It's only been four days-constipation

I know it's only been four days , but I don't even have the slightest urge to have a bowel movement, and I'm so bloated and icky feeling. I've read every thread I could possibly read on here and elsewhere and can't get any relief. I've been drinking water, prune juice, eating oatmeal, taking stool softeners, eating prunes, and I just can't go. I feel great otherwise. Except for that and the horrible pain in my shoulders when I breathe(I'm guessing that is the gas)..which I've been taking gas-x for and no relief. I want to cut back on the pain medicine but I'm in so much pain from the gas when It wears off that I can't just yet. I'm trying to rest as much as possible in hopes that my body will just get back to working soon. I'm going to call the doctor tomorrow to see what else I can do. He already checked my bowels and said it's making noise, so why can't i poop? (Sorry for the tmi). My upper abs hurt, I guess because I was shivering so much after surgery that I tensed up and made myself sore. I know it takes a while to feel normal again, but I'm getting a little frustrated because I just want to lay off the medicine so I can poop. I know it's contributing to the constipation. Anyway, other than those problems I feel pretty good. A lot better than I expected to feel anyway. I've just got to remind myself to take it easy. Any other tips I missed out on?

I had my TAH on the 29th, it took a few days to have a bowel movement with stool softners...but what I found worked the best was an apple a day. I take one softner in the morning, one at night, lots of water and fruit. I did limit my usage of pain killers early on, so maybe that helped me. Walking around helps to get things moving too!

Walking definitely helps the gas under the shoulder, Gasx won't get that. You have to move to get it to move. Also lots of water. I was in pain by day 4 from the constipation. Miralax helped me finally. Once a day mix it in a drink and I was regular everyday. I haven't had to use it since week 3 but it definitley helped me out. It is non habit forming and non cramping and also has a stool softener in it so that should help too. I hope it works out for you.

The pain meds will do that. And move if you can. You may need a stool with lax. I had this for two weeks but I have always had problem ate a bag of sugar free candy and well I think I spent the day in bathroom.

I'm not even kidding within an hour of posting this I ended up chilling out in the bathroom for an hour. I spoke just minutes too soon! Whew thank goodness though, I feel seriously better!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by vonnie123 The pain meds will do that. And move if you can. You may need a stool with lax. I had this for two weeks but I have always had problem ate a bag of sugar free candy and well I think I spent the day in bathroom.

Vicodin or other pain meds do cause constipation.
Also, the inactivity slows you down.
My bowels were very slow and unusual after my hysterectomy.

I finally resorted to visiting a gastroenterologist.
He told me to take Miralax once a day and Benefiber twice a day.
I also took a stool softener at night.
Within 3-4 days I finally pooped.
Also, lay off of peanut butter, nuts, and popcorn.
These foods tend to slow things way down.

Remember that what worked for me may not be the best for others, so when in doubt, call your doctor.

LOL @ the sugar free candy idea. When I was a kid I had a similar experience with some sugar free chocolate I swiped. Let's just say I learned more than one lesson that day!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by violetshy i'm not even kidding within an hour of posting this i ended up chilling out in the bathroom for an hour. I spoke just minutes too soon! Whew thank goodness though, i feel seriously better!

yay!!!