Post op catheter and bowel movement

[Saffie123]

I had laparoscopy 5 days ago for excision of endometriosis from the pouch of Douglas and right uterosacral ligament.

Unfortunately I was in a lot of pain post op and struggled to get out of the bed alone and ended up with 2L urine retention and went home (after a failed attempt without a catheter) 3 days ago. It’s due to be removed in a few days.

I’m really struggling with worsening bloating from what I believe is worsening constipation.

I took stool softeners the day before surgery and had them with me whilst in hospital as they gave me no laxative/stool softener.

Since home, I’ve tried everything (aside from suppository which I’m waiting delivery for) But nothing passed (stool softener, Peppermint tea and capsules, milk of magnesia, senna). Nothing. I’m also struggling to eat much.

I’m avoiding codeine and anything else that stops/slows GI movement.

How long have people left this? I just really don’t feel right/good

[Starry1977]

Took me about 4 days after lap but they didn't go near bowel as it was too bad. I had lactoluse and strong coffee. I also find if you can bring your knees up it helps go.

[Saffie123 in reply to Starry1977]

Waiting for call from emergency gynae unit for help. Worry that they will be thinking it’s ‘just constipation’, but I’ve tried the osmotic and stimulant laxatives. And like you, Starry1977, usually coffee and being home and more mobile sorts me out but not this time Just worried about long damage to bladder too

[Lleighs89]

Have you tried things that would usually make you go like lots of grapes or prunes, peanuts ect

[Saffie123 in reply to Lleighs89]

trying to meet grapes and had a few gluten free oat crackers. Just been told by nurse to give it more time 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Jenefer]

Sorry to hear that. I had a similar op a few years ago and it is not pleasant! It sounds like you are having a bumpy ride but you’re doing all the right things. I found I had to stay away from stodgy food completely as well as drinking lots of peppermint tea. I also forced myself to move even if it was only round the garden once a day for the first week which will help digestion. If it’s really bad I’d speak to your gp. Good luck with your recovery.

[Saffie123 in reply to Jenefer]

Thank you Jenefer, they didn’t give me anything in hosp or after but luckily took my own dulcoease in as know it can happen.

Just feel I’ve gone downhill the last 24-48 hrs and probably mix of frustration/lack of patience with self, pain, bladder catheter and just full and uncomfortably nauseous. Definitely post op blues kicked in. Hard to be told by nurse to just give it more time

Thank you for everyone’s replies x

[Rajpreet]

Hi Saffie

I’m so sorry you’re in this pain after the op. Bowel movements were hard for me and I had the worst pains. It turned out I had to be taken back to theatre and the bowel needed to be shaken up as it had become ‘sleepy’ from the operation.

Other than that I tried peppermint tea. Movement is good, any little you can do to walk around a room. Even if it’s small steps.

[Ke90]

I think it was about 5/6 days after surgery before I went and that was having lactulose daily.