Jas- I've been reading your story and it has helped me feel a little better about my up and coming surgery next Wednesday.
Regarding BM's, in June I ended up not going for five days because my fissure pain was so bad, and I ended up in the ER with a blockage. The ER doc had to remove the stool by hand. Talk about pain and the most horrible experience of my life
. I have been using Miralax morning and night ritually ever since. I'm afraid to not use it, especially after surgery. Another thing that works great and is more natural, is boiling 5-6 prunes until they puff up, and eating them warm. They are actually pretty good that way. I also drink the water when it cools off. Good luck in your recovery!