Mom just found out that she's going to have to have a bowel resection(?)...does anyone know what that is and if it's a big deal?

 

[POB14]

Anytime they're cutting you open, it's a big deal, but it's not like this is heart surgery or something.

Basically what they will do is, cut into the intestine, take out the part that's causing whatever the problem is, and sew the two ends back together. Really pretty simple as operations go. How big a deal it is kind of depends on how much they have to take out to solve the problem. Apparently they can sometimes do this laproscopically (through a small incision) these days, but again, that just depends on what they have to do.

Good description here, with links to some pictures (drawings, not photos) if you're up to that.

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Thanks, Patrick.

 

[Colorado Mom]

I am not sure what is causing her problem, but I hope surgery goes well and fixes it

I did have to have that surgery a few years ago, divertuiculitis- can't spell it but it's gone now. Mine could not be done with the little incision. If your mom is having the big incision make sure she has a few things that will make her more comfortable. House dresses and nightgowns are the most comfortable, nothing that goes on her waist, a small pillow to hold against her tummy while she gets up and down is wonderful and I would reccomend underwear that is low cut in the front to go under the stitches.

 

[PixiePop]

I don't know what to tell you regarding the surgery, but wanted to give you this:

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Thanks, guys!

She's been sick for a while, and even though it's going to be surgery, at leaset we know what it is and what it's not...

 

[I Love Pluto]

14 inches gone, and I am fine. Tell Mom not to worry. It's not the easiest surgery, but she will feel lots better than she does now.

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

14 inches gone, and I am fine. Tell Mom not to worry. It's not the easiest surgery, but she will feel lots better than she does now.

How long did it take you to recover? She's thinking about a week, but I would think a couple of months at least...

 

[debbiedoo]

no advice..........but

and to you and your family

 

[manning]

How long did it take you to recover? She's thinking about a week, but I would think a couple of months at least...

I had 18 inches taken out and resectioned over 13 years ago. The cells of the digestive system are the fastest growing cells in the body.

It may be about a week. What happens when the digestive system is cut into it becomes paralyzed and stops functioning. They will be listening for gurgling sounds. When that happens the digestive system has started to function. They will give her a meal to see how she handles it. If she does ok then she will go home. Her diet will be restricted for a while to let the resection heal.

 

[megan4777]

my mom had almost all of hers taken out and she's ok. it was VERY rough for a while but that's due to past medical conditions, etc.

I'm sure your mom will be fine. She'll probably be out for a few weeks so make sure she's comfy and has plenty to do to stay occupied.

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Thanks to all of you for your support - this is the first major health issue for either of my parents, so I've been very fortunate, but also very naive about their mortality - I'm a very upbeat person by nature, so I don't get very stressed about things like this - but I do like to be informed!

 

[phillybeth]

How long did it take you to recover? She's thinking about a week, but I would think a couple of months at least...

Oh my, is she in for a surprise! Unless she has the laparoscopic surgery, she will be in the hospital for almost a week. Both my parents have had this- my mom for diverticulitis, and my dad for colon cancer. It takes 3-4 days after surgery before the bowel starts working and you can eat. The incision is at least 12 inches long and goes through all the abdominal muscles, so any movement at all is very painful in the beginning. Yes, the bowel heals quickly but those muscles don't. It will be at least 6-8 weeks, or maybe more, before she is off restrictions in terms of lifting, physical activity, driving, or anything strenuous. And it can be 6 months or more until bowel activity is back to normal- she should expect to have intermittant diarrhea and constipation as her system gets back to normal.

 

[Pop Daddy]

if anything is gonna touch my bowel, I am worried