??? About Bowel Problems???

I don't understand why women have the bowel problems after their hysterectomies?
Is it because it is in the same area???
Do you they give you meds for this in the castle?
Don't you have to have a bowel movement before you are discharged???
Thanks,
Pat

From what I understand or have been told, alot of the bowel problems that women experience after their hystectomies is caused by the pain medications. Apparently they cause you to become constipated. They say to start taking a stool softener right away so it helps to prevent that. I'm sure the trauma to the area doesn't help either.

Constipation is a potential problem after any type of surgery. When you go under anesthesia you systems are shut down. It can take a little while to get things back up and running properly. With a hysterectomy the bowels have the further insult of being handled and pushed out of the way. They don't like that. Plus the narcotic pain meds cause constipation.

That's why it's recommended that post op patients walk, drink lots of fluids, take stool softeners if the DR ok's it.

Usually you only have to pass gas to be released after surgery.

Best wishes!

I too wondered why all the trouble with bowel movements. I have had trouble with my bowels for 10 years - I'm 51. However, after my surgery total LAVH - (I kept nothing), I haven't had any trouble with bowel movements- except it hurts when I go. In fact I had 3 while still at the castle. The nurses seemed surprised. But, I couldn't get rid of the gas (the air inserted during the surgery). That hurt more than anything and no pain medication worked. I'm 2 weeks out now, and still having trouble with the gas pains and back aches. Any suggestions? I had a huge tumor in my uterus and endo. (h no one knew about the endo. until he got in there).

I had constipation caused by the narcotic pain meds and the anesthesia. A few days with a stool softener helped immensely as well as weaning off that particular medicine. Walking helped a great deal as well. My doc also suggested taking Metamucil to increase my fiber intake. Since I didn't have much of an appetite after surgery, I wasn't eating quite the right things needed to perform the 'function'. ha!

Anyway, now almost 4 weeks out and things are moving more normally. Just follow your doctor's instructions and don't ever be afraid to ask questions. Chances are, he/she has heard them all!

Take care and good luck.
Kathy R.

ME too!!! The gas pain was the worst for me!!!!