To ask about laxatives...

[Pippa12]

Please help... im soooo constipated after a surgery- combination of painkillers, lack of mobility and poor appetite.

Can anybody recommend a gentle laxative that wont see me exploding of the toilet like a rocket. My mobility isnt fully back yet and i have further appointments tomorrow that i would reeeeaaalllyyy like to keep my dignity at!

Anybody any experiance out there as i feel grotty! Tia

I used lactulose after my c section. I didn't use the recommended dosage though- think it said 3 spoons and I took 1. I went a few hours later and it was just a normal poo, no explosions.

Movicol. Really I would have expected them to advise on this if you're on something that causes constipation and are immobile after surgery.

Yes lactose, used after births, gentle and really effective

lactulose and weetabix!

Laxido here - the most effective one I've found so far. (on codeine and iron tablets - double whammy!) Sachets you mix with water, not totally disgusting. No nasty surprise explosions.

If you’re really constipated then glycerin suppositories will clear you out. I had to use them after an op and hadn’t been to the loo for almost a week and was in agony (probably TMI) but these cleared me out. Quite violent but quick violent if you know what I mean.

I’m sure lactulose works but I needed a quick fix!!

They only make you explode if you abuse them, don't they?

A normal dose for the correct reason should just make you go naturally.

Movicol. It softens everything instead of just forcing it through you.

I insist on it for every minor op after a dreadful experience many years ago.

Lactulose.
Stool softeners are better than laxatives which can be a bit extreme.

Thanks for the advice ladies- ill send my hubby out today. They did advise laxatives if required but didn't specify which- i thought id just ask for opinions. Mumsnet never fails!

My consultant gastroenterologist took me off Lactulose and senna and swapped me to Movicol

Movicol isn't explosive but will get things moving. Remember to put your feet on a stool and lift them higher when you're sat on the loo!

Im going to make an assumption so please correct me, if mobility is affected that your stomach was maybe not the site of the surgery

Im not a medic but ive been tho this and its horrible so here is my list of things to try as i see you have also been suggested movical, lacotlose etc

Simple stuff first - abdominal self massage, if it isnt near the site of your surgery and you feel confident to try, here is a link www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/gi/abdominal-massage-for-constipation.pdf

Glycerin suppositories are good, once inserted and they are getting to work, the pain and spasms as you try to hold will get very intense but the release on the loo is good relief, hold onto the suppositories as long as possible.

There wont be any reprecussions for following days from this. Its short lasting effects will help clear out but the cramps will be intense and the longer you can hold the better

www.boots.com/boots-constipation-relief-12-suppositories-10006837 this can also be got own brand in Tesco, not sure about other supermarkets,

Good luck

I have the same problem if I take co-codamol. I recently had to wait a long time for knee surgery, and I was prescribed Laxido for the inevitable constipation from taking the pain killers. It was brilliant - no terrible cramping or explosions, (as you can get with over the counter laxatives). Your doctor will be able to prescribe it. You just mix with water and drink it.

You don't need a prescription for Movicol (pretty much the same as Laxido). You can buy OTC

I am the current expert on this. I'm still in hospital after surgery 10 days ago. Lactulose did nothing. Glyserole suppositories had an instant but temporary result. Movicol twice a day with senna over night worked... but too well. My bowels finally 'woke up' properly yesterday and I am off to the toilet about every 20mins!!! Nurses always banging on about water and keeping moving - I found standing and swaying my hips helped. Yesterday morning I looked 8 months pregnant carrying a giant stone, today only about 4 months pregnant. More toilet trips for me! I think you should try the glycerine suppositories then movicol if that doesn't work. Good luck!