Pooping is uncomfortable enough as it is without adding the complication of a hernia to the mix. You already dread the pain and pressure of eliminating waste, but now with a protruding lump in your abdomen you have a whole new concern – straining yourself during a bowel movement.

Will the simple act of pooping cause your intestines to slide through the hernia, leading to dangerous complications? Try not to worry – with a few adjustments to your bathroom routine, diet, and bowel habits you can still poop safely and comfortably even with a hernia.

In this post, we’ll go over tips to make passing stool less stressful on your body so you can keep your hernia in check. With some forethought and patience, you can maintain healthy bowel movements without putting excess pressure on the sensitive hernia area.

Get ready to discover how you can poop with ease so you don’t have to put your life on hold due to a pesky hernia!

Drink Plenty of Water to Soften Stool

The first step to less painful pooping is to soften your stool. Drinking lots of water is key here. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day. Staying hydrated will naturally soften your stool, allowing it pass through your system with less straining and irritation to your hernia.

You can also try sipping on warm water with lemon first thing in the morning. This helps stimulate your digestive system and rehydrates your body after sleep.

Eat High Fiber Foods

In addition to water, loading up on high fiber foods will also help soften and add bulk to your stool. Great options include:

• Fruits: apples, pears, oranges, berries
• Vegetables: broccoli, spinach, carrots, artichokes
• Whole grains: oats, brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread
• Beans: kidney, pinto, black, chickpeas
• Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds

Aim for at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Ramp up high fiber foods gradually so you don’t experience gas or bloating.

Drink Prune Juice to Stimulate Bowel Movements

Prune juice is essentially nature’s laxative. It contains sorbitol, a natural laxative that helps stimulate bowel movements. Drink a small glass (around 8 ounces) of this constipation cure first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Within a few hours, you’ll likely feel the urge to use the bathroom. Prune juice works quickly, so make sure you have easy bathroom access. Only drink occasionally, like when you haven’t had a bowel movement in several days.

Eat Yogurt for Healthy Gut Bacteria

The probiotics (healthy bacteria) found in yogurt can promote regularity and healthy digestion, which is super important when dealing with a hernia. Look for yogurts labeled “live and active cultures.” Greek yogurt tends to have the most probiotics.

Aim for a few servings per day. Try incorporating yogurt into a smoothie with fiber-rich fruits and spinach for an optimal poop-promoting snack.

Go for a Walk to Get Things Moving

One of the simplest ways to get your bowels moving is physical activity, since it increases muscle contractions in your intestines. Going for a walk after meals is an easy way to get things moving.

Aim for at least 20-30 minutes per day. Just taking a few laps around your house can help stimulate your digestion when you’re dealing with constipation and hernia pain. You’ll also boost blood flow to your gut, further aiding healthy BMs.

Consider a Stool Softener

With the ok from your doctor, taking an over-the-counter stool softener like Colace can make passing stools much easier by allowing water to penetrate the stool. This makes BMs softer so you don’t have to strain.

Use the lowest dose that provides results, and avoid long term use if possible. Also be sure to drink extra fluids when taking stool softeners to avoid dehydration. Check with your doctor before taking any new medications.

Avoid Straining as Much as Possible

Perhaps the most critical tip when dealing with a hernia is to avoid straining during bowel movements. Forcing out hard stool can damage the hernia repair and cause complications.

If you sit down and nothing happens within a few minutes, get up and walk around. Rocking, abdominal massage, and certain yoga poses may also help get things moving.

Resist the urge to push. Let gravity do the work. And if you just can’t go, don’t despair. Be patient and try again later.

Be Patient and Don’t Force It

Pooping with a hernia requires patience. If you sit down and don’t feel the urge to go, do not force it. Forcing it can actually make constipation worse in the long run.

Get up, walk around, drink some warm liquid, and try again later. Your bowel movements will likely be sporadic and unpredictable as your body recovers. Stay positive and proactive with the diet tips above, but don’t get frustrated.

Stay the course and give your body time to heal. The best poops happen when we work with, not against, our bodies.

When to See a Doctor About Hernia Related Constipation

Occasional constipation when recovering from hernia surgery is normal. However, if you go more than 3 or 4 days without a bowel movement, it’s a sign something more serious may be going on, such as:

• Bowel obstruction
• Paralytic ileus
• Faecal impaction

Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Difficulty passing gas
• Abdominal swelling
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain that continues to worsen

See your doctor promptly if you experience:

• No bowel movements for 4+ days
• Hard stool that won’t pass
• Painful straining

Don’t try to treat severe constipation at home without consulting a doctor, as this can potentially damage the hernia repair. Laxatives should also be avoided unless explicitly recommended by your physician.

The good news is occasional constipation can usually be relieved at home with the diet modifications provided earlier. But it’s always better to be safe when dealing with a hernia. Call your doctor if home treatments aren’t giving you relief.

Maintain These Healthy Pooping Habits For Life

Getting your bowel movements back on track after hernia surgery may take some time and effort. But you can help prevent future issues with constipation and straining by maintaining good pooping habits lifelong.

Here’s a quick checklist of healthy habits to keep your poops smooth now and in the future:

• Drink plenty of fluids – Aim for 8 cups of water and other hydrating liquids like herbal tea each day. Prune juice before bed can also help you wake up ready to poop!
• Eat 25-30 grams of fiber daily – Load up on fibrous fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
• Exercise daily – Just 30 minutes of walking per day can keep your digestion regular.
• Listen to your body – Only try to poop when you feel the natural urge. Never force it.
• Schedule time – Give yourself 10-15 minutes of quiet time to poop undistracted after eating breakfast.
• Try probiotic foods – Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi boost healthy gut flora to aid digestion.
• Talk to your doctor – Don’t hesitate to ask questions or bring up poop problems at your next visit. They want to help!

With time and patience, you’ll get your bowel movements regular again after hernia surgery. Just be sure to keep up the healthy pooping habits so you never have to struggle with constipation and straining again!