constipation and straining

Before I call my doctor, I was wondering how much straining I should endure from trying to have a BM before it is unsafe for post op healing because of constipation issues. It is scary going to the bathroom! I don't know if I am doing more damage by straining, or if these muscles are not related to pelvic floor muscles.

I cant imagine straining to be a good thing for healing. Are you able to and have you been taking something that helps to make you go? I have been and am still taking stool softeners every night, and alot of women on here I have seen are taking Miralax (my doctor also highly recommends this), and a few other things. I just would talk to the doctor before an actual laxative, that contracts the bowel and can cause some cramping so that wont be too comfy. Hope this helps you

Hi
Are you using anything for the constipation like colace or mirilax? The colace is a softner and the mirilax helps it "slide" out. I would think that straining is not a good thing, I'd call your doc. I'm surprised when they sent you home they didn't tell you to take one or both of these.
Take Care,
Chris

Try a stool softener abd plenty of juice abs water, it's advised not to strain :/ try to relax as that makes it worse xxx cake the dr if it doesn't improve xxxx

I would say if it hurts, don't do it. I'm 5.5 weeks out and STILL cannot strain, except for very slightly. This hasn't changed since about week 2.

Don't strain...that can't be good!

Use a stool softener if you need to. I haven't needed to, but I have one on hand just in case, because I vowed that I will not strain!

Do you eat a lot of fruits and veggies, and are you getting enough fluids? Are you taking short walks (as tolerated, naturally). I think that has helped me not have a problem. I had a few days of constipation from pain meds four years ago after I smashed up my ankle, but my mobility was SO limited that I think that contributed. I never went the stool-softener route then, but I did eat prunes a few times a day, and that did the trick.

I've been really, really careful to go back to my normal healthy foods. I stick to whole foods or foods that have been minimally processed (like whole grain breads or crackers)...good for the bowels, good for the whole body!

I usually have issues from the pain meds, but this time I was ready! After I got home, I started taking 5 fiber capsules each night and eating some type of dried fruit with them. I've made sure that I drink lot's of water during the day, and every other day I've taken a stool softener. I've not had any problems this time after surgery! I didn't like taking Mira-lax, but I did try it, I think it might have upset my tummy a little.

Good luck!! I hope you find something that is able to help soon!!