Constipation after surgery

[Toothsil]

I had surgery earlier this week and have need on some heavy duty opiates. When I was discharged, I was given something called sennosides to take if I couldn't go to the toilet. By last night I was really uncomfortable so took one at bedtime as per the instructions. A few hours later I had awful stomach cramps, diarrhoea now and again and the whole thing was awful until I finally did an actual poo. I'm now really scared of being unable to go again next time. I'm not taking that again. Is there anything I could try that would be more gentle, like a daily thing I could take to make things easier, but without dramatic results? I'm trying to increase my fruit and veg intake but my appetite isn't really back yet from the surgery.

Lactulose is a stool softener, over the counter from your pharmacist. You can take it twice a day to keep things moving.

Tbh though, if you hadn’t been for several days, it was likely going to be an unpleasant experience (and the gentler stuff wouldn’t have got you going…).

Do you your fibre and drink LOTS of water.

Prunes. Just a few to start.

Should read do up your fibre

PS opiates are well known for leading to constipation, it’s horrible.

Lactose or docusate sodium ( dulcoease) are both gentle stool softeners which will help things keep moving, along with increasing fibre intake. It's important to drink plenty of fluids when increasing fibre.
Sometimes being immobile can slow things down too, so try and move about if you can, if your condition allows you to do so.

Lactose or/and movicol. Nothing will work well unless you drink enough water.

I have had uncomfortable experiences with senna based stuff and also dulcolax which is advertised as giving 'gentle overnight relief'

Movicol or Laxido (which is cheaper) are gentle and hold onto water instead of trying to push dry stuff through. Glycerine suppositories work well at the other end if it is dry.

Lots of fruit (especially kiwis) and fluids will really help. Cut some up and keep it in the fridge to pick at if you are off your food.