Radical hysterectomy

Hi Jane75d4408e 

I didn’t have the same issues myself but it sounds very uncomfortable for you. I know you’ve said you aren’t constipated, but have you tried using stool softeners rather than a laxative to see if that helps you? Is your diet the same as it was before surgery?

I hope others might come along who might identify with this and reply when they see your post.

Sarah xx

Ive tried that, and keeping to softer diet! Nothing seems to make a difference  

Hi Jane75d4408e 

Apologies for such a slow response - I’ve been struggling with a migraine so I’ve kept away from screens for a few days.

I had a radical hysterectomy in February 2025 and my bowels were a nuisance for what seemed like ages - in my recovery, bowel issues were the last thing to resolve much later than returning to work, gym, driving, etc. My issues were constipation, wind, bloating, pain/discomfort, haemorrhoids and needing to go urgently without warning.

I was prescribed Docusate Sodium (stool softener) immediately after surgery and I was only able to gradually reduce the dose from around September then completely stop taking it around November. I remember feeling like my bowels would never recover and when I mentioned it at my check-ups I was told to give it time (which was right although felt frustrating to be told this at the time). I was so happy when I was eventually able to come off the medication and be ‘normal’ again.

Do you have a check-up appointment soon? If you haven’t mentioned it already (or even if you have), I would suggest mentioning your bowel issues at your appointment or call to speak to your CNS to see if there are any recommendations if you don’t have an appointment scheduled soon. 

Just to note: my recovery was slow overall so I hope that your bowel issues resolve more quickly than mine did - I don’t want you to feel despondent over my slow timeline!

Best wishes for your continued recovery,

Louise x