any suggestions for post surgical constipation?

[Anonymous]

I had an elective surgery under general anesthesia a few days ango and have not yet been able to poop. ARGH. I’ve been taking Miralax, eating fiber, prunes and drinking water! Morning coffee does nothing. I’m usually extremely regular, and I know this isn’t an uncommon reflect of anesthesia/surgery but it’s getting to be a long time! I am NOT on opioids, just Tylenol/Motrin. So frustrating. Any tips?!

[Anonymous]

Are you taking colace?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you taking colace?

No my mom suggested that this am so
I’ll get some today! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

It can take a while to reset after surgery even if you’re not taking opioids. Add the stool softener. Drink lots of fluids and don’t overdo the fiber.

[Anonymous]

Speak to your surgeon's office or PCP. You may need a Fleet enema. I did my first surgery.

Now per PCP, I take Miralax starting 3 days before surgery, in hospital if I stay, and at home forca few days.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

pessaries

[Anonymous]

^^ also drink water and move around as much as possible.

do not force it. I had this after a surgery (and opioids) and I bled for a good few hours

[Anonymous]

Colace, drink a ton of water, and oatmeal helped me after I had surgery in November.

[Anonymous]

Dulcolax liquid.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:pessaries

I think you mean suppositories.

[Anonymous]

Double the miralax

[Anonymous]

Oh gosh, I'm sorry. It's awful. I have way too much experience with constipation. Try: Prunes and prune juice. Magnesium citrate. Fleet enema. In that order, and hopefully you won't have to reach the Fleet option.

And drink lots of water. My doctor pointed out to me that drinking water definitely helps even if you already have a very dry, hard stool -- because water is going in and out of your colon at all times. In other words, all is not lost just because the stool is dry now; you might still be able to help address that with your water intake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:pessaries

I think you mean suppositories.

This. Glycerine suppositories, available OTC pretty much everywhere, generics are fine. Miralax and colace help keep your stool soft, but your body may need to kick on the "need to go" reminder. This is an easier way to do that than stimulant laxatives.

The next step after this is senakot or "smooth move" tea by Traditional Medicinals, which also contains senna. These are the aforementioned stimulant laxatives, and they may cause cramping or other (mild) discomfort. They can also be habit-forming, though that's probably not a major concern if you're dealing with a known cause, limited duration event.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:pessaries

I think you mean suppositories.

This. Glycerine suppositories, available OTC pretty much everywhere, generics are fine. Miralax and colace help keep your stool soft, but your body may need to kick on the "need to go" reminder. This is an easier way to do that than stimulant laxatives.

The next step after this is senakot or "smooth move" tea by Traditional Medicinals, which also contains senna. These are the aforementioned stimulant laxatives, and they may cause cramping or other (mild) discomfort. They can also be habit-forming, though that's probably not a major concern if you're dealing with a known cause, limited duration event.

Try all this before messing with an enema.