Feeling not too bad. Scs is killing leg pain. Back incisions are painful. Living with ice and pillows lol. Took a ride today to watch my daughter play softball in the state tourney. Concern one was its July 14th in Texas. Well, a freak storm came thru and it was about 75 during the game. Every bump in the road caused terrible pain and I was crying by the time we got home. So, I'm curled up with Netflix and ice. Now, I have a couple of issues. One is bathroom related sorry. I have not had a bm since Tuesday. What can I take that is gentle because cramps and two back incisions just does not sound good. Second, I am in grad school, an intense cohort program. I thought I could type but I can't sit up to do it. Should I talk to schoo, about extension due tothus surgery or tough it out? I mean, I'm a tough cookie and this surgery has had me in tears several times. Anyway, just wanted reassurance this is normal and any suggestions would be much appreciated!
TK

Four days post op, you were very brave to have gone to a ball game. I understand its importance. Even so, I did not venture out until a couple of weeks after surgery for the reasons you cite.

There are fixers regarding the BM department, one more natural, one more chemical. Since the pain meds will clog up the works post surgery, you could give a try to dried prunes. I originally thought they would be YUK, but they were not, and went down well, in fact, I ate them by the bag full.

If that does not soften things to workable, Colace, an over the counter softener was what my surgeons prescribed post surgery. It was originally prescribed, then became over the counter during the last seven years.

If you were prescribed additional pain management meds for the post surgery pain, USE THEM. My nurses have always said "stay on top of the pain." I am a believer. If you were not prescribed something, my doc did tell me to resume the pain management meds after surgery and to use them until he and I worked out a withdrawal plan.

Prayin for ya down Texas way,
Mark56zzzzzzz

Colace is very gentle and works well. Gentle over night results.

Driving was very painful for me for a couple weeks. When I finally was given the OK to drive I used a pillow behind my back which helped a lot.

It might be a good idea to let the university know about your situation to give you a little time to heal. It won't do you any good to push too hard right away and end up with problems down the road. Just a thought.

Sandy Kay

Hope you are feeling a bit better by now. The pain you describe sounds completely normal and only time and proper care will ease the surgical pain.
Another thing that I find useful during times of constipation is the magnesium supplement called 'Calm'. It's a powder you can mix in any type of liquid. Walla-Bam Walla-Boom!

.....I've recently found that it also helps to calm my back spasms a bit!

Rae