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[EmmaJ2019]

Thanks everyone for your advice.

I can't believe how such a basic function (going to the toilet) can go so wrong. Ugh! I **never** used to have this problem.

This morning before work I spent 45 minutes stuck sitting there (is that a World record for the forum?  ) and nothing so have spent the whole day at work with a full bowel needing to go and holding on. 

Plus even though I didn't go, when I give up, I still have to spend ages wiping my bottom (practically half a loo roll!)

I'm hoping something happens this evening! 

[Maryjane]

I would definitely find a women's health physios as you know it's very bad for your pelvic floor to be sat on a loo trying for that long, piles, anal fissure & prolapse are really not wanted.

As an emergency type thing I would get a syringe warm some coconut oil, and up the the butt it goes warm not hot, this will help it slide out, and should get your rectum wanting to evict it.

Wiping that amount is a tell tale sign of an overactive ( too tight pelvic floor) we shouldn't push out a 💩 we should breath it out if that makes sense.

When in the loo instead of pushing imagine blowing through a straw and making bubbles in water ( or do it for real) this action relaxes the pelvic floor without pushing.

[EmmaJ2019]

I would definitely find a women's health physios as you know it's very bad for your pelvic floor to be sat on a loo trying for that long, piles, anal fissure & prolapse are really not wanted.

As an emergency type thing I would get a syringe warm some coconut oil, and up the the butt it goes warm not hot, this will help it slide out, and should get your rectum wanting to evict it.

Wiping that amount is a tell tale sign of an overactive ( too tight pelvic floor) we shouldn't push out a 💩 we should breath it out if that makes sense.

When in the loo instead of pushing imagine blowing through a straw and making bubbles in water ( or do it for real) this action relaxes the pelvic floor without pushing.

Thank you so much - I'm also sure I have a pelvic floor issue together with a small rectocele.

If I understand correctly - you basically have a fight between the muscles in your bowel that are trying to push, and your bottom "opening" which clenches tightly closed. The harder you strain, the harder your bottom clenches. Is that correct?

[CLKD]

Rather than wiping as much wipe with soft paper then have a bowl of warm water and rinse. 

If you haven't been after 5 mins. then get up and walk around.  I often feel the poo waiting to exit but it needs action.  Today for example I sat doing the crossword and planning my shopping list  .  After a few moments I went downstairs and did chores, when I returned B4 we went into town I was able to empty.  Again during the afternoon but I sat on the sofa watching TV  .  Success again once I went to the loo!

It's best to retrain the bowel.  Let us know how you get on!  45 mins is a long time: what would you be doing instead?  I would be feeding the birds, sorting laundry, going for a walk 

[EmmaJ2019]

Rather than wiping as much wipe with soft paper then have a bowl of warm water and rinse. 

If you haven't been after 5 mins. then get up and walk around.  I often feel the poo waiting to exit but it needs action.  Today for example I sat doing the crossword and planning my shopping list  .  After a few moments I went downstairs and did chores, when I returned B4 we went into town I was able to empty.  Again during the afternoon but I sat on the sofa watching TV  .  Success again once I went to the loo!

It's best to retrain the bowel.  Let us know how you get on!  45 mins is a long time: what would you be doing instead?  I would be feeding the birds, sorting laundry, going for a walk 

Thank you

I know I shouldn't but I sit there for 45 minutes because I feel like I can't go to work whilst needing the toilet. Having to use a cubicle at work with my difficulty going causes me so much anxiety - so in desperation I try to get it out at home in whatever way I can before leaving the house. I couldn't do anything at all this morning and had no choice but to leave it up there - but still had to spend forever wiping my bottom afterwards.

I haven't tried to go since this morning - I'm going to try to go now! Wish me luck! 

[Maryjane]

The pelvic floor is a hammock of 3 muscle types that go from front to back past the rectum and past the vagina.

So if ANY part of the pelvic floor is overtight this can effect ANY part of the pelvic floor including the rectum, you I can as good as guarantee have pelvic floor dysfunction ( I have prolapses also very common ).

Do you use a footstool so your knees are higher than your hips ? But you definitely need to get help from somewhere as your pelvic floor will object especially the older we get due to the lack of oestrogen and collegan the pelvic floor hammock is weaker, even though yours is likely over tight it can be weak at the sametime.

[EmmaJ2019]

As I quick update on my attempt to use the toilet - I've finally admitted defeat and given up - I couldn't go 

[yellowflower]

As I quick update on my attempt to use the toilet - I've finally admitted defeat and given up - I couldn't go 

I really feel your pain as I have been there. After my hysterectomy and repairs, I had a few days where the bowels just weren't working and I was terrified of undoing all the prolapse repairs. I was doing all the fibre supplements, drinking water, and walking. I was doing all the right things. However, sometimes it would take a laxative to get the job done. My preference is for the laxatives with a softener in them and I never abused them. One laxative every couple of days seems to work for me. If you are having this much difficulty with your bowel movements, I think you really need to see a specialist. I hope things get better for you.

