Poop Issues Take 2 (TMI)

I am almost in tears about this.  I feel like this is so humiliating.  I saw my GP today for my lack of ability to have a bowel movement and she suggested a Glycerin Suppository to get the rectum cleaned out then prescribed a compound to be made at the pharmacy that would help soften the stool and could be added to my food.  Well I had that stupid Glycerin Suppository (which my husband had to help me with) inside for almost 45 minutes and it did absolutely nothing.  I went to the bathroom and tried so hard and could feel it all right there and it just wouldn't come out.  I am so embarassed and I just can't handle this anymore :(  i  hate have pity parties for myself but this is really getting to me.

Sorry to hear this.  I never had any luck with suppositories as they would just slide out.

When my stool turns into gravel I actually use my fingers to dig it out.  I use latex gloves and find my pointing finger the best tool.  I get  desperate too and  have done this several times until the stool softners kicked in.  You got to do what you got to do.  Don't strain as you don't want to tear anything and if it is that hard you can cause yourself to bleed and or tear. Make sure your nail is short and don't gross yourself out.  It's like digging for gold.

Many of us have been where you are so dont get down on yourself.  Your body is adjusting and needs time. Sorry if TMI but I have been where you are many times mostly due to major pain killers.

i'm so sorry you're experiencing this, it's very uncomfortable and embarrassing but a fact of post-op life till things all fall into place.  if it get's really bad, visit the hospital - trust me talking about pooping is just part of their job so don't feel embarrassed going in if necessary.  if you can't get things moving soon you could do some serious damage.  over the counter suppositories usually work for me to get the stuff near the exit on it's way but you'll still need something from the north end to break up the backlog.  once things get on their way be aware you're issues might not be over at that point.  one time (pre-op on one of my many attempts at dieting) after things got moving i ended up with hemorrhoids.  trust me, that's more embarrassing to have to deal with then constipation.  i'm sending ease of passage vibes your way..keep us posted

debi.,

Maybe you should try a small enema, just to get things moving.

Good Luck!

I would suggest a good dose of Milk of Magnesia (30 mL) to get yourself going.  It usually works overnight.  Take nightly until you have cleaned yourself out.

 I would also recommend religiously taking Metamucil with water daily.  You can take 1-3 doses daily and you will drink it with a cup of water each time getting in more of the stuff you need to keep those bowels moving.

If I have not had a BM in 3 days, I usually take a couple of ex-lax at bedtime.  I leave the Milk of Magnesia for times of desperation but the bottle is close to hand.

Good luck.

Don't delay cleaning yourself out.

How does Milk of Magnesia taste? Is it hard to tolerate?

I HATE the taste of it!  It has a fishy aftertaste to me. YUCK!  But I down it and wash out my mouth with water.

I have the "plain" one at home, I think it comes in Cherry flavor but I havent tried it.

 plz don't strain ur self as you may cause more harm to ur self.. with that being said i also had/still have major issues with BM, I had chronic IBS before surgery, my GP or you can ask ur WLS head nurse to scribe you senicot, colace, and or lactolose, i take all 3  meds 2 senicot and colace twice a day , also i take benifiber in my water bottle 3 times a day i will have a BM with in 3 days, now i was told if that all don't work get a stick of dynamite ...lol sry i know its not a laughing matter but with all that stuff you should be going.

Gd luck and all the best to you,

Joy

Joy a question for you... do you "dump" with the Lactulose due to the sugar content, my surgeon gave me some before surgery on Optifast... but told me not to use afterwards because I may dump.

I find the Colace didn't work well for me because it is a gel type capsule. It didn't stay in my system long enough post op to break down and really work.
My GI doc recommends Lax A Day twice a day for two weeks to get things moving. At the end of two weeks add another dose if are not going regularly or take a dose away if it is too much.
He also recommended Senokot S once a week (I don't chew them up but I do break them into pieces in my mouth so I know the coating will break down) to make sure things stay cleaned out. Lots of people never really empty their bowels.
After suffering with cronic constipation since my RNY I now have no more issues as long as I follow the above routine. Lax A Day can be added to any liquid, it has no taste and disolves completely. The cheapest I have found is at Costco.

Linda