Toilet Training

[Lasker]

Does anyone recommend taking a laxative, as well as eating lightly before surgery?

This is getting down to basics, but it is beginning to disturb me to think that I may be in bed unable to walk to the bathroom for a full day following surgery.

Actually, I have to plan for two days in advance. I will be in the hospital a full day before avr, for a second cath. The choice of what's on the tray probably won't be mine, but I could choose to eat as little as possible.

I remember getting an enema as part of being prepped in labor and delivery, but this doesn't seem to be part of the prep for open heart surgery.

Will the bowels shut down, or be overactive, as a response to the surgery and medications? Oh dear, something else to worry about and be embarassed by.



Lorraine

 

[Ross]

One word---Bed Pan! Guess maybe that's two words.

I'd recommend eating whatever you want and enjoying it right up until midnight before surgery. Once you have surgery, everything will taste like crap and you won't have much of an appetite.

Some people have some constipation following surgery. Don't worry, they'll get you a laxative and then you'll have so much fun.
Why for you worry about poopies?

 

[Nancy]

I wouldn't take any laxatives that would change your electrolyte balance. Anesthesia will bind you up pretty well anyway. You'll be getting stool softeners and maybe a laxative when you are up to it.

The nurses will listen for bowel sounds.

 

[Susan Allen]

I had the same worry. Eat what you love the night before and enjoy. You will probably be up and able to use the facilities before the ol' bowels kick in. They gave me a laxative every day and I had no movement until I got home - the 4th day.
Hope this helps

Susan

 

[JimL]

One year before my surgery, I got a bowel problem fixed -- one of the most embarrassing health issues a person can have. I've taken ersatz metamucil ever since, including right up to surgery, but probably not the morning of.
The nurses do really deal with the same concerns with every heart patient, and everything will work smoothly.
As far as eating before surgery: I had a cath on Tuesday, and afterwards learned I would have the surgery on Friday, three days later. I spent those three days in the hospital, in sort of an unreal state of mind, since there was no time for the reality of all this to sink in. But I was famished, and my favorite nurse of all time, Maggie, snuck me extra food, as much as seven trays one of the days. All of this added up to no bowel problems at all.
Don't hesitate to tell your doctor your concerns, but this is not something to worry about.

 

[hensylee]

no - this is one of the things on the staff's to do list. They will watch you carefully. (well, you know what I mean)

 

[Kenny F]

I fully sympathize with you. This was one of my big fears. I ate full the afternoon before, lightly that night. My goal was morning bowel movement (it worked).

My SICU nurse was sympathetic and helped me decline stool softeners until I was in my room and largely "un-tubed" and could get out of bed. Stool softeners are a good idea - a laxative could send you urgently to the rest room (which is difficult at best). The softeners help keep you from having to exert pressure. I was back to regular in no time, but I ate well (I have not lost my appetite at all )

This is indeed blunt and basic stuff, but that is what's so great about this board!

 

[Lasker]

As usual, the experienced responses from people who have already been there are a great assist in allaying fears that surround being in a vulnerable condition and relying on others when we are at our most helpless.

I guess I too will have to rely on the nursing staff, and won't have much control over what happens. It does help to know, though, that one could ask the nursing staff to delay the stool softener; I might be too groggy to think of this otherwise. In fact, it's good to know that they are concerned with relieving any pressure that might result by using these medications. It's also informative to know that there may be a reprieve of several days.

In any case, no need to lighten up tomorrow. So I hope each and every one will enjoy a wonderful Thansgiving holiday.

Lorraine

 

[Nancy]

I do believe the nursing staff has a certain time frame in which they will let things go without relief. Getting your bowels moving again after the anesthesia is quite important, because that's how out bodies are designed to work. So if a couple of days go by and your belly isn't grumbling when they listen, you'll be given stool softeners.

Nobody really gives a hoot about whatever comes out of your body. It's just a natural thing. But they absolutely don't want you straining, and you won't want to either.

The shining star of the show will be your heart anyway. Just about all of the focus will be there.