Constipation…….nothing is working

[Lovemusic82]

I had a surgery (hysterectomy) 3 months ago. My bowels were not that great before surgery but I still went most days and could eat several things that would make me go. Since surgery I sometimes go a couple days without a bowel movement, stools are very hard and what ever I try and eat or take to rectify it doesn’t seem to work. I have taken stool softeners (laxido x 4 a day), am eating a very high fibre diet, exercising a lot, drinking a lot and still nothing. Last night i took a laxative, usually one tablet has me glued to the loo the next morning but I haven’t been at all today.

So why is nothing working? Could it be damage from my surgery? I was told my surgery went well with no complications (key hole).

Just eaten a bowl of rhubarb in hope that works, usually it gives me stomach cramps and makes me poop 😬

I use high doses of vitamin C (4,000mg) and more if needed. They’re good for you and the only side effect is diarrhoea.

Drinking a bottle of pinot grigio loosens things up. Cheers🍾

I wish I could drink wine 🤣, I would be on the floor after a bottle.

I normally find fibre makes it worse! My trick is hot chocolate (or a coffee or something else rich and milky and hot can work), plus rich chocolatey things like cookies or brownies. Add some hot water (add lemon if you want) and you'll probably go. Maybe this is just me but I do believe when fibre isn't doing it you need fat + sugar + warmth.

A couple of coffees might help, especially instant.

No advice but just wanted to reassure you that I've been exactly the same since a similar surgery over a year ago now! Nothing helps it's nightmare sadly

Sorry for being TMI have you tried putting your thumb inside your V Jay angled to wards your butt when you need to go? You can usually feel the poo! If you push on it it helps you go.

Use a squatty potty, or anything to raise your feet up whilst sitting on the loo. Large tins, bricks etc. It straightens things out and makes it 100x easier.

Vit C - Holland and Barrett sell chewables. I'd aim for 100mg to start to see how you go... or Magnesium oxide

Dulcolax liquid is the only thing that works for me. 20mls though.

Hey OP I had a hysterectomy last year too ( abdominal ) and it took ages for everything to settle down - my physio said it can take months and I think that helped me manage my expectations a bit.
What seems to have really helped me is magnesium supplements- I really haven't had any issues at all since I started it .
Lots of other benefits to the menopausal too so maybe have a look at that as well. .
Not a quick fix though.
Hope you get it sorted as it's miserable.

A McDonald's breakfast with a coffee usually does the trick here! Or a large amount of fresh apple juice - Innocent apple juice especially...

Otherwise, maybe check with the Dr if normal laxatives aren't working.

So sorry for your discomfort.

I have had to have lots of surgeries on abdomen/ bowel and these are some things that work for me:

Coconut water - when you're already hydrated. Works a dream.

Pears. Ripe. Skin on.

Apples. Chew and chew with peel.

No gluten. No white rice / pasta - acts like glue for me.

Olive oil - plenty of on greens or root veggies.

Hope you can find a combination of things that help x

If you've got a juicer make use of it , a large mean green juice a couple of times a day works wonders , think Appl es, cucumber, celery, kale or spinach, some fresh ginger

Sorry to hear that you're having trouble. Being constipated is miserable! Are you passing wind OP? Are you on opiates for post-surgical pain relief currently?

There are different types of laxatives; bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant and softeners. Laxido is an osmotic laxative. You may need to add something like an evening senna (stimulant) and/or something like docusate (a softener) especially if you're on opiate medications. There are other options too of course. I know it's a pain, but it may be worth contacting your GP who can advise on your specific case and make sure you don't have a bowel obstruction.

Magnesium

Try Flaxseed. Two tablespoons on cereals a day.
works wonders for me. Michael Mosley ( god rest his soul) recommended it.

Not taking any meds even though some days I could do with them, I worry they will make things worse. I am passing wind but not as much as normal, I have started taking windeaze because I keep getting bloated (but this could still be swelling from surgery). I’m almost recovered from surgery, I think the constipation is causing most of the pain I am having.

More TMI Or either side of vagina so you have something to press against. This was recommended by a specialist physio for me and has made positive change for me.

Sadly I can’t have coffee (caffeine gives me awful shakes).
I have been eating loads of fruit and some smoothies, kiwi with the skins on 😬. Fruit and fibre for breakfast, only a small amount of bread (brown seeded) and it’s made little difference.

Rhubarb has made me go this evening. I just need my rhubarb plant to grow quicker so I can eat it daily.

Dulcolux suppositories (Bisacodyl). I find it's the 'last mile' where the pressure is there down below but you can't go, they do help.

I recently had bad constipation and was given a pack of small tubes of liquid that you squeeze up yer bum. Effects almost instant. Can't remember name just now though!

Micralax

Senna?

Boiled water with lemon in worked a treat for me when I had horrific pregnancy constipation. I second apples as well.