Pain Relief Tips After Barbie Butt Surgery

Thanks so much!!! I keep reminding myself this is the recovery part of the journey and I just need to hang in there. I was at the grocery on Sat and felt a bit of a gush. Got home and had started bleeding. Dr. said it would likely stop (it mostly has) but I felt like the whole thing had just opened up!

Thank you all for the support and great advice! I hate that many of you also had difficult journeys, but in the spirit of “misery loves company,” it helps to know I'm not alone. Definitely checking out the vision several of you mentioned!

Hi, I had the surgery on 19th March, and I honestly didn't have too much pain—nowhere near what I was expecting it to be like. I did buy the boho cushion that the physio in Australia uses. It's expensive, but very gentle and nice to sit on; it really relieved the pain. I still get pain some days if I've sat too long, or when I do the exercise bike. It's a weird pain and hard to explain, but I'm sure it will get better. Just rest as much as you need, don't overdo it, and try lying on your side instead of sitting on your bum; that will help to heal, like sitting on your side, sort of thing. Hope it helps. xx

I had similar surgery in September of last year, and my butt was sore for 5-6 months. I bought waffle air cushions from Amazon and have them in my car, in front of my computer, and at the dining table. When I go out, I take one with me in my "Care" bag to use on trains, at the hospital, at a concert, etc. It still hurts a little but not nearly as much as just sitting on whatever I have to.

Hi - I just had my Barbie Butt to remove the stump on 7/23. The incision is healing but still feels like I have a nail stuck up my butt. I've been told that it takes 3 months before you really start feeling more normal since it takes a long time for the incision to fully heal (being in a dark space). I have tried to be careful about not stretching the incision, sit reclined or on my side most of the time, and don't sit on the toilet (use a Shewee to pee, and empty the ostomy standing up). I am taking vitamins (especially Vit A and Zinc) which seem to help. After about 4 weeks, I finally made it through a day without pain pills, but I do have that persistent sore spot, just trying to be patient. I watched the proctocolectomy YouTube blog on Let's Talk IBD, so I would know what to expect.

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Hi Kbeckner. Hang in there; I'm right there with you. Mine was the 16th after cancer down there. I developed a wound two weeks ago and then hard, painful swelling most recently; they said it is normal (after getting a CT to check for infection). The very squishy pillows are a lifesaver. Also, I have a zero-gravity chair that I go all the way back in to get relief. Hard to get into, but once back, it really helps. This is an awful time for us, but it will pass according to my plastic surgeon, who said it's a very difficult surgery for anyone. Let's hang onto that fact. And to each other who are living it. I hope you're getting some relief, as I see your post was a few days ago.

Hi Kbeckner

After I got home, my wound area actually opened up as well. I immediately went back to my surgeon. He didn't restitch it because he wanted it to close up on its own, and it finally did. Be careful with lifting anything heavy and wait to do any exertion or exercise for a while. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Connie Redondo

Mine was never as painful as a nail up the butt, but it did hurt quite a bit at times when I accidentally stretched it. Unfortunately, mine never did completely heal until seven months later when I had another surgery to put in three layers of stitches. I still have to be very careful about spreading my legs too far or even bending over too far, and I can never squat, nor can I sit on a toilet seat or ride my bike or scooter. It's now been a year since the original surgery, five since the last one, and it's feeling more normal down there except at the end of the day when I've been standing, walking, gardening, etc., and the bulge from my small intestine feels a little like I have a fist up my butt! Not at all painful, just a lot of pressure.

Could a hemorrhoid donut pillow help?

No, doughnut shapes pull your cheeks apart and put pressure on the wound.

Soft normal cushion is best, or lay on your side.