5 days post op - No BM - can't get ahold of doc

[breezy25 69]

Ok it's super super annoying that I can't get ahold of anyone at ththe surgeons office. No one gave me any instructions on my immediate post op BM instructions

I haven't had a BM for 6 days. I don't feel constipated but I do know that it's not good.

Anyone know what I can take that is safe?

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[madeline121 43]

Are you drinking Protein shakes?

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[2goldengirl 2,076]

Try some milk of magnesia. Some folks recommend Smooth Move tea.

Make sure you're getting your fluids in. Are you passing gas OK?

[breezy25 69]

I have managed to get most of my fluids in each day - my urine is a nice color lol - so I don't think I'm dehydrated.

I took the milk of magnesia. Now we wait.

And yes @@madeline121 - I'm drinking the "clear" ones - can't have the milky ones the first two weeks.

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[Valentina 2,642]

If you're concerned and can't get ahold of your surgeon's office, go to the nearest ER. Make sure when you get there you tell them that you can not get a response back from your doctor!

This may not be serious, but what if it was? Any doctor's office not getting back to a patient by the end of the day IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!!

Feel better and let the BM's roll!

[melyssafaye 181]

I'm 7 days post op and only just went to bathroom. It's normal, especially if you took magnesium citrate prior to surgery. There's just not a lot of solids in your system.

I have been taking stool softners and Miralax just to make sure I'm not getting constipated but they didn't make it happen.

One thing you can pay attention to is gas. The gas pains are from the gas they used during surgery. As you pass them, you feel better but they are mostly odorless. They are your body passing that gas. When your bowels wake up, the gas will change into the typical fart smell. It's just a normal part of getting your digestion working again. At five days, you don't need to panic but hopefully the MOM will help get things moving.

[kmorri 1,689]

you could also try calling the nursing floor of the hospital where you were.....they will probably be able to tell you what you can take OTC....just a thought.

[goplay94123 575]

i didnt have a BM for 2 or 3 weeks after surgery and my dr said it was fine - but to up my Water and it would happen when i was ready - as long as I wasnt in pain

[breezy25 69]

Ok I'm glad to hear this. I have been passing plenty of odorless gas

The MOM hasn't kicked in yet but my stomach is gurgling lol.

@@Valentina I agree and I am def going to say something at my one week appt on Monday!

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[Sharon1964 2,530]

Were you on a liquid diet before surgery? And you've been on liquid after surgery.... there may be nothing there to pass.

As long as you're not in pain, IMHO, I wouldn't worry.

[breezy25 69]

Yes. I have been on a liquid diet for 2 weeks. I did the bowel prep before surgery and it was very minimal even then.

I'm not in any discomfort. I am in a FB group and people were making me worried because their docs were saying if you haven't gone in 4 days take action.

Took MOM three hours ago. Still nothing!

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[OzRoo 1,492]

@@breezy25

Only on my last day in the hospital, I had bad runs .... Had my Leak Test day before, barium meal can cause diarrhoea .....

Then nothing for 10 days.

My NUT put me on Benefibre. Didn't work for me.

Finally I was advised to try Osmolax (very gentle powder, used for children, and post surgery).

This finally worked for me.

The combo of Benefibre plus Osmolax.

Now, I don't take Osmolax too often.

With more textured diet, my bowels are waking up.

First 2 weeks post op are fluids only, (if on a strict regime of change/progression to another stage every 2 weeks)

With the fluids, there is not much there for the bowels to work.

Passing farty gas is good, this means there is no blockage.

Good Luck

[autymn 27]

Probably all from the pain meds. They don't want you to go more than 3 days. Benefiber is good to add daily, but doesn't have immediate results. They recommend milk of magnesia and mirolax. Glycerin suppositories give the most immediate results. Good luck.

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[breezy25 69]

Thank you. I'll be adding something to my daily mix. The milk of magnesia worked. There wasn't much in there but it was something.

A lady in one of my FB groups had surgery 2 days after me and had a bowel obstruction that required surgery today. So I'm def going to be keeping an eye on it because I know it can end up being serious!

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[breezy25 69]

Oh and I have a 4 week liquid diet after surgery so it will be awhile before I have natural foods to help move things along. I think I'll add refried Beans to the menu during the puréed phase!

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