3 weeks post Gallbladder removal severe constipation Sorry TMI

[dahliaaa]

I've tried Calfig, lactulose, pessaries, peppermint tea, huge amounts of water, flaxseed, dried apricots, prune juice :-(

Had one proper BM week after surgery. Now with pessaries having v small BMs (which are v soft from all the stuff I've been taking so don't really understand prob?)

So bloated and uncomfortable. Worried this is how I'll be now long term.
Have now got movicol from chemist.

Sorry for the TMI. I hate talking about poo Is the movicol likely to work if everything already soft (or maybe some blocked higher up - there's nothing 'close' to coming out.) I'm mortified writing this.
I stopped coedeine after 2 days post op so don't think it's that. No other painkillers for more than 2 weeks.

[mrsreynolds]

Yes. Movicol will help but poss not for 2-3 days
Take max dose

[dahliaaa]

Thanks for replying. You've given me hope that it will work !

[Funnyface1]

Hi, I suffer from constipation generally but ended up in a bad way years ago after my first c section.

After trying a few things myself I was eventually prescribed movicol and without being too graphic it really did help me pass a huge blockage after about 2 days.

After that my bowels were able to get going again.

My regime now includes two movicol's, two tablespoons of milk of magnesia and a glass of prune juice. This I do every night as I am now an expert in maintaining this issue and trust me these things work. Good luck.

[dahliaaa]

Thanks funnyface
What initial dose of movicol did you take ?
Has the dr said it's ok for you to keep on that daily regime as long as needed ?

[Ropsleybunny]

Since having my gallbladder removed I take two Laxidol every day.

[dahliaaa]

Ropsley how long is it since you had the op?

[Madhousemam]

I had the op in the summer time now have to take 10mls of lactose 4 times a day to keep me regular ate you taking codeine Paine relief as I was really admitted to hospital 7 days after the op due to constapation they game me an enema in the end but was violently ill

[Ropsleybunny]

Just coming up for a year.

[dahliaaa]

Sorry that you've both got long term issue after surgery :-(
It wasn't something that i had even considered happening.
(I only took coedeine for two days. And then just paracetamol for a few days after that - I haven't taken any painkillers for two weeks so don't think it's linked to them.)

Have your Drs suggested that this will be lifelong now? Do you regret the surgery? Sorry so many questions.

[goldinthemtherestars]

It's safe to take Movicol long term if needed. It's prescribed to children with constipation and is sometimes needed long term by people who have various medical conditions. I have it on prescription after internal bowel prolapse & other pelvic surgery and am down to half a sachet at night along with diet tweaks like linseeds in porridge with prunes, bio yoghurt etc. Another thing that really helps is Inulin - it's a plant based fibre powder that you can add to cooking or drinks and makes a real difference.

I hope you soon get back to normal but if you need help long term it is manageable.

[dahliaaa]

Thanks gold
I took 3 sachets of movicol today but no joy yet.
Have been drinking lots of water and started prune juice too. Plus adding linseed to cereal. Do you grind yours or anything first (I've just been throwing it on ...)

[goldinthemtherestars]

I just add them whole to porridge, stews, casseroles, Bolognese etc, they just blend in and don't notice. Sometimes I just have a teaspoon dry and a big drink of water. It's important to drink lots of water with linseeds and Movicol too.

Are you up to walking? Movicol will soften everything but you might also need a bit of exercise to get things moving if you see what I mean!

Also glycerine suppositories are a blessing sometimes. Also good old Andrews (Magnesium health salts) and sometimes I resort to Senokot if I have to. Basically I tackle it from all directions, starting with the gentlest approach (linseeds in porridge, yoghurt etc) and keep adding stuff until I'm ok. It's ongoing management but not really a problem as long as I don't overdose on chocolate!

[LaughingLlama]

I have been on movicol for 9 years! It works my drawing fluid into the bowel and therefore softening up any hard stubborn stools. You may get liquid faeces leak around the blockage before the blockage moves itself.

[dahliaaa]

Thank you for all the advice.
I can't believe a / I'm talking about it b/ how much it's knocked me for six

[dahliaaa]

Ps laughing how many do you take a day?

[Ropsleybunny]

Yes I use glycerin suppositories. I have no regrets about my surgery. I was so ill with attacks with jaundice, there was no alternative.

[dahliaaa]

Glad it was still the right thing for you Ropsley

[LaughingLlama]

2 sachets a day.

Any movement yet?

[dahliaaa]

Not yet :-(
Took 4 sachets today plus a senna tonight
Going to do same tomorrow and if still nothing will see gp on Wednesday (still drinking loads inc prune juice etc.)

[goldinthemtherestars]

Dahliaaa I hope us waiting for news is not holding things up!

[Dailystuck71]

I am 4 week’s post op, OP but the opposite to you. It’s diahrrea for me.

[dahliaaa]

Sorry you've got opposite problem daily

gold I'm blaming you joking aside it's really starting to concern me now.

[dahliaaa]

TMI warning
.....

So I have had 2 BM's today. V soft (probably as a result of the movicol) and a fair amount but still don't feel 'empty' if that makes sense.

After trying all the lactulose / Calfig etc that didn't really work in addition to lots and lots of water I've taken:
Sat: 3 movicol
Sun: 4 movicol + 1 extra strength senna
Mon: 4 movicol + 1 extra strength senna
Tues: 4 movicol + planning to take senna again tonight

So going forward does this look like right thing to do to see if body starts to work on own :
Wed : 4 movicol / no senna
Thurs : 3 movicol
Fri : 3 movicol
Sat: 2 movicol
Sun : 2 movicol

Thanks for any advice

[KittiKat]

Oh you poor thing! I remember that the pain of the constipation was far, far worse than the gallbladder op!!! I was in agony!

I was so clogged up that my GP told me to take 8 sachets in 1 litre of water, all in one go. It took 2 days for the earth to move.

[dahliaaa]

Thanks Kittikat - after you'd taken the 8 what did you then do with the movicol and how long did you take it?