Ugh, can we talk constipation? :(

Ok, so it's me with the bowels again. I hate this; I never had a bowel problem pre-Opti. Ugh.

So since surgery (18 days post today):

• TWH sent me home and I was taking 2 stool softeners and 2 laxatives per day
• After a day, I started getting diarrhea, and had it for 2 days, so I called the nurse hotline; they said to stop the meds and start taking the softener if I found it was too hard
• Things were ok for a few days, then I needed the softener, so I started taking it twice a day
• Now, I am "going" every second day, but it's gotten so hard I find I can barely go; it's painful - who knew it could be this painful!!
• I just started puréed foods and was hoping fibre would help, but I don't think I'm consuming enough to make a difference ...

Thoughts? Advice? Ugh. Honestly, I'm done with needing the birth the contents of my bowels every couple of days.

Thanks!

Are you getting all of your water in everyday? That is a huge key to everything after surgery. Also walking a lot helps get everything "going".

If you're doing both of these things I would call TWH to see if they have any suggestions for you.

I'm 3 weeks post op and everything is pretty normal for me. Although I do occasionally go twice a day depending on my food choices.

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, I am getting all my water and walking in.

Omg, twice a day and normal... I am so envious!!!

Are you still on puréed? May I ask what a typical day looks like for you?

Ugh, that sucks. Maybe try the 2 softeners with only one laxative? 2 might just be too much right now. I'd probably give the nurse another call either way. No need to go on suffering when you don't have to. Feel better!

Thanks! Yes, I've been thinking of adding in the one laxative. I hate the thought of all these meds...

Inwas also going to call the nurse hotline again. Of course, stubborn me thought maybe it would just resolve itself or get better with puréed. One day of puréed isn't going to fix it though, and it's just been getting worse. Ugh!!

I absolutely know what you mean. I tend to be really hesitant to use any medication if I think the problem might resolve itself, but this is a pretty major change that our bodies are trying to deal with, so I think it's only fair to help them along until things settle. :)

You're so right! Laxative tonight. :)

Sorry hon.... hard can cause fissures and issues.....maybe ... I think the puree will help.. but what about pears, apple purees... Sorry but these are all the natural things. Heated puree prunes (baby food) are supposed to help by the way.

Yeah, I worry about the sugar content in that. I have some lentils I am going to purée into soup, and going to try getting some extra fibre that way. Again, not sure if my quantities will make much of an impact.

try restoralax or the generic, its a flavourless powder that keeps the stools soft and is a gentle laxative. it is safe enough to take twice a day and it will help keep you regular. You just add it to any thing your'e drinking and it will help regulate you and is safe to take daily and not habit forming and wont make your bowel lazy. I also suggest taking a high strain probiotic it will help with bloating and regulate your bowels. I open the capsule and add to a protein shake daily, 50-100 billion count is best i order mine from amazon. Its the only thing that helped clear my constipation after surgery (restoralax and probiotics together)