Colon Cancer Surgery Recovery

Colon cancer surgery requires a lot of preparation as well as a good deal of time for recovery. During a colon surgery, it is common for part of the large intestine to be removed. Though this sounds drastic, people are still able to function well after the surgery as long as they focus on proper recovery techniques.

Resting for Recovery

• After a colon surgery, there still may be a chance that chemotherapy will be needed to destroy any remaining cancer cells. However, if you do the right things during recovery from the surgery, your body will be stronger and better able to react to chemotherapy treatments.

  Directly after a colon cancer surgery, the best thing you can do is rest. Colon cancer is not a mundane surgery. The body must be able to rest to overcome the changes made to it during the surgery. Colon cancer surgery patients typically stay in the hospital 5-7 days before being released.

  After returning home, you can begin to gradually become more physically active, but you should not attempt to lift heavy items for a couple of months. Trying to lift too much could give you a hernia or cause the muscles that line the abdominal wall to rip. Progress gradually and only lift heavy items when you know you are ready for it.

Eating for Recovery

• Fiber is helpful in helping the colon slowly ease back into the digestion process. You will not want to the colon to work very hard immediately after the surgery. Because fiber moves food easily through your body, it places less stress on the colon.

  By the same token, any of the foods that cause gas, constipation or diarrhea should be avoided, as these foods cause the colon to work harder than it should. While these foods can be introduced later in the recovery process, it is best to avoid them for the first few weeks. If you eat foods that cause diarrhea or if you eat foods that make it hard for you to go to the bathroom, talk to your doctor about what kinds of anti-diarrheal medicines or laxatives are safe for you to take.