Rectocele repair - struggling to poop!

[Mummybear0213]

I had surgery to repair a rectocele prolapse on Sunday (4 days ago).

I've been taking Laxido, psyllium and drinking plenty of water, probably a bit too much to start with as I almost gave myself diarrhoea!

But since then it's been very difficult and it feels like I'm struggling more now than before I had the repair....and believe me it was a struggle before.

Is this normal? Will it get better as I heal? It's like I've been stitched up a bit too tight.

[Merciesneweveryday]

Hi Mummybear, I am so sorry for your struggles. Perhaps it is still healing and adjusting to its new "form"? For me, a while ago a scan showed that I have a rectocele ond when I bear down for a bm, most of the time bm will not come out at all. I have Hunners lesions in my bladder that adds pain when bm "rubs" against the bladder, complicating things further. It has been awhile since that scan was done and they didn't recommend surgery at the time, though just about every day it is a trial. In case this might be helpful for you, this is what has helped me-experimenting eating things that will activate peristalsis - like oatmeal, veggies that loosen stool up, but not too much. Physical therapy has taught me to keep walking, do pelvic floor stretches like squatting and happy baby, go to PT as well as massage therapy, particularly to untighten and keep pelvic floor and glutes loose. I take a bath with Epsom salts, frequently, to relax my pelvic floor and let the magnesium in the epsom salts relax and help move bm along. A warm sitz bath while on the toilet will also help.To have a bm, I have a short stool to place my feet higher up while on the toilet. Adjusting the angle can really help. Sometimes I must walk or squat to help the bm get in a better place. Sometimes I must firmly hit my perineaum/lower glute areas with the side of my fist a few times to shake things up so I pass gas, bm moves, or are able to pee, so that bm is then able to pass.Sort of massaging my perineum and lower glutes area while on the toilet can also help. Because of the rectocele, I often have to pull bm carefully down vaginally with my finger. Though far from perfect, having tools has made a huge difference for me. My prayers are with you. Plese keep us informed.

[Mummybear0213 in reply to Merciesneweveryday]

Goodness this sounds awful! But I can totally understand what you mean. I've found walking when I'm struggling helps things move south, I keep reading about sitz baths so I think I'll try that too (probably would've been helpful postpartum too!)

I am definitely going to start an exercise regime specifically for my pelvic floor, I found myself really slacking since I had my youngest child and knowing id already done a years worth of physio and still needed surgery made me feel like giving up...but I don't want to end up back at square 1 in 5 years time so I'll take your advice on board, it's much appreciated. Thank you 😊

[Merciesneweveryday in reply to Mummybear0213]

It is quite a journey, isnt? Keep us informed Mummy bear!

[Johnsgirl]

it’s not unusual to struggle with bowel movement post surgery. I had the surgery last year and it took a while to return to normal. Have you tried raising your feet on a low stool or even a few books? This puts the bowel in a better position to empty more easily. This helped me. There is of course an element of not wanting to push to get it out as it’s so uncomfortable but slow gentle pushes will do no harm.

I’m a moderator on a Facebook group “Rectocele patients” with many members who have experienced what you are currently so if you are on Facebook you could try to get help and support there.