bowel prep question

That's funny that you had ribs, because I was originally scheduled for surgery (two years ago) the day after Memorial Day. I thought, "I won't be able to eat my favorite food--ribs--for our picnic!" Then the doctor's office called me the week before and asked if I would mind having my surgery pushed forward a few days. I, of course, complied. I was really thinking, "Great, I can have those ribs now!"
My doctor's office told me only to do an enema. The pre-op nurse told me to do it the night before--around 9--since I was scheduled to be at the hospital by 5:30 AM. Even though I had a light lunch, I forgot to eat dinner. I guess I was very nervous. By the time I thought about it, it was too late. I went to the bathroom about 7pm, but even with an enema I couldn't go. That night and early morning, I expected to run. Nothing. I told the nurse in the pre-op area that I went a few hours before the enema, but not after the enema. She said not to worry about it. I did ok, but that post-op gas was the worst. I was finally "relieved" two nights after my surgery. After that, I ate a lot of oatmeal to keep me from having problems. The medication does do a number on your bowels. My doctor had prescribed Percocet post-op (two tablets every 4-6 hrs. prn), but suggested after I was discharged to try one tablet and, if possible, to alternate with Motrin.
Also, as a nurse, you must know how important water is to keeping you hydrated for the IV. My pre-op testing nurse, an acquaintance, told me to drink as much water as I could before my surgery day. She said it would keep me hydrated and it would be easier for the IV to be started. It worked!
Good luck.