Hey Summer - how're things today? Have you had a BM yet? I hope so! And I hope it went well.

Do you take MOM daily or just when you feel backed up?
Okay, well my first 3 days went pretty good. No major pain, must soreness and mild discomfort. Then I got constipated yesterday, as I mentioned, and was miserable. I took the MOM last night, and was miserable all night, but finally (unfortunately with considerable straining) was able to go a little bit this morning. That helped some, but I still felt constipated. Then about two hours ago, I went again, and had to strain some more, but at least this time it came out softer and more quanitity. I feel A LOT better now! I am going to take some more MOM tonight, since he mentioned I could take it two days, to make sure everything is cleared, and I am cutting back on the pain meds. I will probably add in some miralax tomorrow too. I am hoping since I got the first bowel movement out of the way, it won't be so bad next time. Maybe my muscles will play more nicely as well? I would basically say though, I have been in less pain than I had worried about pre-surgery, with glitch the last day or two with the constipation. I am going to have chicken and mushed kidney beans tonight for dinner and keep up on my water. All in all, though I think things are going pretty well. Just keeping my fingers crossed I don't end up with any weird complications. I am on bed rest through today, and tomorrow I start 7 days of light activity. I have only sat up once, and it was kind uncomfortable, so going to take that easy for now.

Things are doing okay here.I have gone from constipation to very loose stool. That is better feeling for sure, although I get irritated after and have a hard time cleaning well. UGH!
I am still having drainage, but I guess that is normal, since I had several things done.
Has anyone had this sensation, when I had my fistual, I used to feel gas escape through the tunnel. After I had my fistulotomy, I still feel a slight sensation of it escapingon the side where the fistula was. Doyou think this is because it's laid open and still healing? I hope everyone is doing well out there. Hope, everything still healing nicely?

Hey Summer! I'm so glad the constipation has gone away. Loose stools are better, but it's also important not to have too many watery ones, since they sting and irritate. Finding the right balance of fiber and stool softener is really the biggest challenge. I never had the 'wind tunnel' experience, but I do think that the sensation you describe is likely because the fistula was laid open. I'm sure it's likely to subside when it heals. :D

What do you take to add fiber to your diet besides food? Anything? Not sure which one might work best.
I was on bed rest 5 days and now I am on light activity for 7 per the doctor. I had my first night last night where I sat a decent amount (on a doughnut pillow). Today I feel itchy and irritated (but less pain). Do you think I overdid the sitting or is this just a normal part of the healing a week or so out from my various procedures? I hope it's not a bad sign. I wish they would send us home with a pamphlet that tells about what kind of pain/irritation is expected and drainage etc. That would alleviate a lot of worrying probably! How are you doing Hope? Are you still feeling better? When is your next checkup?

Mine still feels itchy and irritated 6 weeks after surgery! I think they ought to give out a leaflet with what to expect too - it would save a lot of unnecessary worry. That's good that you have less pain- that's a good sign!
Have you tried fibresure?

i haven't tried that Val. i will add it to my shopping list, as soon as i make it out. sorry your bum is feeling itchy too...it's really annoying, isn't it? lol

Ah what a time and a half u are having!! Get better soon

Hey Summer - It sounds like you're doing pretty good for a week or so out of surgery. I do wonder, though, about the donut pillow. Did your doc suggest that? The reason I ask is because I've read mixed opinions about those. Some medical folks claim that they are not good because they put the wrong kind of pressure on the butt. I just use a normal pillow or cushion for sitting.
I'm not too bad. I developed a very mild bladder infection from all the baths (that seems to come with the territory, from what I've read here). I don't have serious symptoms. My doc put me on Macrobid and, unfortunately, I reacted badly to it. Bone-crunching pain in the joints and violent shivers. My BMs also got a bit messed up, and I had a terrific struggle passing bits of gravel, which caused quite a bit of bleeding. So now I'm a bit sore again
But I'm feeling better today and I'll call my doc tomorrow to get a different antibiotic. Oh, what a life for us! My next check-up is Aug 31st and I'm bloody determined to be better by then!
Oh yeah - one way I get more fiber is by putting flax powder on my oatmeal. Flax is good for constipation and loose stools. I've been having wonderful BMs with the oatmeal and flax powder, even without Miralax (which I tappered off about a week or so ago).