Upcoming hysterectomy 10/8: Freaking out about pre-surgery constipation

I have surgery for abdominal hysterectomy in 2 days. Constipation has always been an issue with me. And I have been on Percoset for a week now. So it's in full swing. I started taking stool softners 2 days ago but nothing is moving. I hear some ladies talk about bowel prep and things their doctors have them do the day before surgery to have a clean bowel. My surgeon hasn't had me do any of that. So, I'm thinking I'm going to be going into surgery without having had a bowel movement in 5-6 days. Will that mess things up? I'm having a vertical incision for a huge mass to be removed but I also hope they will be able to look around. Anybody have hints what I can do to clean things out before surgery? I have a very stubborn system . Also, I know surgery puts your digestive system to sleep for a while. If I'm backed up beforehand will that put me at more of a risk for getting an obstruction later? I'm really starting to get nervous about this surgery. Thanks for any advice!

Constipation is one of the side effects of percoset and pain killers in general.
It is unusual to have to wait prior to get your first BM post surgery.
I would recommend to stop percoset and use heating pad, along with eating wholefoods, light meals and avoid any processed food.
Post op, you can use stool softener, milk of magnesia, etc. to help.

My doctor made me so a bowel prep before hand. Nothing but clear liquid and a whole bottle of miralax. If your this backed up now you'll be miserable after. My biggest cause of pain after was constipation. Even if your doctor doesn't tell you to do a bowel prep day before I would anyway. You definitely don't want to start out backed up. Miralax worked for me within 20 minutes and I am always backed up. Good luck

I also had to do a bowel prep the day before my surgery. I was on a clear liquid diet all day and then had a regimen of dulcolax tablets and a bottle of miralax mixed in gatorade. I was running to the toilet all night, but I was almost completely cleaned out the next mng. Maybe you can research bowel preps online and share what you find with your doctor. I agree that constipation was the worst for me after the surgery. I can't imagine going through it before surgery too. Wishing you all the best on your upcoming surgery!

Ok, thanks ladies. I'm going to send my husband out to get Miralax and dulcolax. I think those are both available over the counter.

Please DON'T do a bowel prep unless your dr has ordered you to do one.
You risk having complications or even having your surgery cancelled.
Speak to your dr about your concerns with constipation.

I personally didn't have to do a bowel prep.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by pookyl Please DON'T do a bowel prep unless your dr has ordered you to do one. You risk having complications or even having your surgery cancelled. Speak to your dr about your concerns with constipation. I personally didn't have to do a bowel prep.

I agree with you - do not do a bowel prep unless instructed by your surgeon.
If you have serious concerns, bring them up to your doc.
This forum is based on personal experiences, no medical ones.
Not following your pre op instructions could have consequences.