It’s 4 weeks after radical hysterectomy, BSO, omentectomy & debulking surgery. Why have I got terrible rectal pain?

[Jebblejebble]

I’m new here so just wanting to pick up any advice about how to cope with the terrible pain I’m having in my rectal area. The surgeon removed 2 small ovarian tumour implants from my colon but said she couldn’t see any more.

Would the pain in my lower bowel be because there are smaller implants starting to grow on the lower bowel?

I did have terrible pain in my bowels before the operation and have been taking Laxido for the past 3 months.

Getting worried as it seems to be getting worse.

[Janet235]

This is the worst pain! I empathise totally......

I didn't have it before the operation but I did for quite a while after, used to dread going to the loo.

When I mentioned it I was told that because of the radical surgery and scraping away of tendrils of disease around the bowel the fact they don't like to be handled or disturbed they take awhile to settle down and behave themselves again.

That explanation helped a lot and along with time and painkillers everything did settle down. But my conclusion is that generally our bowels are never the same again 😬. Try docusate sodium in between the laxido as well

However do discuss on your next appointment if it is soon or ring your CNS or MacMillan nurse or Anna on the Ovacome help line. You don't need to suffer. A scan also should pick up on any further bowel problems.

Hope this helps Janet 🌈

[Jebblejebble in reply to Janet235]

Thank you Janet I think I shall take your advice and chat to the CNS. I suppose I'm setting up unrealistic goals of getting better quickly.

My superficial abdominal scars are healing but the internal ones may take longer xx

[Tesla_7US in reply to Jebblejebble]

Scar tissue forms internally at surgical areas. GAS is also excruciating. Over time, the pain will subside.

[Jebblejebble in reply to Tesla_7US]

Thank you Tesla,

The gas is excruciating! I just didn't expect it to be so sore. Here's hoping it will subside. Xx

[Tesla_7US in reply to Jebblejebble]

Yes, I was SHOCKED at the stabbing pain caused by GAS!!! I had NO idea that would happen after debulking and colon resection surgery. Back in the old days, before OC, farting was a funny, tickle-y little joke. Now, passing gas is still painful, but not quite as bad as it was two years ago.

[Jebblejebble in reply to Tesla_7US]

Hi Tesla,

Yes it's quite shocking!

I used to enjoy passing wind and thought it was hilarious, now I usually run to the bathroom as it can be a bit of an unpredictable explosion.

I just need to learn coping strategies. Best wishes Xx

[Joy13]

Hi Jebnlejebble. Look into the possibility of Pudendal Nerve pain.

Hopefully not but sometimes scar tissue and or inflammation can cause this or aggravate. I agree with doing all things to check and of course keeping soft vowel movements etc. Hopefully it will settle tho as u r still early days.🙏

[Jebblejebble]

Hi Mindfry,

Thanks for that, I shall look into it straight away. Xx

[Cropcrop]

Hi jebblejebble, I had similar pain post op, they mess about with all your inner workings when they do the surgery is order to do a thorough check. The bowels really don’t like being messed with and never go fully back to how they once were. If your pain continues though mention it to your doctor for reassurance. ❤️Xx Jane

[Jebblejebble]

Thank you Jane I will have a chat with the doctor today. xx

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi , you have just had major surgery it will take time to settle be kind to your self , i know this does not help with your pain do talk to your team about pain management, and as Mindyfly said do keep bowl movement soft, i can see from your replies you will see your Dr good ..take care Lorraine xx

[Jebblejebble in reply to lorraine71-Australia]

Thanks Lorraine,

I thought I would be able to stop taking the pain meds after 3 weeks but it seems to be getting worse. My doctor was kind but didn't really offer much help other than telling me I've just got to go back in 3 weeks time. Xx