I had a colectomy on 4/17/2007. I was very sick when I went into the hospital. It's been almost 60 days and I still don't feel 100%. How long did it take some of you to feel 100% after the first surgery?

It will depend in part on your age and how in shape you were prior to the surgery. I was feeling pretty good again by 3 months out. I was also very sick prior to surgery, but was in really good shape prior to going to the hospital. I was about 182 pounds when I went in the hospital Feb. 2006, and about 150 when I went home 18 days later. I had a setback (abcess) that put me back in the hospital in March for 10 days. By mid to late May I was feeling pretty good. I turned 37 while in the hospital that March. Hope that gives you some idea. hange in there.

OMG, ages! Depends what's happening with you. i had multiple infections in the incision plus an abcess, dehydration, lack of salts and minerals and severe starvation! I had step 1 at the end of August and was finally able to actually walk rather than lie flat or sit in a wheelchair by mid-late November. So - in what way do you feel less than 100 %? If you feel weak and dizzy and haven't had any blood work done, you could ask for a check of your salt and magnesium levels, plus check for anemia and low iron. Do you have an ostomy? Is your output high? That can dehydrate faster than you'd imagine. Bear in mind that a colectomy is an amputation! And a pretty big one at that. Your body is no doubt wondering what hit it! You've come to the right place for advice and help anyway. Once you can identify what's making you feel rough, I'm sure you'll find the specific advice and help you need here.

It took me about a year to feel 100%. I had a lot of fatigue which was probably due in part to chronic illness anemia and the fact that I had a good 2+ year fight with a severe flare prior to opting for surgery. Be kind to your body and be patient with the recovery.

Sue

It took me about three months to feel pretty good after the first surgery. The second surgery was done four months after the first one. I believe I would have felt better sooner but had complications with ileostomy and an abcess infection. Please be positive and patient. You will get through this, I promise you.