? about pain medication after surgery

hello all. Had cervix Mon. 17 Jan. 05, removed thru the same 8 inch scar as last May's SAH. Released from castle (more like a spa!) as soon as solid foods tolerated and gas passing, Wed. afternoon. Slept lots yesterday (Thursday) but started taking stool softener (per MD- non-addictive) Gas-ex, and Smooth Move Tea. Nothing more than gas since Tue., so it was a long hard spell without, but this morning (Fri. 21st) I am the happiest of campers!! Last night's Smooth Move tea obviously worked this go-round again. Must remember to only take percocet occasionally, as that constipates my body, too. And to try to walk more. Only around the house as its snowy outside. Yes, and drink more water. I guess I am lucky that my body has been relatively fine, and has not taken longer to "unconstipate". Best luck to all, Daisy

My GYN suggested starting the stool softeners 7 days before my surgery date, so I started yesterday. I guess then we can be sure I'm "going" daily, so I should be pretty cleaned out by the time "the day" comes. I wasn't told to use a bowel cleanse, hopefully I'll be able to avoid an enema! (Wishful thinking, I know...) Boy, does that stuff work! One before bedtime, at about 10:00, and I was "up and going" by 7:00 the next morning. Nothing excessive or uncomfortable.

I bought the "generic" Colace at Target and it was totally cheap - like $3.99 for 100. I can't stand prune juice and I know they don't want you to use stimulating laxatives. This one did the trick for me.