UOAA Discussion Board

I had surgery on 1/7 and received my colostomy after repairing the fistulas I had from Crohn’s disease. I was going to have my rectum removed too but my surgeon ran into problems while doing that so opted to leave that in right now. It’s been a little over two weeks since surgery and I really don’t feel much better. How long does it take to recover from this surgery? I have very little appetite and hardly any energy. I don’t want to get discouraged but it’s hard to stay positive when I don’t feel good. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I started walking last week for about 20 minutes a day and I think that’s helping but not sure I should continue.

Thank you for your help.

Keep walking.
My big mistake was I did not get off my rear end and move.
Made my recovery so much longer.
I won't go into my own detail. Boring... Lol.
Hindsight is truly 20 20.
Just one small suggestion.
Even if you don't feel like doing it.... Do it. Walk.
Richard.

Yes, I agree, keep walking.
This is an intense and impactful surgery. The main thing to remember with recovery from a surgery like this, is that this is not a spring, it's a marathon. Every day should get just a little bit better than the day before. Try measuring progress one week at a time. You'll see more improvement than trying to measure it from the day before.
I was quite young, 37, when I had my surgery, and thought I would just hop right up and go back to work. It took 8 weeks before I went back to work, and even at that, I did it gingerly!
Be patient, and keep moving.

David

Agree. Walk. Breathe -- not with TOO much pressure but do some deep breathing. Try to see friends or loved ones if possible. Treat yourself well. Watch movies you love? Keep at it. You will get there and even small movements are better than none. I got to LIKE walking the halls in the hospital although it got tiring. Keep the faith!

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. I have been walking for about 30 minutes a day since I posted and it’s helped a lot. And I know it takes time as it was major surgery. My only pressing issue is now trying to find a pouching system that my skin and I like. I’m hoping to get samples soon.

Thank you again for the replies and encouragement to walk.

It'll get alot better.
Richard.