Bowel Question??

I know this is an over-discussed topic, but I'm the MOST concerned about constipation. I tend to have it anyway and just deal with it by pushing hard & taking in as much fiber/exercise as I can - I think I just destined to always have this problem (maybe its the fibroids). I'm really worried that the pushing & straining to have a bm will open up stitches and cause internal problems like hemoraging (sp). I know I sound like a hypochondriac but its really the only thing bothering me right now.
Is it the pushing/straining that hurts your delicate insides after surgery - is there such a thing as pushing so hard that you can cause damage? I'm afraid this will be a nightmare for me or people that tend to have this problem.

Are the muscles you use to pee & bm the same muscle that is cut therefore causing the pain? Thanks for any light you can shed here - I appreciate you all so much! Sherri

I had the Dr. give me enema(? spelling?) before I left the Castle and it worked wonders. He also gave me an ample supply of stool softeners and I'm finally regular after umpteen years! I never thought they would work so good. Hope this helps! Good Luck!!!!

pushing and straining wreaks havoc on a womans pelvic floor. you really need to get the constipation under control. a hysterectomy does damage to the pelvic floor anyway so you really dont want to add insult to injury. discuss your constipation/straining issues with your dr so he/she can help you. also make sure you do your Kegels--atleast 100 per day to strengthen the pelvic muscles.

Pushing and straining also wrecks havoc with the colon. Please be checking with your doctor about constipation. You don't want to add colon problems to everything else. My colon surgeon believes that high fiber is very important. She also thinks that it is hard to get enough fiber and recommended a fiber supplement. I'm on metamucil for the rest of my life--small price to pay to avoid anymore surgeries.

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Originally posted by shersa Are the muscles you use to pee & bm the same muscle that is cut therefore causing the pain? Thanks for any light you can shed here - I appreciate you all so much! Sherri

I'm not sure what you mean. During a hyst no muscles are cut, if you have an abdominal surgery the muscles are separated and held out of the way with retractors. The pain is from the having an incision and an organ removed. There are lots of internal stitching and healing that will be going on. I do understand the constipation worries. As has already been mentioned, get plenty of fiber in your diet, and if you don't, take supplements. Drink lots of water and juice, and before surgery get stool softeners (as long as your DR oks them for when you get home).

If you're really concerned have a talk with your DR about it, see what s/he suggests.

Best wishes.

Hi Sisters!

Definitely discuss these concerns with your doctor. The advice already given is great advice. I did have one awesome nurse who suggested to use a small stool or box to put your feet on while trying to have a BM. This puts your body in a good position and decreases the amount you have to push/strain. I found this to work wonders for me.

Good luck and hang in there!

Marianne