constipation problems after imperforate anus surgery

My 7 1/2 month old granddaughter was born with imperforated anus.  She had surgery three days after she was born.  She has done really well.  My daughter does dilations on her once every two weeks now.  We visit the surgeon monthly for check-ups.  She is on a medication twice daily called Lactolose.  Since she is eating baby food now, we are noticing problems with her BMs.  She seems to have more difficulty "getting it all out".  Now her little anus area is extremely red.  We are using the overnight Desitin ointment.  What do you suggest for her bottom?  I can tell it "hurts" her to be cleaned after a BM.  

Thanks



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[flowitt]

We are behind you in that we have a two month old who has not as yet had the analplasty. I know that diaper rash is a huge problem. When my kids were little I only had two occasions of diaper rash both of which I fixed in the worst case - two days. Here's what I did:
clean the entire area with water and a very little, very mild soap. Pat the area dry with very soft dry cloth. Let the air get at the skin. Lay the baby on a towel with plastic or something to hold moisture should they urinate. Take an aloe very plant leaf - large one. cut off all the barbs on the edge. Split the leaf in two. cover the area with the aloe vera gel. Let it dry. Do it again. Let it dry. leave the baby open to the air as much as you can. Once the area has been left open and covered with the aloe, cover all with vasoline when the diaper goes back on as well as any medication ointment the doctors have given her.
Let me know how it goes so I'll know if this is as effective on the surgical site as it was on a normal bottom.
As to constipation, from my research it looks like this will be a lifelong battle but many normal people live with this. From my reading they suggest mineral oil, Miralax and Senekot. See University of Michigan Department of Surgery. http://surgery.med.umich.edu/pediatric/clinical/prepost/laxatives.shtml
Hope this helps.