Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Having surgery--worried about bowel function

I am 50, and have IBS (predominately constipation) and gastroparesis (delayed stomach empting--like 4 days instead of 4 hours). I am having major pelvic surgery next month (4-5 hour surgery) and I am worried about having my gut function afterwards. I currently take Miralax (a prescription laxative) daily, or I don't have a bowel movement. I take about 30 grams of fiber daily, and take fiber capsules and chewable fiber and bran cereal and a fiber bar. The day before surgery, I have to take magnesium citrate to clean out my gut and only have clear liquids, and be NPO the next morning. I'll have 4-5 hours of anesthesia (which slows down the gut) and pain meds (which slow down the gut), so I am worried about how I will get my gut moving again. I'm sure I'll start with clear liquids at the hospital the day after surgery. The doctor expects me to stay 3 days, but will not let me go home until I have a bowel movement, which in the past has taken me 5 or 6 days. Any ideas, anyone?

You can email me at bowtoyourpartner@yahoo.com

Katie

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