Embarassing question

Hi Sisters

After having pelvic floor repairs done Oct 21 I am still struggling with BM's. This is so embarassing. . I cannot have a BM unless I squirt a small amount of warm water in my rectum with an enema bottle to stimulate the process of evacuation. I've been doing this for 2 weeks now and am concerned that my body has become dependent on that little "push" to get things moving. I thought by now I wouldn't need the help. I am taking stool softeners, lactose which is a laxative and plenty of water but the stool (which is soft) just "sits" there until I squirt water in my rectum. Should I stop doing it? I'm afraid of experiencing the pain of constipation. Thanks Michelle

i think i would ask the dr. sounds normal. but always best to get a drs opinion

I would mention it to the doctor too. I haven't had surgery - but what you have described often is what happens to me.

I was told by my Gastrointernologist that "you can not get addicted to laxitives." He said many women have constitpation issuses and not to worry-i use laxatives on a regular bases. It is better than pushing and hurting your pelvic floor. I do not know about the effects of using water and your body getting use to it. Again always ask your Dr. I am not a Dr. and this is not medical advice just my experience.

I've heard differently about the use of the laxatives. You may not get physically dependent on laxatives however your intestines will. When you do the work for them then they don't have to. Your intestines work by contracting to push the waste down into the rectum. Once in the rectum sensations there are SUPPOSE to give you a feeling of urgency to have to go. I do know about this problem because my uterus had prolapsed into my rectum and created a bulge in my rectum and my bowel movements would have to find there way around the bulge causing lots of pain. On top of the the already fullness there I never really felt like I had to go until it was almost coming out. And when it was not alot of bowel I would have to go in there and get it out. Now I'm better and I see that the sensation does come back. Yea you dont want to have painful bowels but please contact your Dr. and ask HIM what you need to do. Much love and understanding

I am at 8 wks post op. BMs have finally returned to normal just in the last 3 days.

I take a daily stool softener and still use some 'metamucil' which is just a fiber drink you mix with water. You will never become dependent on that.

My surgeon just did not understand the level of discomfort I was experiencing with the constipation. He made me feel like I was a hypochondriac.

I think I can say I am back to feeling normal now. I return to work on Monday.

I have dealt with constipation all of my life and now I take one capsule of Miralax every evening and it works. My ins co pays for my prescriptions.