Question:
When trying to have a BM, I got nausea so bad that I had dry heaves...

I'm wondering if this is constipation or not. When I feel like I haven't gone recently I took Milk of Magnesia and a stool softenener recently (two different occasions). Each time when I was going to the bathroom, I was overcome by nausea so horrible that I started to cry! I was really straining to go, but once I was done the consistency was soft (almost diarrhea-like) and not hard. This past time (with the stool softener) I ended up having the dry heaves into a wastebasket (while straining to go Number 2). Please help me! I used to go every day before surgery and now I get afraid to go. I'm 8 weeks post op. Lap RNY and I take multi vitamins from GNC, Actigal (to prevent gallstones) and a prescription for iron/B 12, etc. Thank you in advance.    — rdszakacs (posted on July 15, 2002)

July 15, 2002
I used to be Mr. Regular everyday at 7:00. You could set your watch by me ;) After surgery I go every 2-3 days. I think that it is because of the amount of food that you eat. To remain in good shape eat fiber and drink plenty of water. Sit on the throne and don't push sooner or later you will poop. Good Luck
   — Robert L.

July 16, 2002
I have found that by exercising (I walk 2 miles a day - 5 days a week), I have been as regular as clockwork. I typically will have a BM daily. I read that walking causing things to move down the digestive tract and intestines faster causing you to have BM's on an almost daily basis. And trust me, I never have to strain!!
   — Patty H.

July 16, 2002
I am having a similair problem. I don't go to the bathroom regularly and during a period of days, it seems I the food just backs up in my system until I take that one last bite, then I get extremely sick and have pains in my chest and have to vomit. My doctor recommended Milk of Magnesia or suppositiories. A friend of mine said that she used to work in a nursing home and a cup of warm prune juice just before going to bed will do the trick. I haven't tried any of these yet, but it looks like I'm going to have to in a few days. Regina
   — Regina S.

July 16, 2002
I'm 11 weeks post-op and just recently, within the past 2 weeks or so, I haven't felt that I have to have a barf bucket at the ready if I'm on the toity. I used to have the sweating, the nausea, etc. all for a just a smidgen of a BM. And I was going like once a week. Now that I'm eating a bit more, I'm going about every 3 days or so and those awful feelings have passed. So perhaps in a few weeks time you also won't be having such an awful time in the bathroom. Also, you shouldn't have to <i>strain</i> that much...even at this date you can still get a hernia, so be careful. If things don't get better soon, I would surely consult your doctor. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 16, 2002
I had this happen a few times. It didn't seem to be related to what I was eating. I felt sick and had intestinal cramps lasting 20-30 minutes. I have had it a total of about 6 times. It is unpleasant to say the least! A high protein diet kinda sticks in your system. I was only going ever 3-4 days for a long time. Are you getting any fiber in your diet? Try working whole grains, fresh fruit, and oatmeal into your diet. That worked for me! Prune juice might work, but only if you don't dump on fruit sugars. Now that I am on a more "regular" schedule I don't have those cramps anymore. What a relief!
   — ctyst

July 16, 2002
The same thing has happened to me about 3 times now. It's terrible! Totally wore me out. I have like no warning before I have to go to the bathroom now after surgery. I was gettin terrible cramps and got to the bathroom. I couldn't go, but the cramps kept goin. They were so bad, I too would break out in a sweat and just wanna cry. THe last time this happened...I got VERY naseous and dry heaved as well (there was nothing in my stomach at the time). I'm very curious to find out what this is too. It's a terrible feeling :(
   — robinleigh