I just had surgery 2 days ago and I am at home trying to get answers to some of my questions/concerns.

1- I have not had bowel movement yet, is that normal? What can I do?

2- It is almost impossible for me to get out of bed by myself, it just hurts too much. Should I sleep in a chair for the first few days? I am not used to sleeping on my back.

3- I still have a JP drain and I was planning on going back to work on Monday. Should I wait until they remove it? I would only work sitting down in front of a computer most of the time.

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

Hi think it was 3_4 days before I had a BM,and it was like explosive diarrhea,so be warned. Yes you can sleep in a chair I did,it was easier. As far as the drain,I didnt have one so I cant answer that one

1. Yes it is normal to have not had a bowel movement yet. It too a good week or more for me to finally have one. You have to remember that you are only taking in liquids...no solids to be broken down and expelled.

2. sleep where you are most comfortable and makes it easier for you to negotiate getting up and down. The pain will subside soon. Did you get pain meds? Use them for your discomfort they really seem to help.

3. I would wait as long as you could to go back to work for comforts sake as well as you are getting used to a new diet and way of eating. Getting started is easier at home until you get a routine down. I waited 3 weeks and still feel I went back too soon.

Hope this answers your questions!

1. It was about 4 days before I had a BM. They said if I went 5 days without to use a dulcolax suppository.

2. I slept in a chair the first few nights and it really helped. I just couldn't get in and out of bed easily, and I was very uncomfortable when I did get in bed.

3. I didn't have a drain, so I can't really comment on this one, but I would feel uncomfortable going back to work with a drain - but I stand all day at work, so it might be a bit different.

The drain situation... contact your Doc and see what they think. They may opt to keep you home till it's out. Never really know though, every Doc is different.

sleep, sure sleep in a chair if its comfortable.

And like AZ said, it can take a few days before you have to go, and watch out when ya do! LOL

I had a bm right away. Very watery. I'm six weeks out and its still watery. But if you don't go soon, I would try some Colace or someother stool softener. I didn't sleep in my bed for a week. I slept on my recliner. It was much easier to get up and down. I didn't have a drain so can't help you there. Good Luck to you.

B.m. 2nd day, slept in my bed on night 2 but I have a very strenuous job so will not return to work for 4 weeks. PLEASE move!!! That is my best advice. Walk as much as possible, grab some weights while ur @ ur desk & just MOVE....will help make bowels move and help with soreness!! I'm 11 days post op.

Thank you all for your feedback. Today was my 5th day and I'm feeling a lot better. I had my first bowel movement yesterday and it was just as everyone described but I felt great after.

Today was my last day of the clear liquid diet and i'm looking forward to starting a diet with a little bit more substance. I have not tried the Whey protein so I hope I like it!