Patient's question:
I've had a hernia surgery for a month now, but suddenly haven't had a bowel movement for the past three days. The surgical wounds on both sides of my lower abdomen have already started to heal, and I no longer feel bloating or pain in my lower abdomen. I've been eating my regular dinner portion, but haven't had a bowel movement. Even when I sit on the toilet, I don't feel anything. What could be the reason for this?Doctor's answer:
You are currently experiencing a lack of sensation when squatting to use the toilet, which indicates that the stool in your intestines has not reached the rectum. If the stool had already reached the rectum, you would definitely have the sensation of needing to defecate, with a clear urge to go. Considering you have previously undergone a hernia surgery, it suggests that you likely have long-standing poor bowel habits, such as constipation. The fact that you are now experiencing three days without a bowel movement proves that you have not maintained a stable and healthy diet after the surgery, and the constipation persists. This has nothing to do with the surgery.