Maybe today is the last dey of my Rectal Hell.

I did not so something right in the last few weeks prepping for surgery.  Maybe I needed more Colase, I dont know but I know that I have been suffering a pain and torture that I never want to feel again.  I had surgery on Dec 21st and it has been more and more difficult to pass anything out of my system without it being a hugely painful ordeal.  Who knew constipation could be so mentally challenging.   I have been to two doctors this week to deal with it and finally was prescribed valium for my bottom in the form of a cream to help me relax "down there" and get on with business.  I made some changes to my intake and think that tonight the worse might be over.  Being in this kind of pain has been so draining - thank God I was at home for this. Here's hoping that tomoro is even a better day than today.

I am guessing your have been on protein shakes. I found them extremely constipating (normally never have that issue). Once I figured it out I started adding fiber to each and every shake and that solved the problem. I hope your "rectal hell" is over and you can have a Happy New Year right from the start.

Magnesium is your friend...  at 11.5 years out, I can't remember my life without it ... wait, yes I can!!!

Any OTC stool softener, Colace, Miralax, and Milk of Magnesia.  Also, a daily dose of magnesium in your supplements.  Don't do them all at once, try each in turn until you get results.  Sadly, the first one is going to be very painful;  but once that's done you can begin passing stool easier.  You might have to use Miralax pretty often at first, but it's a good product, and keeps things moving. 

I find it helps to eat a microwaved sweet potato with butter once in a while;  this provides a lot of fiber and fat which helps to "grease the skids" so to speak.

Unfortunately, not an uncommon result of the protein shakes and high protein intake.  

My center recommends daily use of Miralax for the first 6 months.

Smart--too bad more centers don't give up-front advice re: constipation to their clients.  It's such a big problem for most of us.   

I agree with Kim.   Magnesium was the fix for me.  I take 1000 mg daily (500 in the morning, 500 at night) and Benefiber.  It works for me

It sounds like you may have an anal fissure - a little tear in the tissue around the anus.  Extremely painful, and only heals with time.  Softened stools will help to keep it from being opened.

I agree Kathy.....I to have had 2 days of debilitating pain and was told I had one.  I wanted to add that hot salt baths help and I have now found the balance of having 15ml of milk of magnesia a.m and one p.m for a total of 30ml daily.  This amount didn't cause diarrhea but kept bowel movements soft to pass with no constipation.  This pain reminded me of gallstone attacks....it was so bad!  Hope this helps.