OK since we talk about everything on the board.......

[Captain Deb]

My docs sent me home on stool softeners right from the hospital cuz I hadn't gone yet there. I would suggest a call to the doc first and foremost.  If he doesn't get back to you soon, do you have a pet store nearby that sells reptiles?

Capt Deb

[Jim Scott]

For what its worth: at the time of my post-op hospital discharge, I was asked (by a nurse) if I'd had a BM since the surgery.  At the risk of my freedom from hospital captivity being delayed as we waited for my bowels to move - a daunting thought - I bravely and honestly answered "no".  Fate smiled and I was discharged anyway, with the suggestion to use a laxative if I didn't have a BM within 48 hours.  Fortunately, now in familiar surroundings and eating food fit for human consumption, I experienced the highly-anticipated BM within the requisite 48 hours.  My wife congratulated me, which made me feel like I was 2 years old - but I amiably accepted her kudos, knowing that she meant well.  My digestive system apparently re-set itself and operated normally from that point forward.  Apparently, this is not always the case for every post-op AN patient.  The various suggestions posted for getting things moving again seem valid and should work. 

Jim

[Jwh]

Mission accomplished….  A little bit of everybody’s great suggestions did the trick.  I was in such pain on Sunday with horrible stomach cramps  that I could hardly stand up straight.  Luckily things have resolved back to normal.  YIPPEEEEEE.

I scheduled to have my stitches out on this Friday.  Overall, I feel like I’m doing really well.  I guess it’s one of those benefits of having a second surgery.  My body had already compensated for the balance and coordination, etc.  I feel very lucky and blessed and hope that this will be the end of my AN chapter.  I suppose the MRI will be the only thing that will tell the truth in time.  Fingers and toes crossed over here!

thanks,
Jen

[MAlegant]

Good news and congratulations.    Hope you continue to do well.
Marci

[Pembo]

Great news Jen on your recovery and your bathroom success. For me I remember that once things got moving I hard time getting them to stop that day. Why do I remember THAT after almost 5 years?! LOL

So happy to talk to you on the other side....

[sgerrard]

We seem to be able to celebrate anything around here. Woo hoo! 

Steve

[AMD]

As Cheryl R has already said, we won't go into what us nurses have done in our line of work, but after I had my son, Senokot-S (softener only, not laxative), worked perfectly.  No straining, very soft, but not a laxative effect like other remedies.  Luckily, after AN surgery, plenty of water seemed to do the trick.  Also, any medicines you are on, especially if any are pain killers, are not helping matters, although there is not much you can do about those because when you need them.   One thing I learned in nursing school is everyone is so different when it comes to poo......I sure hope you find the trick that works for you!!!  We all are in the same boat here

-Amy

[EJTampa]

All I can say is, thank goodness they don't make you go before you go home.  My surgeon told me all I will have to do is 1) walk the halls without help, 2) Keep down food, and 3) manage pain without IV meds.
 
I'm a once every 5 day pooper. (Can I say that here?).  Yep.  Don't know why.  It doesn't stack up or anything, just don't produce much of the stuff.  Imagine adding to that the stress and meds that can bind you up for a while?  I'd be in the hospital for weeks!
 
Hey Amy, my wife is a nurse too, although working in a clinic right now (only day shifts, weekends off, no holidays)
 
Ernie

[bell]

EJ
I used suppositories to help this along.  Had to use one before I left the hospital, then again at home a couple of times till I became regular.  It does help and within 15 minutes of using I went to the bathroom and I was reliived, Ugh..  Good luck, do what you need to do for yourself, JBell

[FlyersFan68]

I would suggest Metamucil (not the tablets). There are many benefits and it's natural.  Mix it once a day with bottled water and you're good to go. Stay with it because it's not a one time magic pill.

[wendysig]

Hi Jen,

Glad to hear your mission has been accomplished!  Onward and upward 

Wishing you continued good healing,
Wendy

[cherrypiper]

the strain all depends on how far post op you are. my ENT had me on plenty more water and liquid type fluids and the doculax to keep things smoothly running. strain was something he didn't want for first 3 weeks. after that it was pretty much ummm

go as you can .........its a temporary inconvenience it will (pardon the pun) pass

[mimoore]

Milk of Magnesia or a Fleet Enema. Colace was not strong enough for me.
There is no easy answer ... drink lots of water. I hated this part too.
Michelle 

[Cheryl R]

Flleets Phsoph soda is a small bottle of salty liquid to drink.      We would ususally mix it with some water when give it to patients.           It is a dynamite type liquid .  You won't strain but you will get cleaned out bigtime!
                                                 Cheryl R

[kzanana]

If you are still having problems, I used a glycerine suppository , with great results.