bowel control issues

[ontariocanada]

I am hoping someone can help me with an issue I am having.  A little of my history is that I have a complex cyst on my left ovary and I am going for a laparotomy in July to have it and my left ovary removed and have the rest looked at while in there.
I want to know if anyone else has had issues with bowel control?

[ontariocanada]

Thanks.  I have been trying to do strengthening down there, as well as the rest of me, because I want to heal quickly after surgery.  I am hoping that surgery will be the end of this for me, but I guess I wont know that until a while afterwards.  I don't do well with unknowns.  This not knowing is what is driving me crazy, and to pile yet another unknown to the list is not good for my mental state.  I have always been someone who takes control of the situation, but it is hard to do that when you don't truly know what the situation is.
I have been using the pads when away from home.  Never thought that at the age of 36 that it would be something I would need to be thinking about, but when I read what some of you ladies have been through I realize that I really need to count my blessings.
Christy

[Sue838383]

Hi,
It is easy in the mist of everything else we have to do with cancer & cysts etc to forget our pelvic floor exercises. Even with large cysts or pressure in the abdomen, the pelvic floor can be toned without causing harm to the issues internally. Healthy muscles tone & relax.
I am expecting to have some bowel control issues during and post radiotherapy. I have started to work my nether regions so I can be a bit more confident when the urge to go to the toilet hits. I won't have access to an emergency toilet when travelling or stuck up a Scottish hill somewhere. I will take some pad precautions with me just in case.
As women we tend to forget the old keggles. Keep ypur chin up, thinking of you. sue.

[ontariocanada]

Thanks for the advice.  I went to the doctor today and for my pleasure I get to give samples to be tested and I am having a general surgeon added into my surgery to perform a colonoscopy while I am asleep because he believes that there may be some damage in there, however he also said that he is going to try to get my surgery bumped up because it has become more of an emergency(perhaps a blessing in disguise).

[gah_70]

When those masses or cysts are in the pressing on things they shouldn't be, they can cause all sorts of problems.  I assume you're talking about diarrhea type consistency?  Can you take an antidiarrheal to control it?  You might also consider getting something like Poise to wear in the interim.  I know those are made for urinary accidents, but if you get the big ones, they can also help with bowel control issues.  You can also try Depends undergarments, but Poise might be a little more comfortable.  Just be sure to get the maximum coverage.   All this can be a hit to the self esteem, but you do what you have to do.  No one but you will know what you have on underneath!  It will hopefully only last for a short time, so this isn't anything permanent.  

Gail

[ontariocanada]

Sorry, I hit enter before finishing.  If there is anyone else that had issues with bowel control, is there anything you can recommend doing to help with this.  I am desperate.  I have been having a problem with making it to the bathroom lately and today I didnt make it.  Talk about a hit to the self esteem.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.