Tips for stimulating bathroom functions?

swg

It's now the 2ND day after my unilateral mastectomy and I still haven't had a bowel movement. I took a laxative that has a stool softener before bed.

For those of you who had surgery, how long did this part go back to normal?

ksusan

I didn't have trouble, but you might ask your doctor's office if you can take liquid magnesium citrate. It's what's used for part of some colonoscopy preps.

Anonymous

Magnesium capsules. 500-700 mg a day, work up to 1200 if you need it. Take at night. Don't buy the ones that have added calcium, and make sure they are capsule format. I've also swigged Maalox liquid at times (temporary use)--it's easier on the stomach than a liquid laxative, and also has magnesium in it.

MarilynIllinois

Hi swg, I drank prune juice and ate some prunes each day. Good luck

kcat2013

I tried stool softeners (colace) but that didn't do anything for me, but Miralax worked great. Plus, drink lots of water and higher fiber foods like prunes and beans. Not fun dealing with that post surgery, I'm sorry!

BellasMomToo

When I got really constipated during chemo, "Smooth Move" tea worked for me. You can find it at any grocery store. It taste like dirt, but it worked. It was recommended by my MO's office. When I wasn't yet constipated but was afraid that I would be, I took a Ducolax stool softener. (During chemo I alternated between diarrhea and constipation. It was a real balancing act and I had to be careful not do overdo treatments.)

Prunes and prune juice didn't do a thing for me.

Herculesmulligan

After each of my three surgeries this year, I've been constipated for four days or so. Take your stool softener but not a laxative, eat lots of dried fruit and fresh veggies, stay hydrated, and try putting your feet up on a stool in front of you when you're sitting on the toilet. There's a product called the squatty potty but a footstool will work too.

MelissaDallas

After my surgery (ovarian, not breast cancer) they told me to take both a stool softener and miralax. I was amazed how instantly horribly constipated I got from just a couple of doses of pain pills.

NotVeryBrave

The combination of narcotic pain meds, anesthesia, poor appetite, and decreased movement are a recipe for constipation. If you can tolerate it, I would recommend alternating the stronger pain meds with OTC stuff. And move around - even if it's just pacing in your room.

Fiber helps but you need lots of fluid as well or it will add to the problem. I've always found canned peaches and pears seem to help. Try a stool softener before jumping to laxatives. And don't wait too long.

OCDAmy

Stool softeners did nothing for me. I took Miralax and it took about 2 more days but finally worked. My costing nurse suggested it.

meg2016

A product called Prunelax was recommended by my Dr, I don't know why it seems to work better than some of the other OTC senna products but it does! Also, drink water, try to walk some, and eat whole prunes, like a handful a couple times a day. There is also a whole thread on this- Constipation title under managing side effects of treatment for more tips.

IntegraGirl

Prunes are the answer

ruthbru

prunes, lots of water, and walk/move around as much as you can

swg

thanks for all the good advice..I've tried everything at this point. Lol

I have a home nurse coming today..I'll ask her