Two weeks ago my Aunt had her reversal ileostomy surgery. (She is 53 with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer.) She is having severe pains in the rectum and a steady bowel movement every few hours, but a small amount. We keep thinking maybe the pain is because it is still healing. Just want to know if anyone could give us some info about this or could give us some idea to help for pain. She is taking pain meds at times because the pain is so severe. Thanks for the help~

sadie05

How much colon was removed? Is the stool soft or hard?


If the entire colon was removed then she is outputting the small bowel to her rectum. This will have digestive fluids and could cause irritation of the rectum and anus. Try an antacid tablet with meals. It would also mean that the scars are at the joint on the bowel and rectum. This can cause a stricture at least until the scars heal and disappear. Make sure to chew food well and avoid foods that don't digest well such as corn at least for a few more weeks.

If the colon is still mostly intact then it may be sluggish and absorbing a lot of the water in the stool resulting in a hard , difficult stool. In this case get plenty of liquids and fruit to keep things moving.