Me and my bowel issues again

Hi...wanted to check in for suggestions. I am on the prescribed Soflax stool softener and three days ago started restoralax as well. I have had no bowel action for one week, since the day before surgery. Just concerned about what I should do next. Any suggestions? I will call my clinic in the morning but was hoping to jump start this.

First, congrats on your surgery! I hope that you are doing well.

What are you eating or are you on liquids still? If so, there is nothing in your system to come out as a stool. You will have to be eating more solid food to have a bowel movement. If you are having gas, that is normal and not necessarily from constipation. To help to move the gas, do lots of walking, drink your fluids, I find that hot herbal tea really helps. Try fennel tea to ease gas pain.

This too shall pass!

Thanks, it's getting better every day. I am still on liquids but at this clinic "liquids" include yogurt, pudding and cottage cheese so wasn't sure if something should be producing. I'm actually not having too much gas, just thought it wouldn't be good to go too long. But I will try some herbal teas.

I would do an enema to start things on that end.

Even with just liquids I expect some BM.

Thanks, I wondered if that should be a next step.

How do you feel though? If you don't feel bound up, an urge to go but cannot, personally I'd give it a little time to work. Maybe another 3-4 days.

I'm of the: if it isn't troubling you, don't trouble it school of thought.

I don't physically feel like it's a problem, I guess more a mental expectation to go and that if I let it get too bad something not good might happen. Thanks for replying

I learned a hard lesson when I waited until I start feeling bad. It was a very HARD and painful lesson. I often do just warm water with some Epsom salt enema.

Now- if I do go for 36 hours - I am doing enema. Even when. What I ate is low on fiber.

If I am on pain pills - I gave to do enema to start things. That and suppository.

I often massage my belly and do breathing exercises to help stimulate the gut. I use good massage oil to help with the massage, allowing me to push on my belly harder.

That's what I'm worried about...so enema or suppository? Which is better? I can't really massage my belly hard right now since I'm just a week post-op.

Even though I really don't like it - I use enema. When I travel - I often use suppository. For me suppository are more "stimulating" and may cause cramping. But are easier to use when I am not home.

I use good lubricant. Personally - I like coconut oil. Most people use Vaseline but I rather use oils that my body can absorb.