The, um, opposite of needing stool softeners....

So I'm 6 weeks post op tomorrow and perfectly healed, perfectly fine....but for the last 3 weeks, I have not had a solid BM. After surgery, I took precautionary stool softeners for about a week, but I was fine and regular, so I stopped, and I continued to be fine and regular. Then about 3 weeks ago, this runs issue started and has not stopped. And it is runs- there is ZERO bulk to it. It's basically water consistency (sorry, lots of information, I know). However, it doesn't come on with pain or urgency, it's just normal like once or twice a day like typical BM frequency.

Anyone else experience anything like this at this stage in the game? Anyone think it could be related to the hysterectomy or is it more likely to just be a bowel issue?

Are you eating foods that are high in liquids and low in bulk? Are you drinking lots of juices? I'd mention this to my Dr and see what s/he says.

Well, I drink a lot (as in, almost a pitcher) of fresh brewed green tea a day...plus about 2 cups of coffee. I get about 20-30 grams of fiber a day, so I should be ok as far as that goes...and I've upped my protein quite a bit since I'm running again.

I hope I don't have to call my doctor. I'm so sick of doctors for awhile...lol!

lol - I know the feeling about Drs! Fiber isn't always bulky (as I've found out the umm.. "hard" way). Lots of protein could possibly be a culprit - I've had that happen when my diet has more. Maybe try eating some extra oatmeal, breads and crackers? I found that helps me a bit when I've had what you're experiencing.

Sometimes Metamucil or other similar bulk laxatives can help with that. It depends on the person. For some people it makes it worse. Others it can firm things up a bit. I don't blame you for being tired of drs. Ick.

Yeah, I typically eat oatmeal for breakfast...I dunno...my body is a wonderland...not in a good way sometimes? lol!

I'm soooo afraid to try a bulk laxative right now. I know it can help some, but I have a feeling it would bloat me out. Maybe I need to eat some cheese! heehee!

I had surgery last thursday, so I guess I'm in it a week. The first few days I had no movement at all, then after using senna I went, and every day now (3 days I think) I'm having cramping and the runs. So I'm concerned. But what you're describing is no cramping, so I would definitely see the doctor to follow up.

I suppose not having any cramps is probably a good sign, because that sort of thing is associated with bowel disorders.

Good luck.

Hi!! I had a lot of problems post surgery. I tend to eat a very high fiber diet normally and thought post surgery I could go right back to it - and I found myself in the bathroom constantly! I way over did it - and took the stool softners for about 2 wks - I think the combo messed up my entire system. It took me awhile to get back to some kind of 'normal'. I slowly added all the fiber back. Good luck to you!!

I too had that problem. Dr put me on Lomotil for a day and liquid diet. You could try Immodium for a day and see if it stops.

You could have C-dif. I'd have it checked.