bowel and bladder problems

Hi everyone, I am almost 4 weeks post op. I had a LAH and my dr. told me she had to move my bowels around because they were in the way. She then had to do a lot of stitches, apparently. I have been trying all kinds of things, but am still having bad problems with constipation. Also my bladder really hurts most of the time, but I do not have a uti. Does anybody out there recognize any of these symptoms? My family dr. asked me to wait until I see my gyn. at 6 weeks before deciding how well I am doing. ??? Naproxen helps with the bladder pain.

Hi, looks like we're both from Ontario! I don't have these symptoms, but if it was me I would go and see my surgeon or GYN about these problems. It could be just the healing from the surgery but it can make you feel better to know now rather than later. Good luck and hang in there!!

Hi iceskater66! Thanks, I think I will call my dr. if things don't change in the next few days. Sometimes this stuff makes me feel like I'm losing it! I went for so long with pain before the surgery; I think I'm losing my energy. Thanks for the kind words!

Hi thxsupport!
I know what you mean, it's alot to go through but will be worth it in the long run. Just relax and take care of yourself. This is the time to pamper yourself.

I think I'd call the GYN. I don't think I'd wait 6 weeks if the pain is that bad. The constipation is usual, but the bladder pain... many of us have some, but if it's that extreme it needs to be checked out.

I had my bladder suspended though but it does still bother me at 4 weeks. When I have to go to the bathroom, look out if anyone is in there. I had the opposite problems with my bowls. I had diarhea for two weeks straight. I maybe would call my doctor about that. Maybe you are not eating enough fiber or not drinking enough water. I drink a lot of water. I hope you feel better soon. Whenever you are in doubt of anything, call the doctor. It's better than worrying about it when you don't have to.

Hi,
I'm about 3 weeks post-op and have the same issues. I've been back to the Dr.twice because of issues with both bladder and bowels (can't fully do either!) (Note: I also had a posterior repair done which affected my bowels more so)He said that a lot goes on with these organs during the surgery and it'll take about 6 weeks to feel better again. I'm on stool softeners, prune juice, metamucil every day just to get things moving a little (and then it's very painful). I can't seem to empty my bladder fully unless I have warm water to relax in, so I'm taking mini-baths often. Plus it hurts when I try to get my bladder to empty. All normal according to the Doc. I'm hoping that as the days pass, things improve. Looking back the past couple weeks, things have been getting better, even if it's hardly noticable, so I try to stay positive. Good Luck!

It doesn't sound fun.

I have found after several surgeries that narcotics like Vicodin and Darvocet do something to my bladder muscles that makes it difficult to empty my bladder...leading to pain in the bladder.

And of course narcotics constipate us. I try to take them as little as I can. Everyone is different, but sometimes narcotics add as many issues as they solve.

If you haven't already looked into it being a pain killer-related issue, maybe you could ask your doctor about it.

Like I said, it took me several surgeries to figure out what was going on. But for me, that's always the issue, no matter how many stool softeners I take, no matter how much water I drink. If I'm on a narcotic, my bowels and bladder are miserable.

Of course, if you are off the drugs then I'm way off base. LOL

But I wouldn't wait. I'd try to get to someone sooner than the 6 wk appt.

Hi Ladies!

I finally have my bladder and bowels under control (as well as I can at this point). I'm 2.5 weeks post-op and I took the advice from many of the posts and they have helped tremendously! Leaning forward when I urinate is the only way I can empty my bladder at this point. I also was cleared by my doc to use an enema to get the ball rolling and it worked painlessly. Now I use what moves me naturally which is coffee every morning.

Hope this helps and good luck!

You guys are AWESOME!!! Thanks so much for all the words of hope and encouragement. It makes you feel not so alone!!! love thxsupport.