It took me about a week before I was able to have any bowel movement (BM), and I was on the toilet set for ~45 minutes just letting gravity do it’s job since there was no way I could’ve used my stomach muscles push it out more. My feet were falling asleep on the toilet, but boy…it sure felt good to let it all out!
When you’re taking your post-op meds, one of the side effects is constipation, and there’s nothing more uncomfortable than being in pain AND feeling bloated. Here are some things that worked for me:
- Drink lots of water
If you think about it, water makes things wet…like your poop. When we drink water, it goes to our intestines and kidneys, which help moisten what we eat that turns to stool and urine respectively.
Drink more water, the easier it is for the stool to go through our body and out the other way. Watery fruits and veggies are a great way to keep your stool moist: watermelon, melons, peaches, cucumber, etc.
How much is right? Ideally, you want your urine to look like lemonade. Here’s a picture chart to help guide your water intake. - Eat lots of fiber-rich fruits and veggies
Think of fiber as a toothbrush for your intestines. The fibers latch onto the stool and scrub you clean. Think of stringy/hearty veggies like celery, asparagus, carrots, etc. Kale is also great too.
Be careful not to have TOO much fiber! I learned that the hard way when I ate too much Raisin Bran. Let’s just say it was really messy and explosive. Learn from me, haha! - Mind your salt and bread intake
Salt absorbs water like a sponge as does anything bread-y like well, bread and rice. It’ll take the water away from your stool which keeps it from going out of your body.
Think of your digestive tract like waterslide – no water = OUCH! Water = fun and slippery! - Elevate your feet a little bit on your toilet
Yes, make yourself a “Squatty Potty”! When your legs are elevated on your toilet, it’ll open up the tract that helps your stool exit your body.
Here’s a funny video to help explain what happens when you lift your legs a little bit: - Do some yoga twist poses. Note: Do these only if you’re a couple months post-op.
I should reiterate to only do these twists if you’re about 2-3 months post-op. You may still feel soreness around your scar if you do it too soon. If you feel pain, STOP twisting. Try to gently rotate your torso a few degrees (15-30 degrees) for a light massage.
Twisting helps massage your intestines and other organs which will wring out the poop like a wet paper towel. Try some of these poses and hold each pose for about 30 seconds. Do each one around 3 times along with drinking water, lowering your salt intake, etc.
If all else fails, take a warm bath or use a warm compress
I often get worked up when I have no BM and that causes a bit of stress. Months after my recovery, I took a warm bath (or a long shower) which totally relaxes me and…lo and behold! I felt the urge to go. It’s important to note that taking a bath while in recovery is NOT recommended as you don’t want to risk infection. If you’re in recovery and have tried steps 1-4 (remember….no twisting during recovery), then try getting warm and cozy to relax your muscles and relieve any tension.
Hysterectomy Recovery Diary 