Constipation

I had my TAH on the 11th. Since then I have suffered horrid constipation. I've been given stool softners, magnesium citrate, a suppository, and enemas (3 of the little fleet bottles) - I haven't been able to have a BM on my own!

It's horribly frustrating. My dr says everything will straighten out- but I don't want to be dependent on these things.

I just want to poop on my own. Lol. Sorry, but it's true. And uncomfortable.

I eat and I feel like I've gained 10 pounds bc I'm stopped up. Prune juice and stool softeners do nothing at all. Only thing that gets min. Results are the enema and magnesium. Both min results only.

I'm not taking lortabs. I don't have an ileus or obstruction. They said I'm just constipated.

Help!!!!!!! And yes, I'm drinking loads of water!

Have you tried walking? I know its VERY uncomfortable when you feel as bad as you do... but maybe you need to up your walking to get things moving? I know walking does help... other than that, I am out on how to help. I was only stopped up for a week and that was driving me nuts enough (I HATE not going...) I hope everything gets flowing soon!

I had very similar problems. My MIL recommended a product called Culturelle which is a probiotic bill. That plus Miralax and dried mangoes finally got things cleared out. I have been able to reduce the Miralax to every other day. It is frustrating and uncomfortable, good luck!

I found this on the post-op checklist... perhaps it might help! I figure you will try anything now!

A Favorite "Move-Along" Recipe
"Move Along" Gentle Breakfast

Ingredients

• 1 pkg Apple/Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal
• 3 or 4 Stewed Prunes
• A sprinkle of All Bran cereals, to taste
Instructions

• Prepare Instant Oatmeal in accordance with package instructions.
• In microwave, warm stewed prunes.
• Add the stewed prunes to the hot cereals.
• Sprinkle with All Bran cereals.
This is a gentle, and surprisingly pleasant, way to combat extreme constipation. Repeat, once a day, until things return to normal.

If you are still on pain medication they can constipate you. Just a thought. Sometimes we forget that the medications to help and heal actually have side effects as well. Good luck!

I take stool softeners, fiber therapy and when I was really constipated I took miralax. Walking seems to help as well. Gas is my main issues. I take gasx before I eat and that seems to help. I also have irritable bowel syndrome so I am constipated or going either way. Heres to wishing you well.

Miralax - ducolase (script) - lots of cranberry juice - and slow walks did the trick for me. I paced in my bedroom at least 60 steps every hour til I finally pooped. Yay! My family thought I was crazy because I made a major announcement when it finally happened.

I had that same problem!!!! Nothing worked, until I ate some ice cream and cottage cheese!! I am lactose intolerant and as soon as I started eating these everday, It has been so much easier!!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by nmchoirdirector Miralax - ducolase (script) - lots of cranberry juice - and slow walks did the trick for me. I paced in my bedroom at least 60 steps every hour til I finally pooped. Yay! My family thought I was crazy because I made a major announcement when it finally happened.

LOL thats funny that you announced it to your family! I burst out laughing! Mostly because I would have done the same thing... and I'd probably email a few friends about it too...haha

Have you tried yogurt to reestablish your intestinal flora? Activia yogurt is one brand to try.