Christine
Just had a partial hysterectomy on Nov. 3rd and have had these problems before and after surgery. Before surgery, I had herniations of the small intestines due to a prolapsed uterus and overall muscle weakness below. Exersize- yoga or stretching in particular- helps. Also, Milk of Magnesia is a more natural alternative to laxatives. Drink 3 tbsps. at night with a large glass of water and wake up 30 minutes early. Avoid white breads, red meat, pork, excesses of cheese, junk food and fried foods. Phew! What's left? Lots and lots! Stretch your mind on what you can eat, and soon you will miss the tempting offenders less and less. Imagine what you eat going into the washing machine... how easily would it break apart? Hot dogs... don't think so. A steak... nope. Yogurt, oatmeal, fish sticks, salmon patties, pudding, crackers w/cream cheese, icecream,etc. -no problem. Be nice to your intestines and in a year or two, they'll be less "shaken up". This happened to me after a C-section delivery eleven years ago, so I know it does go away. Have faith and patience. One day at a time. Be nice to your digestive system and think of it as motivation to eat healthier. Prune juice daily is a must as well - it breaks up all of the unbreakable stuff! God bless us all as we go through this fun stuff! At least we're not alone. Oh yes! Two more things! Wiggling on the potty helps. And if it doesn't, it will surely make you smile at how silly you look. Just do a little side to side belly dancer jiggling - my doctor told me this. Also, my mother in law swears that by laying on her back and pushing around on the walls of her vagina, that she is able to move her intestines which allows her bowels to move soon after. Haven't tried that one yet. But will after I heal more. Christine