Hope you guys can help me. I am in trouble. My abdomen started hurting yesterday and I realized I hadn't gone to the bathroom in awhile. So I took 2 stool softeners with stimulant laxative last night. Today I have been dying with pain. I went to the bathroom a bunch today, but it hasn't seemed to be enough. It's like the fecal matter from the "bottom" end came out but the backed up stuff in the top of my intestines is still there. I am hurting terribly and am in so much pain I cannot walk upright. I have to bend over a bit. I just took another stool softener (without laxative this time). What can I do to get out of this horrible pain? I know it is just trapped fecal matter and trapped gas. Thanks in advance for your advice. I am really hurting.

I think you need to call your doctor. The gas is pretty normal, but not going to the bathroom for days isn't. I would get to the dr asap.

shaunni,

Thanks for the advice. Again this is gross but the "runs have begun". So I ought to be feeling better in a few hours. I thought I was going to die I was in so much pain. From now on I will take a gentle stool softener every other day, and I hope not to be in this state again.

Once you get through this, I would suggest daily fiber, like Benefiber. I have been banded for almost 2 years, and never having an issue in this department prior to banding, Benefiber was a lifesaver. I take 1T. with coffee first thing in the morning, and if I remember 2 tsp. in the evenings. That first doseage is usually enough. You will be fine, but you have to get regular and stay regular. Best of luck to you.

A lot of things could be going on, but don't wait too much longer before you call your doctor. A backup/constipation can hurt, but there can also be other things going on in your body that could cause the symptoms and pain.

It is absolutely essential that you contact your surgeon's office way before this much time has passed - obstruction is a serious issue and can have dire results if not treated right away.

The fiber is very important as well as your Water intake. Good luck.

nancy brought up a good point that I should have thought to include. If you're taking a dry fiber supplement, you MUST increase your water intake. If you don't get sufficient water, and add extra dry bulk to your body, bad things can result.