Question:
4 weeks after surgery and constipated. I have tried suppositories and still there.

Is the milk of magn a normal recommended item for this surgery. My primary care doctor is not my surgeon and I have called 4 times this week and I see him Friday but the office says he will address it then. My fear I am so uncomfortable and it increases the pain. I would rather take something than be in pain. I had no trouble with bowel movement after surgery. It feels like its stuck? So wierd to be asking such a personal question but this is the place I turn for answers.    — cheryl R. (posted on May 31, 2001)


May 30, 2001
My surgeon recommended Milk of Mag. He said that would work best instead of a stool softener. And it did. It worked great. I used it once a week for about three weeks and now I don't have that problem any more. He did tell me I could use it 2-3 times a week, but I didn't feel it was necessary to use it that often. Good luck
   — Rose D.

May 30, 2001
My dr told me to take over the counter stool softner, not a laxative.
   — Livia W.

May 30, 2001
when I was 4 wks out I was very constipated too. I used Philips Fiber caps...and a stool softener. After my first bm, I didn't use the stool softener, but I kept with the fiber caps...you can use these regularly and not get additced or cause other medical problems..I used them till I was on a reg schedule. That is why you are constipated...lack of fiber. Through no fault of your own, but that is why. Don't use a laxative, they will make you feel more uncomfortable. Good Luck
   — Alison B.

May 30, 2001
I have the same problem. I am 16 weeks post op and still have to use a laxative or else I can not use the bathroom. I also now have a huge problem with hemmoriods, I am waiting to talk to my doc about that today.
   — Tracy C.

May 31, 2001
I was horribly constipated for about 2.5 months after surgery. I tried everything - stool softeners, fiber pills, etc., but nothing helped. Now I know this may seem a weird suggestion, but its working for me, so here goes: about 6 weeks ago, I started taking 1,000 mg. of calcium citrate per day (2 tabs in the morning, 2 tabs in the evening). I have been having regular, unpainful bowel movements every single day since. I read that calcium supplements can be a common constipating drug (as are opiates, antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics and some antacids), but it seems to have the opposite effect for me.
   — webgrrlie

May 31, 2001
I had that problem also. My doctor said Milk of Magnesia, it worked. When it was very bad I did milk of mag. and 2-3 prunes.
   — Rose A.

May 31, 2001
Yes, M.O.M. is recommended after surgery. Also prune juice (you can cut it with water) is also recommended in small amounts. Steam and mash some veggies. Coffee always cleans me right out -- so maybe try that.
   — Cindy H.

May 31, 2001
The same thing happened to me at 2 wks post op. I was in alot of pain as well. I took a teaspoon of mineral oil and a suppository to get it going and now I take 1 teaspoon orange flavored sugar free metamucil smooth texture every day with a glass of cold water. So far So good... Good Luck...
   — Kim M.

June 29, 2004
I talked to my dr about constipation. I had terrible pains. It was like trying to pass a rock!!! He said to go to the health food dept of Kroger and buy some Smooth Move tea. IT WORKS!!!! I drink it every night at bedtime and don't have any problems at all. It is totally natural & does not cause cramping. It is a Godsend
   — CAROL M.

August 10, 2005
I WAS AT LEAST 3 WEEKS WITHOUT A BM POST-OP.MY DOC.GAVE ME ZELNORM AND I HAVENT HAD A PROBLEM SINCE.I TRIED ALL THE OTHER ,MINERAL OIL ,SENNA,FLAX SEED WITHOUT SUCCESS
   — NIKKI M.

July 10, 2009
I also take a stool softener pill- 3-4 per day and drink alot of fluid. That seems to take of the problem.
   — gay_

July 10, 2009
I also take a stool softener pill- 3-4 per day and drink alot of fluid. That seems to take of the problem.
   — gay_




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