(thanks ) I had what was left of my colon and part of small removed, as well as my rectum, just over two years ago after having multiple bowel resections over a 30+ year period. To be honest, after reading all the horror stories online, my experience was not as bad. Recovery was hard but that was because I had some complications with the temporary ostomy (while my rectum healed from decades of perianal disease) and I went into kidney failure (recovered now).
As far as the recovery for my rectum, it took longer than it should have. It would get close to closing, but then open up again. The nurses treating it told me it is because of the location of the surgery. It is a very hard place to heal and need to keep it clean but most importantly, dry. Another big thing is to try and avoid sitting as much as possible. The more you sit, the longer it will take to heal. At one point, it had just healed over and I "moved wrong" and it opened up again. Not sitting is hard, especially at the time I was making a career change and was attending classes.
Having said all that, it took almost 6 months before it had completely healed over to the point it would not re-open.
If I were to give you any advice, it would be to keep it clean, dry and avoid sitting above all else. If the doctors or nurses are saying it "looks good" meaning no infection etc, then it will heal nicely, just give it time. I know it is very frustrating....very very frustrating, but the in the end, it's all worth the effort.
Let us know how you get on, and/or send me a private message.
You got this
Vern - IBD Team Member