Constipation after HALO

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi there, I had my HALO procedure 3 days ago and have so far been recovering ok apart from not having any BMs, I have been taking Movicol 2-3 times a day but still haven't had a BM, is this normal? I am usually regular (daily), I have been eating normally and feel the need to go to the toilet but nothing happens, it feels like my back passage is just too swollen to allow the needed BM to pass. I have pushed a bit when trying but really don't want to because it can cause further issues. Apart from the discomfort/pain of not passing a BM everything else seems bearable so far...... I just want/need to pass a stool, any advice?

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5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi, I am 2 weeks post HALO and thought I would share my experience. I also didn't have a BM for around 5 days and felt like I really needed too. But when it comes just be prepared as it does really hurt. I recommend highly getting a stool to squat on and wet wipes rather than tp and once youre finished make sure you get straight in the bath or a shower to sooth the pain. just make sure to keep up with your laxatives and high fibre foods as I am currently 6 days without a BM and terrified of whats going to come out.

    Any further questions feel free to ask

    • Posted

      thank you for your reply, pleased to know I'm not the only one. I feel like I need to pass a BM but that my body just wont allow me to, There is a natural "pushing" feeling from my upper bowels but my lower bowels just seem to not want it to happen, and fight back against the "push". This is REALLY uncomfortable and sometimes painful. I am keeping up with the laxatives and really hope that they have worked when it comes to softening the stools, although at the moment it feels like there is a knife cutting my rectum every time there is a slight push.

    • Posted

      This is honestly exactly what I went through. I assume the doctor told you the only thing you would feel is 'pressure' let me tell you thats a lie! its not going to be pleasant but don't worry about not having one for a few days. Youre in recovery and its normal. If you have pressing questions just call your hospital or GP.

    • Posted

      The Dr. didn't really say anything post-OP, apart from the fact that there was a lot of bleeding and that it really did need doing. Before the OP he said that it would be very painful for a couple of days, and in all fairness the pain from the op hasn't been too bad, it's purely because I can't pass a BM that is causing me huge discomfort/pain. It basically feels like my lower bowel/rectum has been sewn together (I'm sure that's not the actual case) and that the needed BM can't pass. I'm now on day 5 and it's really getting me down. I'm dreading the first BM already, the fact that I can't go is just adding to that.

    • Posted

      I had my BM on 6 day and it did hurt like hell.Had same feelings...second day after surgery I had bandages up in my butt...then after I took it out i was not able to BM still...so were taking laxative and hoped for better...on day 6 I felt like I really need to go and i still couldn't do it,felt like I was clogged, so I went to CVS and got laxative that you insert inside butt that works in 15 min...Went back home,filled bath and insert inside butt laxative and waited,it did worked after about 40 min... I suggest you to do it in bathtub if you can, not sure about laxative that you insert because it does irritated so much.... but bath will relax you and it will not hurt as much as when you will be on toilet.I know its kind of sucks to swim with your own sh@t but once you will be past your first time it will get better with each day.I was living in bathtub for 2 weeks after a surgery and sh@ting as well,shower haven't helped me relief much pain but bathtub with warm water was a great help.

      Also try not to strain much I think because of it i have some skin tags,my stitches came off too early...Also because of the late BM i have been passing lot of blood clots continuing few days after first BM, it was so much....another nightmare but I past that now but still healing 4 months later....

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