Hey MSII,
I know what you mean about taking your health for granted. In a nutshell, after the birth of my daughter 14 months ago, my health declined as well. My bowels stopped functioning properly, I developd Poly Cystic Ovarion Disease, developed gallstones and had my gallbladder removed, developed diabetes AND Irritable Bowel Syndrome which, along w/ pregnancy, gave me TERRIBLE hemorrhoids. Pregnancy was not good to me. Before that, I was able to eat anything I wanted and do whatever I wanted. Now, I am pretty much bound to the house, suffer from severe anxiety due to my health, AND am on a very restricted diet due to the IBS and diabetes. AAAHHHH!!!! As a result, I am ALWAYS telling people NEVER to take their health for granted - or their carefree lives for that matter. When your health is gone, or when you develop some type of health related issue that alters your lifestyle in any way, it can be very frustrating.
Oh, I forgot about not being able to urinate after the surgery. I had to pee standing up for the first few days after because if I sat down, I couldn't feel any type of urge. If I stood up, I could - somewhat. Yes, very frustrating.
Ok, on to your question. No, please do not stop eating just change what you are eating. While you are recovering, I would stick to mostly fruits, vegetables, chicken or fish (small portion), and oatmeal. Also, you can maybe even add some whole grain bread. I would highly recommend that you add some All Bran cereal to your diet. These foods are packed with soluable and insoluable fiber and will help your body have the urge to go. I would stay far far away from anything WHITE (flour, rice, bread), red meats, dairy and alcohol as they are all very constipating. Drink tons and tons of water (3 liters a day if you can) and fruit juice.
As for over the counter "stuff" - I would add Metamucil and a stool softener like Colace as well. I would take them everyday until full recovery. After you recover, stick with the metamucil as it will make your stools bulky and soft and easier to pass. It will help you to not strain when having a BM and will help your hemorrhoids to STAY AWAY. You do not want a recurrance of your hemorrhoids and have to go throught the BIG surgery. Now, when adding metamucil to your diet, you might experience a little cramping and bloating. This is to be expected until your body adjusts to the increase in fiber. This should go away in a couple of weeks at most.
Ok, if you are still having a problem going to the bathroom try some Milk of Magnesia. It is an over the counter laxative that is non-stimulating - unlike ex-lax and the rest. This will help you have a BM without diarrhea. Actually, I take Milk of Magnesia almost everyday per my doctor's instructions. If I don't, I don't "go". It is the only think that I have found that help me without giving me painful cramps and diarrhea. Of course, I only take 1 teaspoon a day and the directions are to take 2-4 Tablespoons, so I am not just taking a ton of the stuff. At any rate, that should halp you out until you are fully recovered. You do not want any hard BMs going through there and rubbing up against that surgery site like I did. Ouch - very painful and lots of blood. Because of my IBS/Constipation issues, it took me a bit longer than the typical PPH patient to recover. I was not given any post op instructions so what I am telling you now, I had to learn through my own trial and error and from the good people on this board.
As far as your surgean goes - it is a shame that you do not feel comfortable, or that he does not make you feel comfortable talking to him. I think some doctor's forget that they are actually there FOR the patient and that most patient's are scared, confused, and need good direction. I think that after this experience, you will make a wonderful doctor as you already know what it is like to experience a surgean with sub-standard bedside manners.
I hope this was helpful and if you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask
Dana
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