Need... *ahem* Constipation Advice

I was not familiar with Dulcalax as laxative. Only still softtener. I guess they make it any way they want. 

As a child i would hold BM while traveling.. Even now.it is more mental. Ugh...  

I have a cup of black coffee (or add a splash of rtd protein) every morning, and within an hour I'm good to go... literally.

Surgeon does not allow black coffee... not even decaf... hardest thing I've ever had to give up. :(

Pre surgery I was a poster child for regularity without taking any special steps.  Post surgery, I've had to take some proactive steps to keep things going.  I do a scoop of Benefiber in my morning protein shake and I take a daily capsule probiotic in addition to keeping up my water intake.  The probiotic is a recent addition and it has made the most difference.  A week after surgery I actually had an impaction issue and my surgeon recommended Miralax for a wee****il things were back to normal.  Check with your PCP or surgeon and see what they advise to get you over this hump. :D

Jen

I add a half capful of Miralax to my morning protein shake five days a week.

I take two Fiber gummies daily.

I take one Culturelle probiotic daily.

I'm regular as rain every day.  No more pain, and I'm positive that it's the Miralax that makes a difference.  YMMV.

I had terrible constipation issues.  I finally found a balance of 3 stool softeners and one magnesium citrate capsule (150 mg) per day that keeps me regular.

Are you still on any painkillers?  They tend to constipate so if you can transition to something OTC that would help.

Otherwise - a stool softenr, with plenty of fluids and fat.

Fiber comes in 2 different types Soluble and Insoluble. Soluble Fiber clumps and gets sticky when wet adding bulk to stool example Oata, Bran,etc.. Insoluble Fiber doesn't absorb water so it doesn't digest easily and usually helps things pass through the colon more quickly example fruits/veggies. This is my understanding I am by no means an expert but this is how my Dietitian explained it to me , when I complained of episodes of constipation

My surgery is today, so.... this is just a constipation aid.... from a floor nurse, I used to work oncology and pain meds cause constipation and I hate giving a bunch of meds that could potentially make my patient have an issue.... we used warm prune juice with melted butter... sounds gross.... but actually tastes pretty good and works gently. We call it a brown cow. I am not sure how much you can consume. I hear our tummies are about the size of a banana post op..... but it may be worth a shot. 

  Hugs! You WILL feel better soon . 

  Cathy