rectocele repair and constipation

[eliz__0]

  Quick history: I began to develop symptoms of uterine prolapse about ten months ago. I was 32 at the time. My symptoms degraded rather quickly. I was diagnosed with rectocele/uterine prolapse/and cystocele.
  About five months after initial symptoms I began to have occasional problems completely emptying my bowels. I had been completely regular and normal prior to this time. A few weeks later I started having mild constipation on an on again off again basis. I was put on stool softeners and Kegals. That didn't help, my condition continued to worsen. By the time of surgery I was having constant constipation despite drinking lots of water and taking stool softeners. I could not completely empty myself without "splinting".
  I had surgery about five weeks ago. At first everything I ate gave me diarhea (diarrhea). Now, I've had constipation twice in the same week. I'm drinking about three quarts of water per day and taking two stool softeners: one in the morning, one at night. I can feel the stool building but I have no urge to go.
  Question: Is this a normal part of healing after surgery? Could I have damage to my rectum from the rectocele? Should I see a colorectal specialist?
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Dear eliz,
I assume that your surgery was performed by a gynecologist as opposed to a colorectal surgeon.  I would go back to the surgeon who performed the operation to see if testing needed repition.  If he could not help, then evaluation by a colorectal surgeon would be indicated.
This information is presented for educational purposes.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: constipation, rectocoele
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