I had surgery done through the perineum area to remove prostate.  I have been unable to have a bowel movement even though I have been following all the guidelines - increased amounts of fruit and vegetables, drinking 16 oz. of water every hour, fruit juices, walking the day of surgery and increasing the distance every day that I am home - taken stool softener 2 x a day right after surgery, started taking laxative sixth day due to extreme pain in chest area, bloating feeling, have stool ready to come out but it won't and am feeling horrible.  Did have a sinus infection or upper respiratory when I got home from the hospital so I was taking over the counter Claridin D and prescribed cough syrup with codeine - wonder if this is causing any of the problem with not being able to have a bowel movement.