Hi there, I'm new here and need some help from you folks. I have had chronic constipation my entire life. In fact, until I got married (28 years ago), I never knew people acutally had bowel movements daily. lol.

Anyway, I was coping with the constipation all these years until Jan. of this year. I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst that was putting pressure on my bowel. I become extremely constipated, which flared my hemorrhoids and it became a viscous cycle. In March I had surgery to remove the cyst, ovary and one fallopian tube (all benign).

Now here is the problem. After the surgery the constipation was terrible. My doc said the anesthetic slows the bowel. That was an understatement. With the help of stool softeners, I finally went.

Now, 3 months later, I am having the feeling that I never go "enough". I've seen a gastro doc because I also had some rectal pain. He says I have internal and external hemorrhoids. (duh, I knew that). He also thinks I am having rectal spasms (possibly due to IBS or levator ani syndrome). Before the surgery, I was NEVER this bad. I am taking fiberchoice daily and colace, otherwise I cannot go for days on end. What in the world happened during my surgery to have caused me to get so much worse.

I am having a colonoscopy next week to rule out anything else. I've had a fecal occult blood test, which was negative. But, the other day I had some clear mucus after a bowel movement. Have never had that before either and it freaked me out. Called the gastro doc AGAIN, and he was not alarmed. Said it was common with IBS and other gastro conditions. Yikes, I am at my wits end with this. Any advice would be welcomed.

I have had IBS since I was a child, I am now 41. Of coursae they didnt know what it was until my mid 20's after every test known to man and then some! LOL! I have had alot of female surgery, including several ovarian cyst being removed and both tubes.........at a young age too, 21. I have had more problems since then than ever. As I said, I am now 41. Have in the last few years went through all the test again and just had an ultrasound and going for an Upper GI. they find NOTHING. Battle the big "C" alternated with the dreaded"D". Very RARELY have a normal bm, lovely thing to share with a stranger. My Dr says the adheasions from the surgeries can be adding to my IBS problem.
It is very frustrating, I know. Try changing your diet, I cant eat certian foods or it makes everything worse. I did it by trail and error. If nothing comes up on your test be happy..............i know it is hard but you do adjust to living with this. Ask your Dr if adheasions could be causing any problems..........chances are they say no because thats what Dr do but it could be. any more questions just ask! Hope you feel better soon.
Dlh

HI and thanks so much for your reply. So far I have asked 4 doctors if I have adhesions and no one wants to admit that is a possibility. But, I had no pain near my navel before the surgery and now it feels like when I turn or lift or raise my arm, something is pulling. They don't want to admit my gyne did a bad job, but she did. I knew immediately after the surgery something wasn't right, because I had a laparoscopy before, for an ovarian cyst and rebounded with no problems.

I found a technique last night on-line about rolling on a ball to Loosen adhesions. It hurt like heck when I tried it, but today I actually feel a little better. I think you are right, it is IBS made worse by the surgery.

I guess I will experiment with diet. Some days I feel so bloated and other days it is not so bad. I know stress affects it too, as we went on vacation a month ago and I had few problems. As soon as we got home, bam...it started again.

Thanks again for your input. It's good to know i'm not alone.

Linda J

Try massaging your tummy area where the adheasions are...............it helps break them up a little. Not alot but it does help, I do it a few times a week and I swear it makes a difference.! I really hope you feel better soon and your not alone! Thats whats so great about these boards!