Question:
How long after surgery should i expext to have a BM?
I am 5days postop and still have not had a BM...I feel very bloated and lots of gas. Any suggestions? — Kristi A. (posted on May 3, 2003)
May 2, 2003
I think it varies - depends on whether you had a pre-op bowel prep, depends
on your post-op diet immediately following the surgery. I had a 2-day
pre-op liquid diet and bowel prep and was on liquids for two weeks after
surgery. I didn't have my first post-op bowel movement until two weeks
after my surgery. No bloating, no gas...just didn't have to go. If you
are concerned, then talk to your surgeon and ask if you can take something
like Milk of Magnesia...JR
— John Rushton
May 2, 2003
I had the same problem, even in the Hospital on day 4 I still could'nt go
with an enema, so when I got home I took a Ducolax Supposittory and had no
problems. I still have to use them every so often. Good luck!
— Sandy M.
May 2, 2003
I had one on day 6, right after I had bought some MOM. I was compacted and
it was not a pleasant experience. I had to use a couple of glycerine
suppositories to get things moving smoothly. I will always keep those on
hand in case that ever happens again. They are super cheap and work great!
— Cheri M.
May 2, 2003
This was a sore subject with me for awhile after surgery (please excuse the
pun) . I took two Colace stool softners each day for the first month post
op. It was still not pleasant - but it helped. Best of luck.
— GPoynor
May 2, 2003
I had 2 episodes of the "squirts" about a week after surgery, and
am now going regularly, 10 days post-op. :)
— [Deactivated Member]
May 2, 2003
Hi~ I had my 1st one on the 3rd day while I was still in the hospital. I've
never had a problem and have been "normal" since.
— latrishanickle
May 3, 2003
I would call your Dr. for his/her suggestion. This happened to me. I did
not go at all in the hospital. I was in terrible pain the day I got home.
Milk of magnesia was suggested and I threw up everything I had eaten since
getting home. I had to go back into the hospital the next day, for 4 days
to be rehydrated, and was also given colace suppositories and an enema.
As others have commented, being impacted is not fun. My problem was from
taking too much pain medication which slows your system down. This was the
only slip up in my care at the hospital. I was panicking because I was
convinced I was having the beginning of a stricture. As soon as I stopped
the meds and used the suppositories I was fine, although I still have
fluctuating bowel patterns from time to time. Best of luck!!!
— Fixnmyself
May 3, 2003
I am surprised your doctor or the nurses were not constantly asking you
about this. Whenever you have an anesthetic, it slows down your entire
system. Because of this, it is important that you have a BM soon after
surgery, because you will get an impaction. Believe me you do not want an
impaction. You should contact your physician and let the doctor prescribe
the best medication for this problem. Playing around with different
laxatives after you have had surgery could be dangerous.
— Nita C.
May 3, 2003
Mine occurred on day 5. However, I have seen people post as long as 2
weeks.
— zoedogcbr
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