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not able to pass gas or have bowel movement after prostate removal
Hi,
My husband had a RLP on Friday and still has not been able to pass gas or have a bowel movement. Doctor wants him to stay on a clear liquid diet until he passes gas. He is drinking water and decaf tea but he has no desire to eat jello or drink clear broth, says he has no appetite. I don't know what to do. I heard that chewing sugarless gum may help? I would appreciate any suggestions. I am getting him ready to go for our first walk of the day! I am determined for him to pass gas today as he is so uncomfortable that he cannot even sit down. Please advise. Thank you.
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It is normal for bowels to take a day or several to start working again. I took miralax for a couple of days and they gradually regained function. It is important to not strain attempting to influence bowel movement as this could tear the reconnection of the urethra. Stay in close contact with the drs staff until it resolves. Good luck!
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4 ReactionsThank you for your quick response! I am hoping that going for a short walk every couple of hours will help push the gas out at least. I feel so bad for him and there is nothing I can do…
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1 ReactionThey gave me miralax in the hospital to get things moving. Gas and bowel movements will be painful at first, using Gas-X is very helpful as well as a stool softener. You don't want to strain at ALL for a while, and these just help you to let gravity do its job. Walking also helps get things moving.
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4 ReactionsKaiser had me taking 2 different pills and miralax. I still have some constipation because of the drugs we have to take. I take three senna And two colace Twice a day. Occasionally, I will use MiraLAX. Your doctor should have prescribed drugs for this problem for use right after surgery.
There are also suppositories for this problem, I’ve been prescribed them every time I had major surgery.
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1 ReactionOk thx…he has stool softeners..
There is a remedy that my RO recommended for rectal gas entrapment; they called it by some joke name but basically it is a tube inserted into the rectum to release trapped gas if it could not be “walked” or squeezed out. Ask about this.
It can take 1-3 days for bowel to start working . How old is your Husband ? With people over 70 I have observed It may take a few days . Keep close to Dr and monitor closely . Solids are not a great idea if bowel is very slow . Keep us in the loop. If any health changes get him to hospital . How old is your husband ? Did Prostetectomy go smoothly ? God Bless to him and you ! James .
Good news! My husband started passing gas late yesterday afternoon!
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1 ReactionHe is 67 and surgery went smoothly. Since his gas started late yesterday afternoon I have a feeling the bowels will start moving along…
It was a few days before I had a bowel movement while using cod ace an miralax. Dr. told me to take milk of magnesia. Took about 10 minutes for it to work, but it did work