Bowel prep

[Holleymuzz]

Is it absolutely necessary?

I’m having hysterectomy in 36 hours! ( Monday 2nd sept) I had rectovaginal and rectum endo found in my previous lap.

I wouldn’t mind normal however I cannot actually open my bowels without a suppository. I have very nasty cramps and hot flushes n nausea with a ‘normal ‘ bowel movement. I’m worried if I take the medication and end up rupturing something that’s been causing these problems. I mean if someone has an emergency bowel op they don’t have a bowel prep... so could I be excused from doing it?

[Gay333]

Hi I’ve had 2 op and I keep saying I what an hysrectomy but I keep being told I’m 2 young.

[HikerGirl in reply to Gay333]

Hi Gay333 unfortunately, even if they would give you one, a hysterectomy is not a cure for endo and women still suffer afterwards with the same issues (plus surgical menopause on top of that which is really difficult in itself!). Worth checking out the Nancy Nook Facebook page where they give a lot more information on this cure ‘myth’. Best of luck ❤️

[Holleymuzz]

I have severe adenomyosis and endo. How old are you?

[Fionac1981]

Hi. Are you having bowel surgery to? I had a bowel resection and pelvic surgery in Feb, and had to do bowel prep.

They have to clear your whole colon, it's not nice experience, then in surgery they will fill your colon with gas to remove the effected areas, hence why you need to be empty.

Bit of advice, have some sudocream ready, you get very sore, from being on toliet constantly.

[Nicmay04]

Hi there,

I've had numerous laporoscopies and a hysterectomy and I've always asked the question but if they are going anywhere near the bowel it needs to be cleaned out incase something happens that may need to be rectified. Chance of infection would be very high without one. Also they can cancel your surgery if it is not done.

[aw2901]

I had complicated Endo op including bowel shave in Oct and took bowel prep. Before the op I used a glycerin suppository every day so I know how rough the bowel issues can be. Definitely take the prep stuff though - it’s not as bad as I thought it would be and it felt better after the surgery too knowing I was empty. Lots of good wishes for your op and recovery xx

[Soon2bmrsw]

I had this like 2 weeks ago. It's hideous but they can cancel the op if you don't do the bowel prep so as awful as it is its worth doing. My advice is make up some jelly as you can only have clear fluids, you get very hungry but jelly or clear soup is okay. Drink Loads as well! Good luck 🤞

[SarahK73]

It’s best to have it it’s osmotic so draws in water to make stool v watery. I did not have one even though I have had bowel surgery and have no sigmoid colon and since my hysterectomy I’ve been in hospital 3 times with compacted stool in my colon which had to be shifted with a lot of bowel prep and lots of pain. Currently in again with severe right abdominal pain which they suspect is Crohn’s disease in my small bowel. I have had to have 4 lots of bowel prep so far on this visit !! It’s not nice but wish I had been prepped this way as I may not be in this current position ?!

Take care

Sarah

[Simo7]

As painful and inconvenient as it may be it’s far better to do it now, rather than have your op cancelled or to end up with an infection. I hated hated hated (I have to reiterate!) doing mine for the same reason as you excruciating pain when passing stools etc, but after they shaved my rectum (sounds weird I know!) and I started healing the pain was a lot better, it’s worth it. Good luck.

[giget40]

Sorry to hear of all your problems but it is necessary to do the prep. It is not as bad as everyone says but it is not fun. If something were to happen and the bowel/colon was nicked everything needs to be clean or it will flood the inside of you causing terrible problems. Good luck with your surgery.

[jeffery01]

Hi

I had severe endo which had stuck my womb and bowel together and for years was told it too dangerous to have a hysterectomy as it could damage the bowel and end up with a colostomy bag! 12 operations later for ovarian cysts and years of misery, I found 2 surgeons who do combined operation for this condition and was told almost 100% I will end up with a bowel resection! The bowel surgeon told me he does not agree with bowel preps even though it would be a major op. I did no bowel prep !

I had the operation last August and did have the full hysterectomy and a bowel resection!

All was fine without the prep.

He said a lot of surgeons insist on it but he said it is not necessary! And he was right. He is a top bowel surgeon.

You must do whatever you think.

Wishing you good luck and best wishes for tomorrow xx

[Holleymuzz in reply to jeffery01]

Thank you!

I have read many medical journals and studies that show there is no greater risk of infection with out bowel prep. I have very bad problems with my bowel movements. I started yesterday with laxido and the pain I had was taking me off my feet I decided against it. I looked at the leaflet and it said that if you have pain or problems with opening the bowels then to not take it. X

[jeffery01 in reply to Holleymuzz]

Did you discuss this with the surgeon and let him/ her know?

I was given a drink to have night before , which was mainly nutrients.

On the day I asked him again if I needed prep and he said no.

My operation was 5 hours long and I lost 30 cm of bowel and I was totally okay with out the prep. Like I say I can only talk about my experience, please do whatever you think and decide. Thinking of you for tomorrow xx

[ccsmith]

I’m having hysterectomy and possible bowel resection Wednesday. Because I have nodules on my lower bowel/rectum they said I need it “just encase”. I’m already eating a special diet so the actually clearance is not as bad. I was low fibre/residue 1 day. Then liquid diet today ie yoghurt/soup then day before clear fluids with the medicine. Apparently everything is softer and easier to pass! I remember last time it happens quick and it’s a bit uncomfortable but as long as your near a loo!

Good luck with your surgery