Is it true that GA causes constipation?

[Pioneer]

Ah sod it - can't be bothered to name change !

Had a GA yesterday and haven't been to the toilet today - had a bit of pressure and pain in the tummy area so I am assuming it is constipation and not a problem with the procedure (LLETZ).

Anyone got any good tips for getting things gently moving?

Sorry if TMI for Saturday evening!

yes, its true.

Lactulose, senocot or similar from chemist. dulcolax pearls......the list is endless. sorry - don't know what LLETZ stands for, so don't know if any of these suggestions would be too strong. Lactulose is very gentle.

yes. The anaesthetic dries the bowel out.

I had a GA for LLETZ too and ended up in a bit of a state, the nurse gave me Movicol as it softens the poo (sorry for the TMI) and re-hydrates the bowel so you can go to the toilet easily. I much prefer Movicol to lactulose. I think it's in the Ducolax pearls too so you can get it over the counter that way.

It stands for large loop excision of the transformation zone - which is basically removing pre cancerous cells from the cervix.

I'm concerned about it as I think that any "powerful" movement in that area could dislodge the area IYSWIM.

Not sure if the local chemist is open so going to raid the medicine cupboard to see if we have anything.

Currently swigging a large glass of fresh OJ .

Oh I think I my mum might have left some dulco ease here for her lol!

I'll go and look it out.

Meglet - was it ok when you eventually "went".....

yes, it had been um, solid, until the movicol got to work and it was fine and happened normally.

Drink lots of water too.

Opiates may cause a bit of sluggishness, but a constipation/GA link is rather tenous, and it's much more likely to have been caused mechanically - by the guggling round in your abdomen, compounded by the restriction to your intake from the nil-by-mouth in the run up ( less there in the first place).

You need to avoid the meds that make you go by stimulation. But you should be fine with lactulose or fibre supplements such as psyllium. Plenty of fluids and fruit/veg also good, to keep it as soft as possible.

And I suppose it's like that first post-natal poo when you're desperate for it to happen but in fear when it does! Good luck! (And with the wider recovery).

Yes it is reminiscent of the post natal poo situation!

Well I have had a lot of water, orange juice, a nectarine and some broccoli so fingers crossed that it does something.