7 days post hysterectomy: bowel movements - painful spasms

hi I am 7 days post op abdominal. Last couple of times my anus seems to go into painful spasm when I am clearing my bowels.

I am being very careful not to strain, but it's hard to relax when it's hurting. Although deep breathing has helped.

When I first started to wee after my catheter, it was a bit sensitive. But now ok, so wondered if something similar as both times experienced pain was normal size poops instead of tiny bullets. The hospital have got me on a stool softener until bowels return to normal.

Is this all normal?

I am not sure with an abdominal but with the robotic, I did hurt. Actually it was more the perineal area - area between the anus and vagina. Doctor said it was due to the stretching of the vagina to remove everything. But you did not have that happen. Maybe a sitz bath would help. If it does not go away you might call the doctor to ask for suggestions.

They did try To do a laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy first but had to change to abdominal as my cervix was too long, and my womb was in the way of my bladder, which they had to thin slightly, and my fibroids were more difficult than they originally thought. I do have stitches up there.

I am being very careful not to strain. Letting it go it's own thing. But it's hard when it hurts. Definitely feels like some sort of spasm.

Not allowed a bath yet.

My surgery was attempted vaginally also but ended up abdominally. I also had a rectocele repair, vaginal vault suspension and bladder sling. Initially my bowels didn't hurt much. My stools have stayed soft but I didn't start going until 8 dpo. The last few days the anus hurt more. I've been using B and O supps for spasms and pelvic pain. Most days I have to use Glycerin and Dulcolx supps to go b/c I can't bear down. Today I went twice but the first one hurt more and I had lots of pressure. I am bearing down slightly but when I release that, I go into spasm too. It hurts a lot. I have been blaming hemroids for this pain. Now I'm wondering as my whole vagina is throbbing now too. My tail bone has hurt all along.

I'm no help to you but yes I share your pain. I see my surgeon tomorrow. Have all kinds of questions for him. I'm sure my pain is all explanatory by the multiple surgeries I had. When I mentioned rectal pain last time my surgeon said absolutely it should be hurting.

I know that BM's after surgery can be very painful. Continue to take your stool softener, drink lots, eat (even when you aren't hungry), walk (it really does help with getting everything in motion).

Miralax was recommended by my doctor and worked wonders. I actually took it for about 3 months. Others have found drinking a hot cup of coffee or smooth tea very helpful. I know that you are trying hard not to strain . . . another thing that goes hand in hand with this is being able to relax. The more tense you are, the more it will hurt. My Pelvic Floor Therapist also explained position to me. It helps to prop your feet up on a short stool. Diagrams show that this a more natural angle for elimination. Take deep breaths and let them out slowly . . . it's the same principal when your muscles hurt . . . the word you hear is relax.

Hang in there . . . this to shall pass (pun intended)

Remember we are here for you.

Hi

I will hang in there. I wonder if it could be my stool softener. As I noticed one of side effects was Anal discomfort.