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What Causes Constant Cramping After Partial Colectomy?

Posted on Fri, 4 Apr 2014

Question: I underwent a partial colectomy (removal of my lower colon to the rectum) a little over 3 weeks ago. I have had cramping pretty constant but nothing I could not handle and have only had to take pain meds at night. I realize I am still healing. However, the cramping does not seem to be getting any better and today after a somewhat brisk walk I started cramping worse. Is this normal? Will the cramping ever go away?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Not XXXXXXX but should be addressed for comfort Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about these cramps. Sorry about the surgery but happy for I am certain the benefits greatly outweigh the consequences if the disease condition were not addressed. With your history suggestive of IBS, it makes it more likely for you to come down with these annoying symptoms that in reality do not represent or suggest a pathological state. It should not cause you to be too worried. I will suggest that your doctor prescribes a medication to stop the repeated contraction of the bowels that causes these symptoms. Drugs like Scopolamine/Hyoscine/Buscopan can help relief these symptoms and let you. Cramping would not for real respond to the other classical pain medications because they are not designed to address these painful smooth muscle contractions. In all, it does not represent any immediate danger but need to be addressed to enable you stay free of the inconveniences. Drugs like scopolamine can help. Talk to your doctor and get a prescription to help with this. I hope this helps and provides some more information for you to act on. Feel free to ask for clarification and more information if need be. I wish you well and thank you so much for using our services. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (37 minutes later)

Thanks so much. I just couldn't believe how bad the cramping got this afternoon. Almost felt like having contractions during childbirth. I took 2 motrin and put a heating pad on me but it completely wiped me out. I do have Hyoscine given to me in the past for IBS. I will try some of that. I was just extremely concerned as to why the cramps would get worse and if it is normal for me to still be having cramps at the 3 week mark. I am also taking Citrocel to help with constipation. I am amazed after they removed 7 inches of my colon that I still have this problem. I can deal with that as long as the diverticulitis does not come back which they don't think will. It's just these crazy cramps that I have been complaining about since surgery. Thank you again and any other suggestions you have would be greast.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (23 hours later)

Brief Answer: I hope the diverticulitis never returns Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for following up with me. I very much hope this diverticulitis never returns again. However, as long as we have a colon, diverticulitis is always a possibility in the spectra of possible diseases. eating healthy, drink enough water and having enough rest for now would do much good alongside the drugs. How are you feeling today? I am pretty confident you should be feeling a lot better. If that isn't the case, please let me know with the various updates to see if there are any more suggestions with the new information. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks. Dr. Ditah, MD

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar