Tips for stimulating bathroom functions?

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swg
swg Member Posts: 461
edited December 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

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?

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited November 2017

    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.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2017

    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.

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  • MarilynIllinois
    MarilynIllinois Member Posts: 79
    edited November 2017

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

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  • kcat2013
    kcat2013 Member Posts: 391
    edited November 2017

    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!


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  • BellasMomToo
    BellasMomToo Member Posts: 305
    edited November 2017

    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.

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  • Herculesmulligan
    Herculesmulligan Member Posts: 175
    edited November 2017

    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.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited November 2017

    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.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited December 2017

    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.


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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited December 2017

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

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  • meg2016
    meg2016 Member Posts: 287
    edited December 2017

    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.

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  • IntegraGirl
    IntegraGirl Member Posts: 147
    edited December 2017

    Prunes are the answer

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited December 2017

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

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  • swg
    swg Member Posts: 461
    edited December 2017

    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

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