Questions About Constipation

[Estella 11]

I'm 4-days post-op. Is there anything I can take to make me less constipated? Most bowel-movement inducing meds and yogurts and such are not sold in liquid form.

When is Constipation considered really severe? Is 4 days without a bowel movement a risk to one's health in any way?

Thanks.

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Hi, now worries, it is not harmful to not have a bowel movement for 4 days. I was really worried when I didn't have a bowel movement for almost 2 weeks. I finally went to the drug store and purchased some Miralax that didn't work for at least 2 days. Hang in there and focus on healing. If your really feeling bad then perhaps you can call your Dr's office. Enjoy your journey.......

[FishingNurse 1,211]

If you are really worried milk of magnesia is a liquid you could take. I didn't have a bm for 7 days post op. this is normal.

[ann_franc 2]

About a week without a bowel movement post op is normal and the first one will probably small anyway. I did 2 weeks of pre op liquids, nothing by mouth for the day of surgery and one day after surgery; when I did start "eating" I could only drink about 30 cc of liquid at 15-30 minute intervals, so I was not worried about not having a BM. What was your pre op diet and what is your current intake, consider these before you think you really "constipated."

And Milk of Magnesis is great, too. Good luck!

[New start 4]

My Dr suggested Miralax- stir it right into whatever you are drinking and do it once daily until "eventful"

[Estella 11]

Thanks for the tips. The problem was solved without any chemical aid or special effort. I was worried for nothing. I hope it wasn't TMI.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

You just don't want to get into the place where you have to bare down... this is not good for your stitches. Drink as much Water as you can during the day and try the milk of magnesia or Miralax or stool softener... if your pharmacies don't carry them, ask your Doc. After almost 10 months, this is still a problem for me. I can add Fiber now, and that helps.