@fritzo
My husband took Colace for a while just to be on a safe side, even though he never tends to constipate in general . As far as I remember he was using it for about a month after cath. was taken out. If your stools are too soft and too frequent just take little bit lower dose of Colace.

Regarding butt soreness - wash it every time you go and use either plain Vaseline or Desitin baby cream for extra protection. If you can, use a small mirror and inspect that area. If you see any pea size bluish bumps around your anal opening it could be that small hemorrhoids appeared and than you will need something with "active ingredients". Otherwise just keep it clean, dry and protected. Be GENTLE with TP !!! Just dab gently and than wash.

@fritzo My system is totally different from yours and frankly, has never recovered since the surgery; but it’s the opposite - no pooping…but no matter.
If you are becoming irritated from frequent bm’s/wiping, try Pampers Baby Wipes - they were recommended by Sloan after radiation therapy and made a huge difference.
Get the unscented (free and clean), non flushable (don’t trust the ‘flushable’ ones). They are soothing, moist and get you very clean without rubbing.
It’s actually a trend that’s been catching on and I don’t know what took so long. They sell Dude Wipes now - same thing, just more $$ - and I wish more men used them.
We’re not big on bidets here in the US because we shower frequently so that makes us ‘clean’. But have a BM after your morning shower and tell me how clean you really are.
Take a crowded bus or subway ride in August and you’ll understand immediately…
Phil