Upcoming hysterectomy 1/21: should I start taking any GAS X or stool softener BEFORE?

I am having my surgery on Thursday and I'm wondering if I should start taking any GAS X or stool softener BEFORE I go in for my procedure? ..will that help my recovery..?
Any thoughts are appreciated.

I had a TAH on December 10th. I did not take anything except the doctor had me take a dose of milk of magnesia the night before. I started taking both of them as soon as I got home. Hope I helped.

Have you discussed this with your doctor? I had a specific bowel prep that I had to do prior to my TAH in December. They may have instructions you need to follow prior to surgery. If they don't, I'd ask them before taking anything prior to surgery.

You need to ask your doctor about *anything* you take in the two weeks before surgery, not just the GasX but also any medications, OTCs, vitamins and supplements.

The other thing you should be aware of is that not everyone needs GasX and/or stool softeners immediately after surgery. I was fine for the first three days - and then on the fourth day, I got diarrhea! So it's a good thing I *wasn't* taking anything.

I didn't need to deal with things starting to get a bit too firm until 3-4 weeks after surgery. When that happened I dealt with the situation using Traditional Medicine's Smooth Move tea.

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Originally Posted by yemiswife I am having my surgery on Thursday and I'm wondering if I should start taking any GAS X or stool softener BEFORE I go in for my procedure? ..will that help my recovery..? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Never do a bowel prep, or take any stool softener or GAS X, unless your doctor has asked you to do this. This is VERY, VERY IMPORTANT and your health depends on it. If your doctor wants you to do a bowel prep, he or she will ask you to do one and give you specific instructions. A bowel prep is surgery dependent and doctor preference. Not all ladies do one for their surgery. Please read this article:

Should I Do a Bowel Prep before Hysterectomy?

This also goes for after surgery as well. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. Following your doctors orders to the letter is a must, both before and after surgery.

It's what you do after your surgery that really counts as far as gas and constipation are concerned. You'll likely be prescribed a stool softener, and you can ask your surgeon about taking something for the gas. Also start walking as soon as you can, and have some peppermint tea, both of which will work against both issues. For the gas, also try fennel seeds, and avoid gassy foods; that includes legumes, onions and garlic, cabbage and its relatives, cucumbers, melons, pears, and artificial sweeteners. For the constipation, try supplementing your diet with magnesium; food sources include leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and dark chocolate. Best wishes for your upcoming surgery!

Thank you..my doctor actually did prescribe me something today at my pre op and she told me that because she's doing an abdominal procedure and not a laproscopic,she doesn't have to "inflate" my insides so hopefully that means not much gas..lol..thanks all for the well wishes!

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Originally Posted by yemiswife Thank you..my doctor actually did prescribe me something today at my pre op and she told me that because she's doing an abdominal procedure and not a laproscopic,she doesn't have to "inflate" my insides so hopefully that means not much gas..lol..thanks all for the well wishes!

Good luck on your surgery. I had a TAH and was not bothered by a lot of gas like I was when I've had laproscopic. I hope it is the same for you.

That's good to hear because I had a laproscopic myomectomy in 2012 and was in AGONY..because of the gas and I had other problems with that surgery..I'm praying for a much better outcome this time!

Hi yemiswife -

If you are having an abdominal surgery, they will not inflate you with gas. I had a TAH BSO, and no gas was used. But, you will still want to stay away from gassy and spicy foods post surgery, as your bowels will have been jostled around during surgery and they will not be real happy.