Can strain during bowel movements cause damage?

Hi, I am new here but so far I am so impressed with this site!! I had my uterus and ovaries removed on November 16, 2009 as well as bladder repair surgery, vaginal repair surgery and a few other procedures due to prolapse and recurring polyps. My problem is BOWEL MOVEMENTS!! I started feeling like I needed to go on day 5 however as hard as I tried nothing would come out and it was just extremely painful. I finally had my first one on day 7 after surgery and I swear I thought I was going to die!! I am used to not going regularely but when I do they are always soft. Not now...which I believe is due to the pain medication. I stopped taking the pain medication because the pain from surgery does not compare to the pain of the hard bowel movements. I have been on stool softeners since the hospital, tried milk of magnesia, cleansemore, fleet enema and suppositories. Nothing is softening it up. I now am trying Lactulose. My main concern is I'm worried that during the pushing I may have done damage. I pushed so hard while trying to go and actually couldn't stop if I had wanted to, it was like my body was just taking over. My stomach pain seems to be worse these last few days and I'm not sure if it is just because I am off the pain meds or if its because I could have done some damage internally. Has anyone heard of pushing to hard to have a bowel movement that damage has been done? Thanks for taking the time to read

Hi (((kerryla)))

I am glad that you have made your way to the site.

It is really important to not strain during those first days after surgery. It sounds like you have tried a lot to keep things moving through your system. Have you spoken to your doctor? Perhaps they will add some useful information to what you have already tried. I broke down and used suppositories from time to time too--not the ideal solution, but I know what it's like to be concerned. I also ate fiber with each meal, and fiber snacks between meals--Fiber One bars, prunes, and almonds helped me. Walking a bit and letting gravity do its thing can help too, as well as drinking a lot of water, of course. Hope you find a soluion soon!