Is this normal after a hysterectomy?

[Teapot07]

Hi,
so I’ve had a hysterectomy on 15th August due to adenomyosis and endometriosis. My surgeon said I had that much endometriosis tissue that it counts as two major surgeries, so my recovery would be different to a standard hysterectomy.
However, it’s like my bowels have just stopped working. I was unable to go so they recommended a suppository. Which worked fab. But then started to get a horrible pain in my coccyx and the pain got really bad five days after. I had a ct scan which showed my colon was swollen. And I need a colonoscopy. Just got to wait for an appointment. They don’t know how long.
my question is. Would the swelling go down on its own? My bowels have gone back to not working and it’s been a while since I’ve gone. I know I need to go but it’s not coming. So will have to use another suppository. Which I’m not looking forward to. My left side is in pain due to this as well. So trying to limit the pain relief to not bulk me up. I was taking stool softeners before the suppository which wasn’t working and also a laxative.
So I was wondering, from the women who have had a hysterectomy. Is it normal for the colon to swell? And would it go back down on its own? Is there anything you recommend other than a suppository? Or is that my only option?
thank you for reading x

From everything that I read and from the women I know who have had a hysterectomy, it's very common for the bowels to 'go to sleep' after the op and for them to take a long time to re-set. I imagine the swelling in your colon is a build up of stool.

I am due the op soon for my adenomyosis and a failed uterine ablation. I also have endo. I am dreading it tbh as someone with a 30 year history of IBS and bowel issues. I am certain the op will mess up my already messed up digestive system.

It says on my pre-op leaflet they advise the enchanced recovery programme and bowel preparation protocol. Was this advised to you by your consultant?

My friend had a hysterectomy last year and she had awful issues with constipation and bowel blockages. It took a while to re-set but she is fine now and enjoying life.

I hope they get things sorted for you soon, good luck.

Hi,
thank you for your response. Mine was more of an emergency hysterectomy. I was booked in to have my left fallopian tube removed, endometriosis removal and a biopsy of my womb as it had grown significantly within 30 days. But they changed it a week before to a full hysterectomy with ovaries kept.
I was started on stool softeners so there would be no straining involved. Which I took four a day. Before and after.
when I ended up back in hospital on Tuesday I did have really bad diarrhoea for a week prior. That Tuesday being the last time I emptied my bowels. They said the swollen colon would be down to the hysterectomy.
the hysterectomy itself has been really good on the recovery. The pressure is off my bladder and it doesn’t hurt to pee anymore. Massive relief there. The first few days were the hardest. I wasn’t able to pass wind for a few days. But after that suppository I was able to. But now I am back to not being able to pass wind or anything regarding that. They did say if it started to bleed then I need to go into A&E or my nearest surgical unit.
i was just hoping it would go down on its own soon. Do you know how long it took your friend for her bowels to reset? I thought this recovery was a bit too easy.
I wish you all the best on your hysterectomy though. And I hope you don’t have the bowel problems. But get the suppository in ready just in case x

Bless you, sounds as though you been through the mill a bit with it all. I suppose it is still quite early days though and it will take a while for things to calm. Have they suggested any medication for the colon swelling whilst you await the colonoscopy? Did they mention if you had endo on the bowel anywhere that they may have excised? Was a colorectal surgeon there as well?

My friend had her hysterectomy due to a uterine prolapse, it took several months for her bowel issues to resolve, they never found any major issues there I think it was simply from the trauma of the op etc.

It may be worth popping to A&E or calling your GP if you are struggling to pass any gas, that must be quite uncomfortable for you. I say that as the gassiest person in the world and just a slight build up has me in agony.

Fingers crossed for you that it will all resolve itself within a week or two.

I know this sounds a bit too simplistic but have you tried eating two kiwi a day? I remember this was suggested to my friend and it really helped her.

Just before and for a week or so afterward my hysterectomy I took a daily dose of liquid laxative which really helped. My bowel was a bit lazy afterwards but not for too long. It was more the fear of pushing too hard and maybe causing issues inside which having the laxative meant I didn't need to push. Drink lots of water as well as it really does help, even more so if you take the liquid laxative.

I think you need to call 111 and pack an overnight bag @Teapot07. Please don’t leave these symptoms any longer.

I haven’t had a hysterectomy but worked as a midwife & a nurse on a gynae ward. Paralytic ileus is a real issue, I saw it many times in women who had pelvic or abdominal surgery (c section being the most common). The inability to pass wind is a red flag for me. Not scaremongering at all but please get checked out.

If you can’t fart I think that’s a very serious problem. Call 111 and also join the hysterectomy sisters massive FB group for more advice. But don’t leave this.

Hi,

so I can pass wind. But only if I’ve had the suppository. I’ve had to have one today because I really needed to go but nothing was coming. Which I’ve managed to pass wind twice since the suppository now.
I did get checked out on Tuesday and they said I just need to wait for an appointment for a colonoscopy and if I start bleeding then go to A&E as it’s not a gynaecology issue.
the suppository also helped me do a bowel movement today. My coccyx pain is horrendous. So sitting does hurt so I’m constantly laying on my side until that pain eases but they said it’s all linked.
would that Paralytic ileus resolve on its own?
but today I have managed to go which has brought me some relief. But don’t fancy using suppositories for the long run. X

Thank you. I will join the group.
ive managed to pass wind now since I’ve had the suppository this morning. But don’t really fancy taking those long term. They said I have to wait for the appointment for the colonoscopy. Thought I’d be more urgent considering I’ve had major surgery. So it’s just a waiting game on my part now x

I’ve never heard that before but you know what I’m going to get today. 😅

When you opened your bowels today, was the stool ‘normal’ for you? Or diarrhoea?

It was normal: just covered in a lot of mucus.
when I had the suppository before I did have diarrhoea for a week. Which would be because I was taking stool softeners after my hysterectomy and nothing was coming so once it started all that came out. But now it’s stopped. Might continue to take the laxido with the suppository so it gives me a good clean out.

Hi,

thank you everyone for your lovely replies. I am really grateful for the help you’ve provided.

i did end up phoning my GP at around two yesterday which they asked to see me. They went through my results in more detail.
I won’t get my colonoscopy for another six weeks. They said they have no idea why it’s swollen and inflamed. But if they were to do a colonoscopy now there is a good chance they will perpetrate my bowel.

however, they have sent me away with some tablets and a lot of suppositories. They wanted me to use one everyday. I did say I’ve read the leaflet. Which I do on everything. I’m allergic to ibuprofen so I like to double check everything. And the leaflet said not for every day use. So have to use one every other day.
I already need to go to the toilet but it’s not coming and I’m worried about putting another one up there the day after. They said it is inflamed and swollen and so is my rectum. I did have bloods in hospital on Tuesday when I was last in which showed no infection so no antibiotics needed. They’re hoping it resolves on its own. But again if it starts to bleed then to go straight in.

before my hysterectomy I was in a lot of pain. A lot so that I couldn’t stand up straight: I was really really looking forward to getting my life back. Getting back to sitting on the floor and playing dolls with my youngest. Going hiking with my middle child and just generally doing everything a parent can do. Just feel this is a huge set back now and to be honest my luck. Hopefully it resolves on its own. But again thank you all for your responses. I appreciate that you took the time to help me. ❤️❤️