Concerns After Hemorrhoid Surgery
Age: 27, currently on medication including Senna, Cefspan, Doxium, Daflon, and Flagyl. No previous history of smoking or substance use, and no known allergies or past medical conditions. I underwent surgery on June 16th to address internal hemorrhoids, during which three prolapsed hemorrhoids were excised. Initially, I was able to have a bowel movement four days following the procedure, after which I managed two more within a short span. However, since Saturday, June 21st, I have not had any bowel movements, and I am beginning to experience abdominal pain. Since that day, I have been taking a stool softener three times daily. Additionally, I resumed taking Senna, a laxative, daily since the following Monday, yet I'm still unable to relieve myself. I am feeling anxious and apprehensive about the prospect of passing stools, fearing that it may be an excruciating experience. Attempting to defecate feels impossible, as if swollen tissue is preventing my rectum from opening. Is this a common occurrence? Do patients typically face such delays in bowel movements post-surgery, sometimes extending for several days? Currently, it’s the eighth day without a significant stool passage, and while passing gas, I notice small amounts of liquid stool; is this a normal symptom?
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 1:20:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about changes in bowel movements after surgery, especially given that you haven't had a bowel movement for several days. What you're experiencing is not uncommon after hemorrhoid surgery, but it is important to address it.
Explanation
After surgical procedures for hemorrhoids, it’s typical for patients to face temporary challenges with bowel movements. This can happen due to a combination of factors, including:
- Pain and fear: Anxiety about bowel movements can lead to tension, making it harder to relax the muscles necessary for passing stool.
- Medications: Laxatives and stool softeners can sometimes take time to work, and they may not always be enough if the body is resisting due to pain or swelling.
- Post-surgical changes: There may be swelling or sensitivity in the affected area, making it uncomfortable or even painful to have a bowel movement.
Next Steps
- Hydration: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids—water is best. This helps soften stool and promotes easier bowel movements.
- Diet: Focus on a diet high in fiber (if tolerated) to help stimulate the bowels. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can be beneficial.
- Gentle Support: Since you’re experiencing abdominal pain, consider gently massaging your abdomen to stimulate bowel movement, provided it is comfortable to do so.
- Pain Management: If pain is affecting your ability to pass stool, discuss with your provider the appropriate pain management options, as pain relief can also ease your anxiety about bowel movements.
- Monitor Symptoms: Track your abdominal pain, descriptions of your attempts to have a bowel movement, and any other symptoms. If the pain worsens or you develop additional symptoms like fever, nausea, or vomiting, these would be signs to seek medical input.
While it's not unusual to experience difficulties, it's vital to address these symptoms proactively. If you're still unable to have a bowel movement in the next couple of days, or if your anxiety escalates, it would be wise to seek further evaluation.
Related Questions
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Mass on the Glottis
Patient Details: 63-year-old male, height 165 cm, weight 66 kg, Asian descent. Lifestyle Factors: No history of smoking or alcohol consumption. Medical History: Diagnosed with asthma and angina. Current Medications: Uses a Symbicort inhaler and takes Concor tablets. Main Concern: A mass was detected during a gastroendoscopy carried out a year ago. There is no report of pain, but the patient experiences mild hoarseness. What might be the diagnosis?
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?