Just a few questions

[Teaton18]

Hello everybody!
I am currently one day post op of a Urethroplasty. I would say the worst pain is in the mouth followed by some pain in the incision site. I have just a few questions. Kind of weird to ask but how did you all manage bowel movements? I also have some numbness in my thumb and upper arm. Thinking maybe from the way they positioned me during surgery? I look forward to hearing back from you all!

[Clayton]

Hey Teaton,
Glad to hear you’re in post-op. Everything should improve a little everyday from now on.

Bowel movement questions aren’t weird at all after having surgery. Our intestines mostly shut down from the anesthesia, and then the painkillers prevent them from waking up correctly. Here’s a few things you can do…

1. Drink lots of fluids, especially water.

2. Take some docusate. It’s a very gentle stool softener.

3. If that’s not enough, try Miralax. It’s also fairly gentle, but definitely moves things along better.

4. If those don’t work, and things get uncomfortable, take some milk of magnesia.

The numbness is probably from the position in surgery, and should slowly go away over time. You should mention it to your doctor though, just in case a nerve is still pinched.

Keep us updated on how you’re doing, this site is so helpful because of all of the people that contribute to it.

Clayton

[lewis]

I remember bowel movements to be quite tricky after surgery. Pushing felt like you was pushing on the catheter aswell and I found that uncomfortable. Plenty of fibre, water and a stool softener. It does get easier after the first week!

[Author]

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