[dahliagirl]

I have one laxative about twice a week, and the regular fibre routine.  Also, deep yoga breathing and visualisation helps with relaxing the right muscles.

There is another useful word apart from splinting - digitation

I understand the frustration - been there 

[Eviepf]

Another recommendation for Movicol from me - I always find it helps.

In the past I've also used flaxseed and this worked like a dream.  Too well at first, in fact - I underestimated the effect it would have and had to reduce the amount I was taking. If you do give it a try, I recommend starting slowly!

[EmmaJ2019]

Oh the relief! I've **finally** managed to go and feel reasonably empty

My thinking is that what helped was firstly I didn't feel rushed (no need to go quickly before work) and I was also a bit constipated (so took a while and there was some straining involved) but it actually seemed to help the muscles get more of a grip and push more effectively.

Any thoughts?

[CLKD]

Yep.  Being relaxed can help a lot.  Womens' physio for advice: next step?

Don't sit longer than 5 mins.  Mum used to tell me 'your bottom will fall out'  so obviously I've had slow transit 4 many years.  Also, sitting in a warm bath and waving the water towards the bottom may relax enough to be able to 'go' more naturally.  My baby sister would hold on: she had temper and that was her way of control: but put her into a warm bath   

Of course a Nurse should remind patients that following surgery the bowels probably won't work for at least 4 days because the body has been starved B4 midnight prior to surgery: unless it's an emergency: and often an enema is given ....... so yellowflower, that was a complete lack of bedside manner! 

I had a good result earlier.  Didn't feel rushed.  Bowel was ready. 

[Taz2]

I haven't read all of the posts on this thread but I'm interested in how many of you with these types of issues have been referred for a defecating MRI proctogram? I had one of these and though not very dignified it quickly sorted out what was and what wasn't the problem in terms of rectal prolapse, rectocele, cystocele and perineal descent which all have a bearing on how our bowels are working. In my opinion this should be done as an initial assessment though I can see that costs to the NHS have to be considered.

Taz x

[EmmaJ2019]

Yep.  Being relaxed can help a lot.  Womens' physio for advice: next step?

Don't sit longer than 5 mins.  Mum used to tell me 'your bottom will fall out'  so obviously I've had slow transit 4 many years.  Also, sitting in a warm bath and waving the water towards the bottom may relax enough to be able to 'go' more naturally.  My baby sister would hold on: she had temper and that was her way of control: but put her into a warm bath   

Of course a Nurse should remind patients that following surgery the bowels probably won't work for at least 4 days because the body has been starved B4 midnight prior to surgery: unless it's an emergency: and often an enema is given ....... so yellowflower, that was a complete lack of bedside manner! 

I had a good result earlier.  Didn't feel rushed.  Bowel was ready.

I think a women's physio would be a good next step.

It's been really helpful to discuss this problem because I'd assumed it was the rectocele causing all of my issues in the bathroom, but it does sound like it might be more related to a tight pelvic floor and issues with relaxing the sphincter.

Just to explain again when this all started (which would tie up with the pelvic floor issue) - I was at work, and desperate to have a bowel movement. Normally I would have waited until I got home but that was four or so hours away. I went into the toilets - five cubicles with gaps under the doors and sides so very little privacy - and waited for everyone else to leave. Finally had the place to myself and although it was "right there" I couldn't go, but also because I had "started" I couldn't give up... by this point I was getting incredibly stressed and trying everything to go... and then other people came in! (Has anyone else been in this situation?)

Since then I've had issues with going... which would tie up with pelvic floor problems. 

[Annie0710]

I haven't read all of the posts on this thread but I'm interested in how many of you with these types of issues have been referred for a defecating MRI proctogram? I had one of these and though not very dignified it quickly sorted out what was and what wasn't the problem in terms of rectal prolapse, rectocele, cystocele and perineal descent which all have a bearing on how our bowels are working. In my opinion this should be done as an initial assessment though I can see that costs to the NHS have to be considered.

Taz x

Taz I haven't mentioned my problems to any gp since my hysterectomy In 1999. 
A colleague has had bladder issues and now gets Botox injected into it(I'm sure it goes INTO the bladder) anyhow we were chatting in the staff room as you do and she said I should see doc about treatment, I play golf and even though I empty my bladder you can bet within 10 mins I feel like I need another one.  Same at home but puts me on edge out on the golf course x