Question:
Help! I can't poop!

Hey gang.... I never thought I would be one of those bowel obsessed folks but, I am here to say I can't poop! Granted I am only 12 days post-op from my bpd/ds (open) and I am still on pain meds too. I have been sipping water continuosly, I went for a walk as long as I could tolerate. I have taken Milk of Mag...ewww!!! I am taking colace and I am eating but for 3 days now, no poop! Any suggestions? I need to poop! Diana in Portland bpd/ds open 4/22/02 Dr. Mc Connell @ OHSU    — Diana C. (posted on May 4, 2002)

May 4, 2002
To start with don't panic...if all else fails, you can use Dr. Sprocket's Rectal Rockets...in the mean time, know that pain meds are usually highly constipating, that you are eating much less now and that all these changes have given your system a real shock. So, that having been said, try this: don't eat for about 12 hours, just sip water. Then Then drink some hot lemon juice in water, followed by some hot oatmeal. Eat an orange or grapefruit sections for a snack. Have a nice bowl of navy bean soup with cooked carrots and tomato, or mix a can of saurkraut in tomato soup for dinner and don't eat anything else that night. Go for a walk after eating each meal. I will bet good money you will go very nicely after that.
   — merri B.

May 4, 2002
Hi, I am 2 years post-op, and just had Panni removal with Lipo, so the pain meds did a job on me! When i get in a "BIND", I use Papaya Enzyme, made by Nature's wonder, i either got them at K-mart or Walmart, they aid in the digestion of protiens and starches, it helps me. I chew 3 of them and within a day, I am good to go! LOL Hope this helps, best wishes with the weight loss. AnnMarie
   — AnnMarie W.

May 4, 2002
Milk Of Magnesia is recommended by many surgeons...it isn't the best-tasting stuff in the world, but it is gentle and strong at the same time! Plus, if you have an upset stomach/pouch, it helps settle it.
   — LaRayne H.

May 4, 2002
I have used Ducolax suppositories a couple of times and they are great. They work in about 45 minutes and no cramping! I keep them on hand ....just in case but since about 1 month post op I don't have the problem of constipation. In fact, quite the opposite. I don't have loose bowels but very frequent bm's. Try the suppositories and I'll bet you find relief. Good luck!
   — Marilyn C.

May 4, 2002
My Dr. Told me to take a teaspoon of mineral oil 3 x's a day until things started working out and then reduce it to 2 and then 1 a day.
   — Ruth S.