Constipation and OT - Buttcheeks

Okay, so some of you know I just got surgery to remove my gallbladder. Three or four days ago I have had a problem with my buttcheeks start. It's a sudden muscle cramp, like a charlie horse, in one of my buttcheeks (has happened in both). Rubbing and stretching helps when it happens. Occasionally I get them elsewhere but not nearly as often, and not as bad (and never in my legs). But it doesn't take much movement to set it off (usually when I stiffen up, cross my legs, or stand up). It's super annoying! I don't think it's something serious, but does not take much to set it off. Could it be because I'm compensating for not using my abdominal muscles as much? Did my butt just get tired from less activity? (Not that I'd been doing a whole lot anyways - I'm unemployed.) Is it wore out from being sat on so much?? Maybe I should try stretching?

Anyone had something like this happen? I'm curious. Seems rather strange and I can't find anything where other people had this happen!

Also, I've been having constipation. I was taking painkillers for maybe two days after surgery, and stopped those and switched to ibuprofen (which I quit a few days later) so I could poop. I had also been taking stool softeners twice a day for maybe four days? Nothing. Finally I tried two glycerin supps. Those produced a little (normal, but broken up). A couple days later, I tried a Dulcolax supp (horror story for another day) which worked. The next day I pooped on my own (loose/crumbly and yellowy). But, days later, I had to use another glycerin (this time just one). A few times during all this I had produced mucus and blood. That has since stopped. My stool hasn't been narrow either. Haven't been crampy, just bloated sometimes. Should I ask for Rowasa? Or just wait a bit and see if my digestive system adjusts, because it does need some time after surgery to do so?

Thanks for reading my weird post lol

Thanks pb4! I've been making sure to stay pretty well hydrated, so I'm not so sure that's the problem. I just massaged my butt and it happened again :( That makes twice today, and a few times a day since it started. Magnesium deficiency maybe? I'm not sure what foods have magnesium, so maybe mine is low? Before my surgery I switched to low fat, then to no or near-no fat, then afterwards only ate things like graham crackers, applesauce, fruit, and soup. Now I'm trying to get back to normal (so far, no foods bother me!).

I had quit coffee during all this. Maybe I'll start again. That usually makes me go. If that doesn't work, maybe something else. I just wasn't sure if I had inflammation I should worry about!

For the constipation, I would try a good quality prune juice, warmed up. Last time I had constipation, I couldn't pass stool at all, even a little bit for 5 days despite trying every over the counter solution including stool softeners and even Dulcolax suppositories did nothing. Finally a friend of mine, who is a post-surgery nurse told me to drink warm prune juice, and it worked like a charm. The key is to warm it up though. Somehow it works better warm.

i have never had my buttcheek cramp and I am really thankful for that. does it hurt as bad as a charlie horse? i've had that in my calf, and omg, they hurt bad!!! I am pretty tolerant of pain and those are painful. I think i would try to wait it out if you're not concerned about the symptoms being related to UC. It's possible UC meds could get you more backed up. I never get constipated. If i go a day without a poop i am like YES. I can see how it would become a problem after days. I hope you get back to normal soon.

notsosickly, they are about that bad if I don't catch then in time to stretch. And alright. Sounds like I'll hold off on the UC meds for now. Really? When I was little I'd poop about once a week. I didn't know that wasn't normal! I remember being very small and on my special mini potty and being really upset I couldn't poop/my mom made me use a suppository lol. So when I DO get a problem, it leans towards constipation before anything else.

OldHat, yeah, I tried last night with a heating pad. I'm wondering if it is caused by me sitting on the toilet too long? I mean, I do spend a lot of time in there lol. And I know about ibuprofen :) Usually doesn't cause any problems for me, and I stick with Tylenol unless its arthritis, costo, etc, but I stopped right away when I noticed the blood, just to be safe. Will definitely look into prunes if coffee doesn't get things moving.

Incisions are okay. Healing a bit slowly. The big one causes most of my issues (still need help rising from a laying position). It's a bit pink and I don't think it's infected, but I'm using my Provon above it so the water rinses the soap over the incision. My bellybutton looks like chitlins because of the glue they used haha! Sorry, gross. XD And still a little pain on the right if I move around too much. Occasional pain on the left still too, for whatever reason. But overall I feel better and am eating whatever I want (haven't tried meat or cheese yet, but I think they'll be fine)! I can even lay down again! And on my left side (preferred)!! Bliss :) I'm glad it seems to have been a success so far. I am sick of being cooped up inside tho... I want to go home to the country and walk in the woods and practice my bow, but the latter definitely won't be happening for a while. First to recover, then to strengthen, THEN I can try. UGH...

EDIT: Pooped! Coffee is awesome. Only makes me do it if I drink it in the morning! Also, I grossed my mom out so much with my chitlins comment that she spelled my name wrong. I apologize if anyone else feels that distraught.

Haha, bellybutton appearance is from the amount of glue he used. That incision actually bothers me the least! The one that gives me the most trouble is the larger one (about an inch long) towards the left (which I thought was usually in the center??). But I did get out of bed on my own today!

As for the C, hopefully I won't be quitting coffee again any time soon!

Also, I think I fixed my buttcheeks. Only one cramp yesterday. I stretched, did light exercises (calf raises, squats), and I stayed off the toilet as much as possible. Sleeping on my side again has helped too! Case closed, I guess :)