Two questions: First, I am really really worried about going to the loo. The nurses said on no account should you 'strain' - but how can you avoid it to some degree... I feel I need to go to the loo, but am panicking I'm going to do myself an injustice! Also, I seem to have a bruised lump around the site on my right hand where my drip went in. Did anyone else experience this? Is it normal?
I remember this Kathy. Hence my use of Movelat, Ive found going to the loo has been the most difficult part of this recovery. If you drink lots of fluid and take something to soften the stool eventually it is possible to go without straining. Not nice but a relief!
Did you not come home with a softener for the loo problem , I had to take it for months due to having iron tablets after surgery , you can get it from any chemist
Bruising is quiet normal around drip sites , I had lots from where they took blood.
Hope you feel better soon .
I agree with Jojo, I am finding this part of recovery literally a pain in the b u m! pardon the pun, what I did when I first came out of hospital (the physio had suggested this) was I put a low footstool under my feet and and hugged a pillow on my tummy to cushion that part, if you haven't got a footstool use a couple of large books or something similar, it really does help, hold on to your tummy all the time, I try to drink about 1-2 litres a day, water preferably and eat lots of fibre, I love prunes so eat plenty of those, even after 11 weeks my bowels are still a bit sluggish, they never used to be before the op, Lactulose is quite good, sickly sweet but it it acts as a stool softener.
Hope things work ok soon.
I am always surprised at how often women are not told what to expect after surgery, or at the very least receive suggestions on keeping stool soft etc. Hate to say it but I learned more online than from medical personnel. I had such painful bowel movements and gas I was literally screaming until things passed.
Try to stay relaxed, hydrated and take whatever you need to in order for the stool to be as normal as possible. Good luck to you.
P.S. The bruised lump sounds like a little hematoma from the IV. It will reabsorb by itself. Just watch it. If it gets bigger than call the doc but usually these things just clear right up.
Thank you all for the fab advice! In line with what you have said, my swelling is going down - and I will continue to use a softener (I did take a Movicol which I had in the house on my return). Indeed, the deed has been done, and no damage so far. What a relief! But the footstool/books is a great idea. Many thanks.
Hi Kathy. I m just a bit ahead of you having same done on 24 th February. Done on Tuesday, and of course told no pushing. I started taking one Dulcolax at night on discharge on the Thursday. No result so took another next morning. First real action was Saturday. Yes I had to push a little bit. I was told to hold a wad of toilet paper to the vagina to support it. First bit was really difficult but then I got ok but did continue the Dulcolax. My husband is a pharmacist and told me Dulcoease is better and bought it. However I ve not tried it as I got re admitted with infection, and then got the diarrhoea!! Certainly have no problem now. 
Claire
Hi.
I am still taking a dose of lactulose twice a day.I came out of hospital with some but you can buy it over the counter which is slightly cheaper than a prescription fee. I also keep a guest towel on the radiator right next to the loo and as its always warm it is a welcome relief to hold that on my tummy.I use a phone directory as a footstall. But the BEST bit of advice i found on a forum was this:feet up on book or stool,warm cloth on belly lean forward with other hand on your knee and then rock backwards and forwards. Don't stop as you feel the poo coming down as it is like a winch if you stop too soon it tends to go back upwards!😠😠😠I know this may be TMI for some but by day seven post op i was in agony and this was the only method that worked and seven weeks later i am still using it. But you need to keep your bowel movements soft in order not to strain so i would suggest sending someone off to the duty late night chemist - the longer you leave it the worse it will be.Sorry cant advise about the drain as although told i would have one woke up without.
Take it easy,and we all know the first one is scary but relax,don't strain and you will be fine😊
Sharon x
Very welcome advice Sharon. This forum is a godsend, thanks. No such thing as TMI on here I hope! :-) xx
Dulcoease. Laxatives make you go...eventually, but don't soften, so it hurts like hell and you are more tempted to strain. The softener is much better. I put the bin on the floor to use as a foot stool and lean backwards. This seems to be the most common problem for all of us and no one tells us to prepare for it. It gets a lot easier when you stop taking opiate pain relief but I am still nowhere near regular, 4 weeks after surgery. Peppermint capsules are also fantastic for getting rid of wind
Hey lovely. I found pomegranate juice helped along with a mild laxative but definitely bought anusol suppositories for piles . Like all the other girls said drink plenty of fluids. Xxx
Hi Ladies, this has been interesting reading, how long do you think we need to carry on taking Lactolouse etc? I am just over 4 weeks post op and thinking of stopping it, but a bit worried lol
Hi Sharon
Many thanks for the detailed account of how to have a comfortable bowel movement after surgery. I have written it in my journal for when I have my op. As my bowel and bladder are going to be stitched back in place I am sure I will be in a bit of trouble so any help I can get I am most grateful for.
Warmest Wishes
Jacqui 
Hi Jacqui
Also remembered if you actually say the word "mooo"very slowly whilst rocking this expands your tummy and makes it easier to expel the waste matter (learnt this from Michelle Conways website)
The first time I managed to poo using all this it took about ten minutes to get it started as i refused to strain and was also really worried about internal stitches.My husband said it sounded like i was giving birth to a calf judging from the noises coming from the toilet LOL😊Afterwards i felt physically exhausted,climbed onto the sofa and promptly fell asleep enjoying the euphoria after nearly a week in agony.Wish i found this out before my op but glad to help any of you ladies-in-waiting.
Sharon xx
LOL, sorry, your post made me laugh out loud, if I did that my husband would phone the men in white coats 😊, but if it works for you..... I have eaten prunes/grapes/figs/sweetcorn/peas & broad beans today and if that doesn't work I will do the mooing thing, thank you for making me smile 😊
Love it!!! :-)
Glad to make you smile😊When i told my friends that i had finally gone and how they told me to listen out for a knock at the door from the men in white coats so great minds think alike😊
Sharon x
So did i when it was mission accomplished!
xxx
Still taking it at seven weeks as still feeling battered and bruised inside so not willing to start straining just yet😁😁😁
Sharon x
Will keep taking the moo-volac in the meantime then... 
xxx