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Nerve Damage from Sigmoidectomy

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DanielBenjamin
DanielBenjamin

Just checking back in with the community after a lot of testing.

In a previous post I had reported that 8 months after my laparoscopic

sigmoidectomy (no stoma needed), I was experiencing what I thought were

diverticular pains again in the usual lower-left quadrant. I had been over-eating for a few months

and I believe this is what prompted the return of the discomfort, some pain and constipation here and there.

After CT scan, X-ray, full blood tests my GI told me he found zero diverticuli, no obstructions, no leaks, nor any growths. I was advised to take tylenol and do a heating pad. After 2 + months of dealing with this along with also trying to clean my act up by starting to ween off of omeperazole 40mg and also doing the pro-biotics and another gut restoration med called "Restore" I was still struggling with the typical cramping, discomfort and stress just trying to figure out why this was happening to me after a successful surgery?

I returned last week to my GI and he prescribed a drug called Dicyclomine (bentyl) which is an anti-spasmal drug to help break up this cramping. Additionally he has me drinking 2 round tablespoons of metamucil per day to help keep me regular. So far the dicyclomine is making enough of a difference to help me and I certainly would like to continue with that for a bit if possible.

A side note: Has anyone here heard of LARS (lower anterior resection syndrome)? I read about this which is something GI doctors don't speak much if any before electing the resection surgery. My GI told me that my nerve pain would lessen as time goes on but I would really appreciate any comments or conversating about this. For anyone who has had the resection surgery and then experienced a return of discomfort, a little pain, constipation etc.

Lastly my diet is very kosher with the condition. I am eating 5-6 small meals a day, plenty of water, no alchohol (no tobacco). Always avoiding trigger foods like tomato sauce, red meats, small portions of cheese or gluten products.

Cheers to All!

Daniel M

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • jacob0373
    jacob0373 DanielBenjamin

    Edited

    I'm 6 months out post op, and I've had loads of pain in the lower left quadrant. All CT's are clean. If I'm good why the cramping? This is s**t mate!

    • DanielBenjamin
      DanielBenjamin jacob0373

      Posted

      Hi Jacob,

      I've lately stumbled upon some info that could be useful to us All-Post-Resection kids.

      This cramping that we are feeling may be adhesions. This is when your scar tissue attaches itself to an organ or belly wall. The only way to truly diagnose it through an laparoscopy and/or most commonly they are discovered during an operation. The Catch 22 is that surgery is the most common cause and fix at the same time. The more scare tissue we have from surgery the higher the chances of developing an adhesion is. The research indicates that 93% of lower abdominal surgery will for an adhesion. The severity is all dependent case-to-case. As the scar tissue grows it pulls on the nerves of the intestine and there is your cramping, pain, discomfort, etc.

      I am convinced after months of testing and research (no diverticuli, no obstructions, no leaking etc, blood tests clean and so on) that I have an adhesion. My resection which occurred in Aug2019 included an adhesion which was sliced, so this wouldn't be my first one.

      I am currently taking Dicyclomine to help control the cramping. I don't want to live on drugs forever but for now this is helping. Anyone, please chime in on this.

      Best,

      Daniel

    • DanielBenjamin
      DanielBenjamin jacob0373

      Edited

      Jacob,

      I take 3 max (10mg's) per day currently. You may take some interest in some info I found and these exercises have significantly helped my cramping. After seeing the results I'm convinced that scar tissue/adhesions are at the root of these problems. The doctors cant find anything "wrong" bc the only way to truly diagnose adhesions is to have surgery. The Catch-22 behind adhesional surgery is that it creates even more adhesions etc...These exercises help work out those adhesions. I have tried just about everything under the sun looking for relief and the massage is working for me. Hopefully you can use this info!

      There are loads of videos out there

      Moderator comment: I have removed the link(s) directing to site(s) unsuitable for inclusion in the forums. If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the details.

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