Post hysterectomy recovery

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Hi all,

I had a hysterectomy about 11 days ago to treat endometrial carcinoma. I’ve always had a bit of a delicate digestive system, which runs in my family, but for about a week now I’ve been really suffering with an upset stomach (downstairs). Initially I didn’t have much “movement” when I was in the hospital so I took lactulose for a few days as prescribed, and things seemed to even out for a while but it’s now been quite a few days since I came off it and I’m still dealing with having to go to the toilet quite a few times a day, and stomach cramps, and it’s really getting me down mentally at this point. Physically, this aside, I’m feeling so much better so this feels like the one thing that’s not making progress so that’s hard…

I know the guidance talks about bladder and bowel taking a while to settle after this surgery, which does make sense so my question is basically - is this normal and can I do anything to help or is it just another “wait it out” thing?

Any advice gratefully received!

MarmiteFan59 1 month ago

Hi Londongirl8, well done for having had your op and I’m glad to hear that in many ways you’re feeling much better. The intestines as well as our other stuff gets moved around during the op and can take a while to settle, plus, unfortunately, painful wind and diarrhoea can be a side effect of laxatives such lactulose, for some people. I have a sensitive stomach so I decided post op just to wait till things happened naturally, which turned out to be 4 days, and made sure my diet was very light - mostly just protein (meat and fish) and fruit, avoiding complex carbs, till everything settled down. If you’re concerned, I’d suggest contacting your ward or your CNS, but I’d imagine it should settle down with time.

LondonGirl8 1 month ago in reply to MarmiteFan59

Thanks so much for your kind reply. Yeah, I think if it’s no better by Monday I’ll speak to my CNS. Just loathe to try any more medication to try to fix it as I’m regretting the lactulose so much now. It’s hard to have enough patience with my body but I know that 11 days really isn’t that long and she’s doing her best to recover from a lot!

MarmiteFan59 1 month ago in reply to LondonGirl8

I don’t do dairy and there’s lactose in it, and also fructose which I know I don’t tolerate well. I hope things settle down for you soon.

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