Question:
I have not had a BM for over a week ~ should I take a laxitive?

Not trying to be gross or anything but I am a little worried about it~ has anyone else had this problem? I am 5 weeks post op.    — Sarah A. (posted on June 10, 2002)

June 10, 2002
I would take a laxative--I can't imagine going a whole week without a BM. By the time you have the urge to go, it will probably be very hard, but a laxative would help you pass it. I'm also 5 weeks post-op, but I really haven't had many problems. I did take a laxative a little over a week ago, but now that I'm back on a pretty regular diet, I'm having a BM every day. Are you on a regular diet? If so, you might want to talk to your doctor about not going to the bathroom very often. Good luck!
   — Kristie B.

June 10, 2002
Take the lax. One of my worst days post op was at 3 weeks when I realized I hadn't "gone" in a week and a 1/2. I took the lax at night then couldn't sleep worrying to death that I wouldn't be able to go in the morning and that I'd need to go to emergency due to a bowel obstruction. The next morning I got up and couldn't go but an hour later I was the queen of BM! (haha). Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

June 11, 2002
I went to my surgeon yesterday for 10day check-up and told him I hadn't had a BM for 5 days and he told me to either drink prune juice or take an ounce of milk of magnesia, b/c 5days-1 week is too long to not pass one.
   — Lezlie Y.