Anyone else having bowel problems?

I will be three weeks post-op in 2 days, don't even see the Dr. until the 10th. Called the Dr. two days ago and only got to speak with his nurse, I had asked about wading in the pool with my boys and she said absolutly do not get my bottom wet...not to even bathe which I did on day 17 since I am such a bath nut...couldn't take it any longer. I hope I haven't messed anything up! I made sure the tub was very clean and all I did was soak for 5 mins. Didn't even use soap cause I was afraid of infection. So, I am now back to showers until I see the Dr. So, heres my other problem: I have always had problems with BM's, even though I take fiber capsules and stool softeners it doesn't seem to help. I have to take a laxitive like Correctol to have a BM. I hate the stimualnt effect it has on me, meaning the horrible cramping and gurgling! Does anyone have any ideas to solve this problem? I would really appreciate any suggestions.
Shanna
TVH/Birch procedure(bladder lift)

Hi neighbor ! I live in Holden which is just up the highway on 131 from you! What a small world ! I guess you know the bath thing wasn't good.Hopefully there's no infection. About the other,I can only suggest bran cereal &apple juice everyday thats what i did and it really helped.Are you walking around much? Exercise helps some.Im curious,what town did you have your surgery? I was sent clear to Overland Park,Ks.My Gp is in Warrensburg and she sent me there.Much luck to you in your recovery.Email me any time. I am about 3 weeks ahead of you.I have my 6 weeks checkup on friday.-Marsha

I have same problem and I am 6 weeks post op. Getting better by using Milk of Magnesia every other day or so. Cherry flavored, chilled. Doesn't seem to have the same cramping effects, etc of others. I will gradually decrease as my "natural" ability increases. Also, walking more.

Hi,
I use citrucel twice a day and take 2 colace stool softeners each day. I also had constipation problems that were more painful than the other pains with my hysterectomy. The doctor prescribed Reglan to be used initially to get the bowels woken up so to speak. You might ask for that if the other things don't work.
Good Luck!
Lapatrice

My Doc ordered Reglan for me also. I take it occasionally but the best thing I have noticed is drink extra water and use Metamucil. 2 teaspoons twice a day (get orange flavored) in water works well and keeps you regular

Hi, I am 1 day shy of 3 weeksw post -op. I never go to the bathroom naturally anymore. I take 3 senecot-s at bedtime and then still sometimes I have to take an enima. The gas pains are the worst, and it seems to roll around inside instead of coming right out. I think the lack of exercise and just moving around less slows the digestion. The good ting is we all experience the same issues so we are not strange or alone.

I'm not sure this will help or not but here goes. I also was having trouble with my bowels after surgery and I found the following works wonderfully. I am taking a Senekot-s (laxative/stool softener) twice a day, morning and night. I am also trying to eat a piece of fruit with each meal and I snack on dehydrated fruits such as dried apricots, prunes, etc. It has worked great!! I am now regular and it doesn't come with the horrible side effects such as the gurgles and gas pains. I also make it a habit of having a full glass of water (at least 12 oz) with each meal and then I try to drink lots (juice, ginger ale, etc) in between meals. I have also found that a warm cup of coffee first thing in the morning helps to get things going. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Have you tried Gas-X tabs? They have worked for me. Also the Citrucel 2 times a day and colace stool softener 2 times a day have made a huge difference in the quality of my life! Once I started on this daily plan I just have a few tiny gas pains before a BM and I have one easily each morning! What a relief! I hope you feel better!
Lapatrice