Recovery issues after RC

Hi PurpleSparkle . Sorry to hear you are feeling a bit down. No experience of this but I am sure someone will be along with advice. I hope you feel better soon. Best wishes.

Hi PurpleSparkle, really good to hear how well you've coped with the surgery and particularly that you are happy with your bag. Those are the two really important successful outcomes you needed. I reckon the bowel issue will sort itself out, I remember I really struggled to get going normally after a big anaesthetic (hysterectomy) Even 30 years later the finger up the bum scenario resonates painfully!!! Do you have a Cancer Nurse Specialist you could ring up for some back passage advice? Sending a hug Hx

I get a similar sensation sometimes, post RC, that soft poo is just sitting there & I can't fully empty. Then, wiping may clear it, or I'll sometimes get a second evacuation. They do say that bowels can be erratic & can be some permanent changes after RC. You are still fairly early days & hopefully things will settle eventually. Do be sure to drink plenty of water based drinks. Perhaps GP can help with something for haemorrhoids, or try some over the counter medication? 

Pretty normal to feel a bit down too, emotions can be fragile for even a few months post op. I found this particularly when I started to feel better & do more, but frustrated at the slow recovery. With the bad start you had, make take a while to feel well on the road back to normality. Best wishes.

Just another thought, you might be able to find a better position on the loo. We invested in a toilet stool to achieve closer to the recommended squat position to poo. 

My tactic for getting bowel on the move is to sit there doing vigorous figure-of-eight exercises with my shoulders. This creates alternating-side back muscle movement rather like walking, which seems to wake up the internal movement.