Post Surgery question

VickiCO
VickiCO Member Posts: 917
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I will be speaking to my surgeon today, but I was wondering...how long post surgery did your bowels start moving? I am still waiting - surgery was 2/4. I have lots of gas, but no 'action' yet. I am eating a regular diet, although small amounts at a time. Should I be concerned?

Vicki

Comments

  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #2
    you're on pain meds
    is it safe to assume? Were you given a stool softener? The narcotics can slow your intestines down, so they usually send you home with a stool softener as well. I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital until i had a bowel movement. The time it takes is different with everyone, and it certainly won't HURT to call your surgeon's office; that's what the nurses are there for. They'll know if it's an issue or not cause they'll know the right questions to ask you.

    P.S. it's SO good to have you back looking like your old self ;)
    mary
  • VickiCO
    VickiCO Member Posts: 917
    #3
    msccolon said:

    you're on pain meds
    is it safe to assume? Were you given a stool softener? The narcotics can slow your intestines down, so they usually send you home with a stool softener as well. I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital until i had a bowel movement. The time it takes is different with everyone, and it certainly won't HURT to call your surgeon's office; that's what the nurses are there for. They'll know if it's an issue or not cause they'll know the right questions to ask you.

    P.S. it's SO good to have you back looking like your old self ;)
    mary

    You are a genious!
    Of course, I am on vicodin! And that constipates everyone...I will be speaking to the nurses this morning and will ask about Dolculax or something.

    THANKS! I really need to post a new picture....

    Vicki
  • dixchi
    dixchi Member Posts: 431
    #4
    VickiCO said:

    You are a genious!
    Of course, I am on vicodin! And that constipates everyone...I will be speaking to the nurses this morning and will ask about Dolculax or something.

    THANKS! I really need to post a new picture....

    Vicki

    Constipation
    Immediately after surgery I was so conztipated that oral med didn't work and I finally
    had to use a Fleet enema....which wasn't fun.....all the pain meds really can do a number
    on your system.
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #5
    Same problem here.....
    I start 2 days prior to chemo with polypropolene Glycol and a small amount. and keep on it each day for 8 straight days....It cleared me up.

    Let me say again...its great to have ya back in here......God Bless ya...
  • fighting for mom
    fighting for mom Member Posts: 96
    #6
    Buzzard said:

    Same problem here.....
    I start 2 days prior to chemo with polypropolene Glycol and a small amount. and keep on it each day for 8 straight days....It cleared me up.

    Let me say again...its great to have ya back in here......God Bless ya...

    mom took 7 days
    My mom had a resection on a Monday and did not have a movement until Sunday. The Dr. told her that it could take up to 10 days. Mom's pain meds were such a contributing factor for her. The other thing that really helped was being up and walking. She was up to 1 mile by Sunday. My mom is not the type of person to be so excited about having gas and bowel movements- but let me tell you- she was thrilled to have it all start happening.
  • VickiCO
    VickiCO Member Posts: 917
    #7
    fighting for mom said:

    mom took 7 days
    My mom had a resection on a Monday and did not have a movement until Sunday. The Dr. told her that it could take up to 10 days. Mom's pain meds were such a contributing factor for her. The other thing that really helped was being up and walking. She was up to 1 mile by Sunday. My mom is not the type of person to be so excited about having gas and bowel movements- but let me tell you- she was thrilled to have it all start happening.

    Thanks
    I talked to the surgeon's assistant...they have me drinking prune juice and eating prunes. Things are bubbling, so I hope to have some 'action' soon.

    I appreciate everyone's help....Vicki
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #8
    VickiCO said:

    Thanks
    I talked to the surgeon's assistant...they have me drinking prune juice and eating prunes. Things are bubbling, so I hope to have some 'action' soon.

    I appreciate everyone's help....Vicki

    Bubbling.....hehe
    I wouldn't stray to far from the bathroom. Just trying to have a little fun here.....Good luck hun.....
  • captainhop
    captainhop Member Posts: 156
    #9
    VickiCO said:

    Thanks
    I talked to the surgeon's assistant...they have me drinking prune juice and eating prunes. Things are bubbling, so I hope to have some 'action' soon.

    I appreciate everyone's help....Vicki

    Well HELLO Beautiful
    Vicki: So good to have you back with us. Prune juice and prunes should do the trick....If not, drink a cup of black coffee w/ the glass of prune juice. IMMEDIATE ACTION.
    Keep us posted on how you're doing. Wishing you all the very best,

    Hop and Mary
  • claud1951
    claud1951 Member Posts: 424 Member
    #10
    Prunes and Apricots
    Hi Vicki,

    Stew some prunes and apricots together. It's good and really works!
    Just put dried prunes and apricots in a sauce pan. Cover with water and simmer for about 20 minute. Let cool.

    Great seeing you back.

    claudia
  • irene77
    irene77 Member Posts: 28
    #11
    port sugery
    Hi Vickie
    that night after I had port surgery I had the runs I believe it was the anti biotic they gave with the twilight sleep did not feel a thing. neck sorness is gone, went for my second treatment of chemo today, tomorrow the fanny pack comes off and I get two weeks of freedom.
    Irene
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #12
    irene77 said:

    port sugery
    Hi Vickie
    that night after I had port surgery I had the runs I believe it was the anti biotic they gave with the twilight sleep did not feel a thing. neck sorness is gone, went for my second treatment of chemo today, tomorrow the fanny pack comes off and I get two weeks of freedom.
    Irene

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • VickiCO
    VickiCO Member Posts: 917
    #13
    VickiCO said:

    Thanks
    I talked to the surgeon's assistant...they have me drinking prune juice and eating prunes. Things are bubbling, so I hope to have some 'action' soon.

    I appreciate everyone's help....Vicki

    Took a while and meds...
    Nothing worked...just had gas and bubbling, no action. Finally on day 8 they gave me Dulcolax. It said I would have results in 6-12 hours. Well, at 6 hours one minute, all hell broke loose! Suffice to say I lost 6 pounds yesterday...and my stitches hurt like heck today. BUT - I am cleaned out!

    Thanks for all the suggestions. Vicki
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #14
    VickiCO said:

    Took a while and meds...
    Nothing worked...just had gas and bubbling, no action. Finally on day 8 they gave me Dulcolax. It said I would have results in 6-12 hours. Well, at 6 hours one minute, all hell broke loose! Suffice to say I lost 6 pounds yesterday...and my stitches hurt like heck today. BUT - I am cleaned out!

    Thanks for all the suggestions. Vicki

    Awesome!
    You have to be relieved to have your bowels finally working!
    mary
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #15
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    So glad that you finally got the relief that you sought for. It can be so uncomfortable when you can't go. I know that surgery does that to you, but it doesn't help having to wait for the flood gates to be let loose. Glad you are feeling better. Kim

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