I think its too soon to worry, and too soon to have normal schedule again. The banana is about the only fiber you have had. Why don't you just relax and rest today and don't become concerned about normal function. Maybe begin a mild stool softener tomorrow and keep up with drinking your liquids. While I think too soon to say constipated, many I know experience that as a side effect with codeine, do you know if you are sensitive to it? You may find you will need the stool softener while taking the Tylenol 3 which includes codeine.

24 hours isn't so bad because you just started on food yesterday. It takes a while for food to travel through the pipes and get to "that" point, a full day or more for some. Start the softeners as a precaution, drink lots of fluids or broth and try to avoid dairy food until you're feeling better.

Thanks, KT friends. You beat the MD by twenty minutes. He, too, says to take a stool softener when taking the Tylenol-3. He also says not to be concerned unless I vomit or run a fever. I'm certainly not hot -- shaking instead. So...everyone being 'on board' with it, I'll take a 100 mg softener now and again later.

I realize this may take more *time* than I'd originally thought. I've never been the least concerned with my 'bodily functions* -- but these aren't 'normal' conditions.

Thanks again!

Lukki -- Just saw your reply. Thank you, too.

chisue, I've been waiting to hear how your surgery went. I'm wondering since you have been eating, were you actually hungry or just eating to "get things moving." I remember I could not, or would not, eat for days. There's always that yucky Ensure as a last resort. For now, though, have you considered MiraLax? It helped me in the past, and now I keep it on the shelf all the time. Hang on, you will be back to normal soon.

Be aware that some analgesics can create constipation. Not all, but some. Acetaminophen does it to me, but not Ibuprofen.

I think you need to take it easy, and don't worry yet about constipation. You really haven't had a chance for the food to get through your system. You should drink lots of water, and focus on fiber. I agree that the stool softener is a good idea. You don't want to strain, and you might experience discomfort when you do go. Saying a prayer that you have a complete and speedy recovery.

I'm shocked that you are home already! I had a colon resection in 1976 (long incision), and was in the hospital for more than 2 weeks.

Glad you are home and eating!

I had G/I surgery with similar symptoms--it does take a while for your system to regulate and recover from the massive sedatives used during and after surgery. The low-fiber diet and lack of exercise is also contributory. If you able, try walking around to encourage peristalsis.

Post op, I was given Tylenol #3 and developed the worst headache after a couple days. The doctors couldn't figure out what was causing them and upped the Tylenol dose. However, an astute nurse was certain it was "Tylenol rebound" and suggested that I stop taking them.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Overview_of_Headaches_in_Adults/hic_Rebound_Headaches

Shaking but not hot? Shaking like the chills? Check your temp if you get chills..inbetween pain meds. Those pain meds can cause constipation..lots of fluids and your stool softener should work fine..you want to keep your stool nice and soft for awhile. Healing thoughts your way.

I also am alarmed at the shaking. Shaking chills should NOT be happening. If they reoccur call your surgeon -- even if your temperature is normal.

You are only 4 days post op. They've progressed you with the eating a bit more quickly than some surgeons would (I am not saying they are wrong) and perhaps you are not quite back to full motility. Remember that they put your bowel to sleep, then manhandled it. Give it time, don't force the food. If you become bloated or nauseated then be in touch with them. Definitely take stool softeners with narcotics.

Yes your Tylenol 3 can most definitely cause that. Just be aware of this.

Four days seems pretty quick to me too, but that's how it is these days; probably better to be at home. I wish you a quick and easy recovery, Chisue, and agree that if the shakes don't stop you should call.

:c)

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Sounds like you are doing well otherwise. Get lots of rest and heal well.

Also, see Ensure variations :-)

Following my heart surgery, it was explained to me by a nurse that when you have a general anesthesia, it in essence paralyzes, so following that, our bodies need time to get back to normal. Stool softeners are a wonderful aid during that time. Shaking chills could indicate infection, so be sure to mention to doctor if they re-occur.

Tylenol 3 is codeine, sure to plug you up. Now get well fast!!!!!!

How kind you all are to post with help!

Yesterday afternoon I went back to bed, shaking too hard to hold a magazine. We've started on a heat wave here (mid-70's), but I tucked under blanket and duvet. I don't remember going to sleep, but did, and slept for an hour. Woke, felt hot. Temp was 101F, but went down to 100 after I drank more water -- and threw off the covers!

This morning I'm still above my 'normal' of 97.8F, but am feeling much better and no longer having 'the shakes'. My bowels did move -- still formless, but there is less gas. DH laundered the bedclothes and I took a short shower. Talked to DIL and grandkids for half an hour. Now off to nap for a bit while DH watches Da Bears.

I am actually thrilled when I *can* run a fever. It usually means my body is *doing something* about a problem. Those low grade fevers don't help like 101!

My hemoglobin is at 7 -- from a pre-op 14. Surgeon posited a transfusion, but I wasn't eager. He also spoke about iron supplement -- more 'constipation' -- not now, thanks.

Anyway, I am improving -- and You Helped!

wanda -- My surgery was laparoscopic -- five 1 - 2 inch incisions. My mid-section looks like I was run over by a truck tire -- black and blue, especially on my left side where the blood pooled during two hours of surgery. (It looks a bit like the map of Russia. LOL)

drink water water water water ......

Stay away from cheese. That will bind you up.

When you have been sedated for surgery, you intestines are also sedated and it has been my experience that it takes a day or two for them to "wake up" and become fully functional. Since you had colon surgery, I presume you may have had a clean out prep the night before surgery and it takes a couple of days to refill the system. From the comments you have made, it seems the Doc wants to keep your stool thin and avoid constipation until the surgery is on the mend.

No advice here...just glad your surgery went well. Yay!

Ask your doctor about time-released iron as it is much gentler on the GI system. Eating iron-rich foods will also help.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/iron-rich-foods#1