This came out of nowhere. I had laproschopsy yesterday morning. My white blood cell count was high and it wasn't emptying properly. I had no stones. I took my first shower this morning on my own. I removed the bandaids and didn't touch stitches and thin gaze over stitches after that shower for the top three. I left the one near my belly button alone because it has big piece of white gaze and rectangle size tape over it (plus it hurts the most). I pat washed, rinsed, and dried the other three and put new bandaids on. The four edges of my fartherest right bandaid (not near insecion) has small clear bubbles. I accidentally popped one and it hurt. The incesion that i didn't touch near my belly button gives me the most grief when walking some and especially when laying down or getting up. I haven't had a bowel movement since surgery. I am taking Hydrocodone instead Vicoden every 4-6 hrs. I got up twice during the night and walked for like 10 minutes. I have walking or sat in a chair a total of 5 hrs today so far. I have an appointment to see my surgeon Friday.

I need some help. What foods should I eat right now? Should I be concerned that I have not had a bowel movement? When and should I change the bandage near my belly button? What are the clear bubbles I mentioned above? I am a 23 yr old teacher, when do you think I could handle going back to work? Any certain way I can sleep at night to prevent soreness when I get up? And any other advice?

I have never been in a hospital for me in my own life except birth. This has been a scary, hectic, and painful past 4 days. I appreciate any feedback I get.

The best thing i have used for the post op constipation is Sennekot?I still have to use it now after almost a year and a half since my surgery as I suffered some significant nerve damage and also damaged my sympathetic nervous system,which controls the peristalsis(muscle movement)of the bowels.I also am on constant narcotic therepy due to two rather excruciating pain syndromes so i am kinda getting a double whammy here.The sennekot really helps alot.without it,things can get wayyy backed up.i just take two every morning with my usual morning meds and it really does make a difference.i would suggest that you at least give it a try and see if it works as well for you.having any type of surgery in itself can really mess with all of your normal workings of your body systems.this will right itself with time.oh, and by the way, hydrocodone is the same thing as vicodin.Just do what you have been doing but don't push yourself too much.i would also leave the steri strips alone until they start to peel off by themselves.That is the usual rule of thumb when you have steri strips after surgery.Even though you have some stitches and it sounds like some Dermabond(skin superglue?)The steri strips help hold the skin in place and reduce the chances of seperation of the skin margins that are trying to heal.I would just leave them be until they start to lift,then pull each end from the outside in,not grab one side and yank.Do you know what i mean?Just pull up one side a little,then go to the other and lift a little until you can grab both ends together and kinda pull straight up.This reduces the chances of pulling open the incision.While you are lying around, try and think of any questions that you want to ask the surgeon when you see him at your Fri appt,and write them down as you think of them or you may forget(been there, done that).and make sure you don't forget to bring the question sheet with you when you leave(done that too,lol)just take your time and let the natural course of healing take place and you will be fine.good luck,marcia