this is going to be TMI!!! FAIR WARNING!!

[shayna]

Ok im 4 weeks post op now and having a severe issue with constipation. I hadn't had a bm in 11 days. When it finally happened it was... well it was like birthing a dragon egg. Is anyone else having constipation??? If so how are you fixing it???

[leilani]

Shayna, I have had the same issue since surgery! I eat 2 chewy fiber and calcium supplements daily and a couple nights a week I'll take 2 colace (stool softener). I have now settled into going about every 5 - 7 days. Which I guess makes sense since I am eating about a tenth of what I used to eat.

[shayna]

Thank you so much!!! Ill try that!!!

[jackiebthe1]

I've been using milk of magnesium, doesn't taste good, but works.

[bobbybeegood]

Are you chewing a lot of TUMS for anti acid? They can be very constipating too. Keep your fluids up so you don't dehydrate.

[shayna]

Oh yes. I eat alot of tums!!!

[bobbybeegood]

Oh yes. I eat alot of tums!!!

can you switch to something like Pepcid? Tums are ok for occasional use, but not good long term. IMHO.

[FlowerGalTX]

Add Miralax to a smoothie or glass of juice. Has no taste and is not harsh but effective.

[mommyto3]

This is common after any surgery. I had knee surgery a few weeks ago and experienced the same thing. AGONY!! Any time in my dieting career that I would go on a high protein/low carb diet, I would suffer from constipation. I haven't had my surgery yet, and I'm dreading that part already. :/

[pbg1974]

make sure you're getting in plenty of fluids. (extreme/prolonged constipation is often a sign of dehydration)

[mom2dms]

I put a packet of benefiber in my drink each morning...it has helped! You may need to go to something for faster relief first though...the suggestions above are all good.

[mrsbure]

Colace helps and it is not habit forming. The nurse at my Dr.'s office said that you could take it as often as needed.

[flevy77]

I think most of us are in the same boat. I decided I didn't want to add "another" medication to my regimen, so I've stayed away from the stool softeners, but I find that the more hydrated I stay, the less problems I have with my bowels.

[Amymbd]

Same boat. I'm going to try some of the above. I want to make sure I don't do anything that has long term effects. I will look into the benefiber and colace! Thanks,
Amy

[weetoeu]

are you taking prescription pain medication? I know this a common side effect of pain meds.