extreme constipation from narcotics

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Replies

  • CristinaL1983
    CristinaL1983 Posts: 1,119 Member
    After having both of my babies my dr prescribed softener because I was stitched up twice and trying to push after birth, even weeks later, is just a nightmare. Just a little pill I took every day to make things super easy to pass without "exploding" as you said hehe. You can also try fiber, will help things along. Call your dr and tell them what's going on and they'll fix it for you.

    Haha. After I gave birth I my bowels were really loosened up and the hospital kept trying to give me stool softeners. I had to explain to a thousand nurses that I REALLY didn't need them.
  • kobiemom
    kobiemom Posts: 218 Member
    I had surgery three months ago with similar problems. The doctor said that ten days isn't a big deal. It sure seemed like it! I took colace and Metamucil. Miralax is also good. You won't have to worry about bulk laxatives making you *explode*, but they take a couple of days to work through your system. Also drink warm apple juice. It has colloid osmotic properties, which means it pulls water in from the bowel. Don't worry - this too shall pass. Couldn't resist...
  • ishari89
    ishari89 Posts: 86 Member
    There is a chance it is going to hurt. There is really no way to avoid it unfortunately. Keep chugging the stool softeners and if you hadn't had a bowel movement in the next week (or three/four days) then I would go see the doctor or call him/her. Same if you start getting cramps, pains, sweat, etc, from not going to the bathroom. They can manually remove it and you'll feel a whole lot better.

    Do not overload the laxatives. Seriously. You might take one and think it isn't working so you'll take another but it isn't going to help the situation because it'll back you up even more.

    When you want to go, put a small stool underneath your feet too to raise up your knees higher than your waist. Lean forward and you can rest you arms on your knees. It'll put you into a squatting type position which can help it come out more. Sitting on the toilet normally isn't the ideal position in trying to get it out of you.
  • 1brokegal44
    1brokegal44 Posts: 562 Member
    CALL YOUR DOCTOR! Right now!! A week is way too long, especially after surgery! After my surgery in 2011, I got so backed up I had to go to emergency, with fecal impaction. I also strained so much I gave myself hemmorrhoids! It is scary when you are afraid that going will hurt you, but trust me, NOT going is a bigger problem!

    What she said! This is nothing to mess with after this long.
    Yes!
  • LovingLisa2012
    LovingLisa2012 Posts: 775 Member
    Stool softener is different from a laxative - look for one at your pharmacy or call your surgeon and tell them you need a prescription.

    just had surgery on the 5th and from the anst. and pain meds, I too was constipated ..
    they sent me home with an Rx for colace (they do sell it over the counter though) .. its a stool softener

    but call your dr. and see what they say
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    Hmmm .I thought doctors tended to prescribe a stool softner to help combat the constipation from the pills they give you after a surgery.

    I think you need to talk to your doctor and see if he can prescribe or recommend something that won't conflict with the pills you are already taking.
  • Jennymcwb
    Jennymcwb Posts: 88 Member
    Since you've talked to your doctor, you are on the right path. Lack of physical movement after surgery is also a factor, can you walk at all?
    I second the warm apple juice as I was going to suggest drinking warm water instead of cold. Warm works for me.
    Good luck.
  • TrishLG
    TrishLG Posts: 173 Member
    Fleets will get right to the problem, then eat just fruit and vegetables.
    Laxatives are a "never buy" item. It solves the problem, but there is a back lash effect.
  • Rosplosion
    Rosplosion Posts: 739 Member
    This is a big deal. Get an Enema bag and learn how to use it. Constipation is a very common symptom of pain pills. The enema will relieve this issue without hurting your surgery site, making you "explode" or keeping you on the toilet for hours. It sounds weird but, believe me, its the easiest, most natural solution to your problem.
  • katt111r
    katt111r Posts: 1
    If you haven't had a BM in a week then a stool softener/prune juice, etc. is not going to help. Once you have fecal matter that has been in your lower large intestine (Colon) for that period of time the above products will not do anything to help move what is already in your lower intestine. What it will do is make you want to explode, but there is a plug blocking the way so to speak . At this point what you really need is an old fashion enema. Trust me. If your surgery site is located that close to your rectum only an enema will break up what has become impacted making it easier to pass. The best enema for doing that is usually a soap sud olive oil enema. I know it sounds crazy but i've been where you are and it works. The soap (castile liquid soap) you can buy at target) help stimulate movement without explosion and the olive oil helps it all pass easily. You will need to purchase an enema bag. If it has only been a week without BM then i would only mix with 2-3 cups warm water. Hope this helps. If you have any questions post and i will check back on you.
  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member
    Had the same with Morphine directly after surgery, then Tramadol pills to take home.
    Bike racing accident on Sunday - next Thursday before I 'went'.
  • rodeothedog
    rodeothedog Posts: 45 Member
    Try Senna-S its over the counter. It helps soften your stool and help you go. As a nurse I always give warm prune juice, yucky but works. After my surgery she told me to have high fiber foods. I was freaked about going.
  • CoraGregoryCPA
    CoraGregoryCPA Posts: 1,087 Member
    Miralax.

    However, I think you should have that important conversation with your doctor.

    Also, when you go to the bathroom are you going to explode or widen that area soo much that is going to affect the surgery area? Maybe you are overthinking it just a bit. Just a thought.
  • leblanc_kelly88
    leblanc_kelly88 Posts: 68 Member
    Thanks again all for the comments. I spoke with my aunt who is a nurse. (I HATE my surgeon and want nothing to do with hum until I have my follow up....ive been in the hospital twice since the surgery and he said eveything that was happening was normal....all the hospital doctors didnt agree but they couldn't admit me because he said not to and he wasn't coming to the hospital to look at me)
    so my aunt said to try the miralax and stool softeners today (because i called at like 8 pm last night) and things should get going...and if things dont then she would be able to help me with an enema. She told me that it wont all break apart it will just make eveything easier to come out. i trust her. i jsut dont trust having to be here alone and go to the bathroom! I'm so scared im going to pass out from the pain lol. YA I sound crazy but thats my fear. (i am alone because my fiance is with the national guard and has been on orders to help with blizzard snow removal)
    Hoping today goes well!
    Thanks again everyone.

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