After my hysterectomy...

[mickeyb106]

I had my total hysterectomy just over a week ago. I opted for the DaVinvi (robot assisted surgery). I was up walking around the very next day after surgery. For the most part there hasn't been much pain and my incisions (4 very tiny incisions) do not hurt much at all. The only problem I've been experiencing is frequent uninating (very frequent) and now my bladder seems affected. I'm feeling some slight pain when urinating and my stomach has been so upset for a couple days now. My questions is if bladder or uninary infections are common after such a surgery? Also, I'm having major problems having bowel movements. I've been taking stool softners everyday, but not much is coming out. Is this normal after surgery? Any suggestions on what I can do to get regular again? I was so desparate the other day that I took some milk of magnesia, but that just upset my stomach more and now I can't eat anything heavy, because it just sits on my stomach and gets really painful and the gas is really painful too. Thanks for your responses!

[bubbleguppie]

I am close to 10 weeks post op Hyst/BSO with a sacrocorporplexy. I also had severe lower abdomen and bladder pain which began nearly a week post op.  I've done alot of reading and UTI'S are very common after a hysterectomy.  I experienced a real bugger of one, which took multiple antibiotics to clear. Definitely check with your doc to rule this out. I continue to have low abdominal pain, although I am sure the infection has cleared, the pain is similar to that of a bladder infection. My doc believes that I may be feeling a tug from the sacrocorporplexy, but also stated that my uterus was adhered to my bladder and required separation of the tissues. Has anyone else experienced persistent low abdominal pain after the DdVinci Assisted partial Hystwith BSO and sacrocorporplexy?

[rtjrevie]

No problem! Hope things improve for you. Let me know if you need anything else or if that don't work!  Take care.

[mickeyb106]

Thanks so much rtjrevie for your comment and advice. No there is no blood in the urine and no fever. I will be taking your advice and trying those things. Thanks again!

[rtjrevie]

Hi MIckeyB, sorry to hear of your problems. :-(  There could be a couple of things going on with your bladder. 1) UTIs are common after surgery, ecspecially because you had a catheter. Common signs are burning and frequency of urine. Usually you have to go often but only small amounts. Do you have any blood in your urine or fever? 2) When I had my surgery my bladder was stuck to my uterus so they had to peel it apart. I had discomfort in my abdomen when my bladder would be full or when I would urinate. But it did not burn in my urethra it was more in my lower abdomen/bladder area. I guess if I were you, I would call the doctor and have them do a UA just to be sure. In the mean time, drink plenty of water and cranberry juice.
The constipation after surgery is awful too. This is common because of pain medication. The M.O.M upset my stomach too. Here are somethings that helped me. First off, start taking a stool softener a couple times a day, such as Docusate Sodium (Colace) this will help soften the stool by drawing water into the bowel. I also found that Miralax worked well for me. It is a powder you mix with any beverage (there is no taste) and it usually doesn't give you the diarrhea. If things start to get bad try bisacodyl tablets or senna tablets (but these may give you diarrhea because they are more of a laxative), or you can try a bisacodyl suppository or enema if things are too bad. Sometimes you just need to get things moving again. I would increase fluid and fiber intake also. Fiber One makes really good granola bars and cereal. Prunes and prune juice also work.  Good luck, I hope this helps! Anymore questions please post!!