Can't answer about the "main line"....not sure what that is..but as far as fiber....my doc has me take benefiber twice a day. Seems to make a big difference if I miss a dose. I mix it with my protein drink in the morning and with milk for an afternoon snack. Tasteless and disolves well. My doc said do not use a stool softner often or you will get dependent on it. Once in a while is okay but not for long periods of time.

my dr also said benefiber..i was discharged on thursday,dec 10..said if i did not go by sat, use glycerine suppositories...those did not do much good but in a few days i started going on my own..its not often as bdfore surgery,but theres not much goin in either! and its all worked out! best of luck..and my iv came out with no problems..not sure if your main line was different. best of luck to you!

There are stool softeners out there and products like benefiber work for many. I didn't end up needing anything. I will say those I have talked to seem to have been fine after a few days. As always, check with your dr., if it continues to be a problem.

I have no idea what a main line is. I would like to know, so hoping you'll update. I didn't even leave with a drain in, so guess I was lucky that way.
Cindy

Same as Cindy, have no idea what a main line is but would like too. My doctor told me not to worry for at least two weeks about having a BM, (although it didn't take that long). It was liquid in, liquid out and after going on solid foods I have never had any problems. It is less frequent now I must say, but don't miss it! lol - I do put ground flaxseed in some of my meals, usually 3 or 4 times a week and I guess that also helps keep me "regular". Oh the subjects we post here are just great!

A central line can be a dangerous place to get an infection, but typically the infection takes place when the line is still in place. You would of had an elevated temperature and they would of done blood cultures from your line and then removed it and cultured the tip of the line, if there was any growth. The "seal" could of been removed 24 hours after it was applied. The main reason they "seal" it is because of bleeding. It's a pressure dressing. The reason they use a central "main" line typically is if you have veins that are difficult to get a "regular" IV in or for long term use of Antibiotic therapy while in the hospital. I had my peripheral IV in up until the second I was being rolled out in the wheelchair, which is normal.

I haven't had a problem yet with stools, but a stool softner is only going to soften the stool that is in there, it's not a "laxative" so it doesn't make you go. What kind of diet are you on right now? (All surgeons are different with their diets and phases of how they want you to do things, for example, I can't have ice for 6 months now, but others are almost immediately doing popsicles and ice chips.) I think what and how much is going in has a lot to do with what is coming out.. that is why I ask.

I had the same problem. But then things turned "normal" again in a few days. The volume is significantly less, and sometimes only every other day. Sometimes I get a bit constipated, but just a day or 2. I try to drink more water.

I am now 7 weeks post op and doing great. Just hang in there. It gets better by the week!

JIM

I think most of us deal some little issue with the #2 but most of the posts are accurate about benefiber being a good choice. It seems that the high protien after surgery causes a little gastric disruption, but your body is putting out what it puts in which isn't much at the moment...

Stool softeners are generally not used on a daily basis. That is why a fiber is a better idea.

I am 9 days out from sugery and don't want to think about the next damn protien shake. I have spent the weekend coming up with anything I can to spice them up.

Here is what I came up with:
SF Soy Milk - Plain or vanilla
Adding 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee
Tried some malt powder (added lots of fluffy air so let it settle)
SF coffee syrups
Varied the sources of protien ie - Carnation Instant Breakfast SF, Atkins Advantage, Trader Joe Brand each one has a distinctive taste.
I also used the vanilla powder to make some fruity shakes with flavoring in the bakery isle (the orange seemed the best). Peppermint with the chocolate was good too.
Sometimes blended and sometimes on ice made some variance for me too.

Let me know if anyone has anyother ideas.

For those not sure what a main line is it's just like an iv except it a bigger plastic tube and goes directly into the main artery on the left side if your chest right above the heart. My sister had one in her surgery but they removed before she woke and the gave her meds through the iv. They left mine in and gave my meds through that. But because it goes directly to the heart it's dangerous for infections so I had to sit still for 20 min and have it sealed with gauze.