1st Day Home after hysterectomy (10/26) - Is there anything I can do to speed my BMs along?

Hi Everyone! I had my partial laparoscopic hysterectomy on Weds 10/26. My dr said I had 15 fibroids (one had grown from 5cm in May to almost 8cm) and a more severe case of endo than she anticipated, but that the surgery went better than she planned. I had 6 fibroids in May, so most of the fibroids were new!

Post surgery, I didn't have any nausea. There was a bit of an issue with my bladder after they removed the catheter: I wasn't able to urinate despite being extremely full. They had to re-cath me. This sounds worse that it was: I had Level 10 pain before the re-cath, and it went down to 1-2 almost immediately. I had over 1000ccs of fluid in my bladder!

The next day they removed the cath and everything worked normally. They said my bladder had been "bullied" around by the fibroids, then filled with air during the surgery, so it was "fatigued". I'm home now and resting well. I'm very very happy that I finally had this done. My pain regimen seems to be working well although I am a bit sore on one side. I had four small incisions and they are healing well. However, this soreness is NOTHING compared to the tremendous pain and cramping I've had for over 3 years, so I'm not too worried about the soreness. But If anyone has any suggestions for alleviating it, I'm all ears LOL!

Thank you for all of your support and advice. I felt super-prepared for this surgery and I'm glad I set up my bedroom and prepped meals before-hand. You all are awesome!

PS one cause of concern... I have been eating and eating and... I haven't pooped yet! Is there anything I can do to speed my BMs along?

	Quote:
Originally Posted by MsBunnyPrince PS one cause of concern... I have been eating and eating and... I haven't pooped yet! Is there anything I can do to speed my BMs along?

Take a stool softener and drink lots of water, also make sure your walking.

So glad to hear that you're doing so well!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by MsBunnyPrince PS one cause of concern... I have been eating and eating and... I haven't pooped yet! Is there anything I can do to speed my BMs along?

and glad the pre-op advice you gleaned here was so helpful. Welcome to the other side!

Oh, yeah. Sluggish bowels seems to be what most of us go through. It can take anywhere from 3-7 days to have that first BM. A diet with more fiber and less processed foods has fewer additives for the body to digest. I've learned from other Sisters that foods high in magnesium are good choices too, and often the same foods provide both. So, whole grains, veggies, dark leafy greens, fruits (dried, fresh, frozen), nuts, seeds...along with water-water-water, enough to float a canoe. Without water, you're making rocks, and rocks don't flow smoothly. Ask me how I know. Also, propping your feet up on a low footstool aligns your body for more efficient emptying (we were built to squat). Getting out and walking also gets the system going, but do what your body allows.

My go-to solution was been Fiber One original cereal, raisin bran, dried prunes, prune juice (ick, requires a chaser of something that tastes better) eaten throughout the day - yes, I had cereal for lunch before - plus the additional fruits & veggies.

Here's to lubed tubes!

When I was trying to get things moving after my surgery, I'd chase my prunes with a cup of hot peppermint tea, which can help to combat constipation caused by narcotic pain medications. For magnesium, I'd have a few daily squares of dark chocolate, and make a smoothie with almond milk, spinach, cherries and ground flaxseeds. Also, the surgical antibiotics may have upset the normal balance of bacteria inside your intestinal tract; adding yogurt or kefir to your smoothie, or taking a probiotic supplement, can help to restore it. As well, you may be experiencing hormonal shifts, from your ovaries temporarily falling asleep, which can also affect gut motility; if you have no issues with soy, then 1-2 daily servings of tofu, edamame, or soy milk can help with hormonal balance until they resume normal functioning. Here's hoping you'll be back to 💩 soon!

I found that prunes, colace, veggies and lots of water helped me to go. On day 5 I was concerned and took Milk of Magnesia. I went that afternoon and everyday since. Try not to stress. It will happen

In addition to the stool softener ( ( took mine three times a day until I had 'progress').. there is a tea called 'smooth move' that helped a LOT. One cup, very gentle. Overnight..

Hi,

My friend made me a homemade chicken & vegetable soup, that helped me. Good luck!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by MsBunnyPrince Hi Everyone! I had my partial laparoscopic hysterectomy on Weds 10/26. My dr said I had 15 fibroids (one had grown from 5cm in May to almost 8cm) and a more severe case of endo than she anticipated, but that the surgery went better than she planned. I had 6 fibroids in May, so most of the fibroids were new! Post surgery, I didn't have any nausea. There was a bit of an issue with my bladder after they removed the catheter: I wasn't able to urinate despite being extremely full. They had to re-cath me. This sounds worse that it was: I had Level 10 pain before the re-cath, and it went down to 1-2 almost immediately. I had over 1000ccs of fluid in my bladder! The next day they removed the cath and everything worked normally. They said my bladder had been "bullied" around by the fibroids, then filled with air during the surgery, so it was "fatigued". I'm home now and resting well. I'm very very happy that I finally had this done. My pain regimen seems to be working well although I am a bit sore on one side. I had four small incisions and they are healing well. However, this soreness is NOTHING compared to the tremendous pain and cramping I've had for over 3 years, so I'm not too worried about the soreness. But If anyone has any suggestions for alleviating it, I'm all ears LOL! Thank you for all of your support and advice. I felt super-prepared for this surgery and I'm glad I set up my bedroom and prepped meals before-hand. You all are awesome! PS one cause of concern... I have been eating and eating and... I haven't pooped yet! Is there anything I can do to speed my BMs along?

I had a stool softener with lots of water but what really got it going in a bind was warmed prune juice with melted butter. The nurses call it a brown slider!

Hi, my LAVH was on 10/27 and I went already. My mom made me a traditional hot fruit punch. Get a package of dried fruits that has apricots, apples, prunes, add extra prunes and raisins. Chop them up and chop fresh apples. Add a can of crushed pineapple. Add cinnamon and cloves to taste. And boil in apple cider. This stuff taste great on a fall day and will help you go easily. Hope it helps.