Ever since the 4th degree tear I suffered during child birth I have had bowel issues. Instead of getting better over the past year I feel it has gotten worse.

After a BM, I have to wipe constantly- and still, bm shows up on the tissue.... Even showering doesn't get me clean- b/c there seems to be some bm still stuck in the rectum, but I have no urge to go and can't push it out.

I have a bad feeling I will eventually need to have surgery on my sphincter - because I can feel that it just doesn't seem right... but I can't go through that now with a toddler and hopefully another baby in the next year. (I plan to have a c-section so I don't risk tearing again and losing all control of bowels- as per a friend's advice who is a colorectal surgeon). That type of surgery looks to be years off for me, logistically.

Anyhow... any advice on what to do? I take Immodium every night to try and make my BMs harder- because then I don't have the wiping problem... but even Immodium doesn't help now.

I have called to make a GI appointment, and am waiting for them to call me back. Thought I'd look for some advice here.

This has caused me a lot of pain- emotionally and physically in the area. I don't want to have sex with my husband much because I never feel clean and I worry about pushing BM bacteria into my other areas during sex.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you so much!

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I have the same problem and currently am being treated for a fissure. I wouldn't recommend letting it continue though. If it has become this big of a problem for you, you really should consider surgery. Find a way to have it done. There is always a way. Plus I heard recovery isn't really that bad...like 1 to 2 weeks off from work and only a little longer for a complete recovery. I'm probably going to be going in for the same surgery before the end of next month.

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Thanks for replying. Was your damage caused by childbirth, too?

I would get the surgery done now- but I hope to get pg in the coming months, and won't have enough time to take off for a surgery if I do get pg in the same year.

It took me a good 8w to be able to walk and stand for any amount of time after giving birth... I would hope that the surgery wouldn't be so long, but I can't take the chance, since my job requires that I am on my feet and walking a lot during the day (i'm in phamra sales)... so being out for a long time hurts me financially as well.... I am hoping once my 2nd child can walk then I could have the surgery... but the thought of waiting so long pains me, too.

You need to ask all of these questions on the thread here entitled "I Survived Sphincteroplasty Part 8."

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Goldie_Locks5,

No, mine was actually caused by GI complications after having my gallbladder removed....it's a long story actually.

Please be careful if you are going to wait that long. The problem with tears/fissures is that the longer they go on, the higher the possibility of serious complications. If I were you I would put off the pregnancy thing for a little longer and taker care of this first. It is up to you in the end, but i personally wouldn't let this go on for over another year.

Hey there, I know how you feel. I'm fecally incontinent (causes unknown, have never given birth), and I have the same problem. You know what my favourite thing in the whole wide world is? Those flushable moist wipes. They are a GOD SEND. I use those after going to the toilet and they give you that lovely clean feeling. Also, if you feel a bit yuck before sex, pop into the toilet and have a quick wipe.

EDIT: They also come in purse packs!