Worried about post-op gas

I had a colonoscopy 2 years ago, and to my great surprise, it was a doddle compared to the gas problem I had afterwards. I felt like I had a bowling ball in my belly, and the pain was epic! I couldn't believe it! And for some reason, I couldn't pass it very well.

I have uterine fibroids that constantly bled to the point that I became anaemic, so I was prescribed an iron supplement. The same belly swelling thing happened, and I was in so much pain that I could barely move. I was crying, it hurt so badly. And again, I just couldn't fart it all out! Actually, I couldn't pass gas at all. The next day, I was better, though.

So, after reading many posts on this board, I find that I am more worried about gas buildup than the surgery itself. Why is there a problem with gas post-op? Is it a function of any abdominal surgery, or does a hysterectomy cause specific conditions that cause gas problems?

Hi EnglishLavender!

After my surgery, I didn't have any troubles with excessive intestinal gas. Like other patients, I had to pass gas before I could be discharged from the hospital, but I walked the halls repeatedly (because I was told this would help to get the gas moving) and it worked.

I wouldn't worry about this if I were you. Should you encounter difficulties, there are plenty of over-the-counter medications available and I'm sure your doctor would have suggestions as well.

Many s and Best Wishes,

Thanks for that! You know how it is...you read about post-op issues and are convinced that you will experience EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM! I guess I can go in prepared, thanks to reading posts on this site.

Hi EnglishLavender

Walking as much as possible helped me to get the gas moving. I was as slow as a tortoise at first but it still helped.

I also got myself of the pain meds as soon as possible and made sure that I drank lots and ate fresh vegetables and fruit daily.

This all helped and gas problems were a distant memory after week 3 but had much reduced after weeks 2.

Good luck with your surgery and recovery, pamper the princess.

Katy

Hey MatyMoo, I see you're in London! I lived in London for 18 years (I've been back in the US for about 5 years now). I haven't been back since, and I miss it.

It took 3 weeks for your gas problem to subside? Ugh! I don't like the sound of that! But thanks for the advice.

Don't panic! Weeks one and two were the worst and it got better fairly quickly after that. When you understand how much our insides have been messed about it is hardly surprising that they complain for a little while after!

I work close to Heathrow and live just outside London. It is an amazing city with lots to see and do - not sure we appreciate it as much as we should!

Hugs

Katy

I had a lot of gas pain last night, but one nurse warmed me up some prune juice, had me drink it down quick than I rocked in a rocking chair about 20 minutes, and she had me squat a little at the foot of my bed... been tooting up a storm ever since... it really worked. I had huge fibroids too, and I won't miss them... I hope you breeze through! Best wishes!!

Someone here recommended getting ones bottom higher than the rest of the body to allow the gas to "rise". I tried laying on my side with my hip on a pillow. It helped.

The person that I remember reading bent over a chair making her bottom higher than the rest of her. I didn't think that was a good idea for me.