Constipation

I am almost 9 weeks post op and doing well with one exception. I have terrible constipation. My dr gave me a list of meds to take one of which was milk of magnesia. I took some last nite and I am miserable. I have the desire to go but still constipated....What do you all do to keep your bowels regular. Sorry for the distasteful subject but I need practical help. 2 weeks preop 377 This am 319.....Yeah! Netta

Netta, Do not be sorry, this is why this board is here. To Help! I'm guessing you have had a bowel movement since receiving your surgery. So now are you drinking zero calorie drinks and water to the amount of at least 64 ounces (1 gallon) but preferly more to like 128 ounces (2 gallons) a day. I did the Atkins diet before and was constipated all the time because I wasn't drinking enough. The only other was to really tell what's happening is Exams such as a Scan, a Xray, etc. Discuss this immeadiately with your Surgeon! They'll know more than your Primary. Good Luck, Mike

ya know... we were discussing this at support group last night. My surgeons biggest suggestion is MOM, but some other ideas came up: Apple juice (I drink a juice box each day) Sugar alcohols.. (you know the packages that say that too many will give you diarrhea? Well... there you go!) Up the water intake as Michael suggested. How long has it been since you went? The longest I've ever been is 5 days... and that was recent. I think that if it goes beyond 6 my surgeon suggested getting checked out for bowel obstructions and things of the like... *hugs* Its no fun!

i'm almost 2 wks out from surgery. may i ask why you can't do an enema? that would be the quickest way to take care of this. after i got home from having my son, i had to do 3 rounds of MOM before i got things going. good luck!

You can do Enamas, but gently as if it's some blockage you could be in making it worse. Or it could relieve it.

I'll share my favorite two words with you.... stool softeners. I've been taking them, with the approval of my PCP, since after surgery. MOM didn't help me at all... Now if I forget and miss a day or two taking the stool softeners I'm in total misery! You can buy them over the counter but you may want to consult you surgeon or PCP first. I hope you find relief soon! Janice

Hi Netta, Ask your surgeon about Senakot S and lots o' water! HTH, Kristen