I've been constipated since surgery 2 weeks ago, and I've been taking stool softeners every night. They seem to help produce a BM every 2 or 3 days. Well it seems that even with the stool softener I have developed a fecal impaction. I'm supposed to return to work tomorrow so I need to make this all better tonight. I've taken milk of magnesia and used glycerin suppositories. I passed some of the impaction very painfully and even had to digitally remove some of it (I'm in nursing school so I've learned to do this and had gloves). However, part of the impaction is still there.

Any suggestions? I'm feeling miserable for the first time since my surgery and have no clue what I should do.

T.I.A.

You poor thing...

I so don't miss those days, I had more than one episode with this. As you know if you go to the doctor they would most likely manually remove it.. The only other at home remedy I would suggest is buying a bottle of magnesium citrate.

enema

You poor thing...

I so don't miss those days' date=' I had more than one episode with this. As you know if you go to the doctor they would most likely manually remove it.. The only other at home remedy I would suggest is buying a bottle of magnesium citrate.[/quote']

Thanks Laura. I will definitely try the mag citrate tomorrow if I don't improve overnight. At least the part that hurt the most has passed. I'm still experiencing lots of pain though. I have never pottied at work but if it comes down to it I'll take the mag citrate at work and just deal with it. I have never experienced anything like this. My whole body is sore, my head hurts, and I keep getting lightheaded like I'm going to pass out. I just want this to be over :-( I was expecting a million things as a result of the vsg that I haven't experienced, but I was certainly not expecting this. ::rant over::

Hoping I can get some rest tonight.

Good luck,

Yes this is a problem in the beginning for most of us...it will get better in time but until you are able to add Fiber back it will be a problem.

In the early days a took a dose of miralax daily,

You may want to ask your doctor about that after you get past this episode.

Fiber chews. Take them a few days (or until you can eat fruits and veggies), then taper back down. Just don't stop them cold turkey or you'll end up in the same boat.

Oh yes, I posted about this issue too...so not fun! I may forever have issues with hemorrhoids thanks to those episodes. One thing that cleared me right out was sipping on a Dannon DanActiv probiotic shot. Holy crap! Literally. But not something to try right before work! I find that Good Belly probiotic drink alternated with Miralax every few days keeps it all moving smoothly now.

Thanks Laura. I will definitely try the mag citrate tomorrow if I don't improve overnight. At least the part that hurt the most has passed. I'm still experiencing lots of pain though. I have never pottied at work but if it comes down to it I'll take the mag citrate at work and just deal with it. I have never experienced anything like this. My whole body is sore' date=' my head hurts, and I keep getting lightheaded like I'm going to pass out. I just want this to be over :-( I was expecting a million things as a result of the vsg that Ia haven't experienced,

but I was certainly not expecting this. ::rant over::

Hoping I can get some rest tonight.[/quote']

I totally agree with Laura! I had the same issue! I suggest you to do it before you go to work!!! You will want to be by the pot within a half hour if not sooner.

For me, it was like giving birth to a brick! Not to sound gross but when it finallh passed, it was the size of a pop can! I had 2 like that at one sitting. I thought I was going to pass out. I would NOT WANT TO BE AT WORK!

I feel awful for you. Be sure to get your fluids in as well to help. Good luck sister! Hope this helps!

This is very dangerous ****! Something that is life threatening. I have had patients die from impaction. Have you tried mad citrate? That is something that I have given patients that have been impacted. You must drink it with 8 ounces of water as well, which my take a while with the sleeve....but you have to get that much water in to help. Please make sure to take care of this...it is very dangerous!

during the preop diet,Miralax was my best friend LOL.....make sure you drink it all at once for it to work...Good luck!

Mag citrate...I hate auto correct!

^{You can also try a mineral oil enema. Makes you get the feeling to go and lubricates everything.}

i had a child with constant constipation and digestive issues so i know this topic well..............these items worked well for her over the years and they are natural..................kiwi fruit, prune juice, walnuts, bananas, aloe vera, pears, apple juice, black strap molasses and of course bran!

My surgeon told me bowel movements would be irregular till I started puréed foods and not to worry about pooping till then...

I get that tar like disgusting bowel movements once in a while but it's not regular...

I will be 2 weeks out on Monday, but don't start puréed foods till Tuesday.

I can't imagine there is too much waste to get out if you are still on liquid.

You need to get that impaction removed first and foremost. Adding laxatives and stool softeners will help get things moving after, but may not move a true impaction. It can cause diarrhea around the impaction, making you more miserable. Impacted people usually need an enema. Start with a fleets, and I agree with another poster, mineral oil might do the trick. Usually a digital removal is needed, too. Increased fluid intake will also help.You probably should consult your doc.

Thanks everyone! I'll be picking up some mag citrate and a fleet's enema today. Hopefully I can just make it through the day without any issues. I feel much better, although the milk of mag hasn't really worked.