Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Constipation after Surgery

20 replies

Mama12345678910 · 07/01/2023 12:54

Hi,

I had abdominal surgery (hernia open surgery) on Thursday 5th Jan and have just been discharged today. I’m on tramadol, codeine and paracetamol and had oramorph on top of that in hospital. I haven’t opened my bowels since surgery however I’m having lots of cramping and can feel gas moving through my belly but can’t push to pass wind or anything because I’m too sore and can’t strain. I’ve started movicol today but don’t have the urge to go yet just really uncomfortable.

Ive been constipated post surgery before and it was awful so don’t want to get back in the same position again. Should I start on suppositories yet or give the movicol more time to work? I’ve only had 1 sachet so far today should I take another? I’m just so tired and want to sleep in bed but currently sat on the toilet trying to pass gas. Any help would be appreciated.

OP posts:
Greybeardy · 07/01/2023 13:28

You probably need to speak to the team that looked after you. It’s relatively unusual to need a 2 night stay after straightforward hernia surgery and relatively unusual to be discharged if you can’t pass wind. The people who know what operation you’ve had/any technical issues will be best to advise. HTH.

Original poster
Mama12345678910 · 07/01/2023 14:10

I ended up having to stay due to pain management. The hernia was bigger than they thought and was underneath my bellybutton. It was meant to be keyhole surgery but they ended up having to do open surgery due to the size of it. They also chose not to use the mesh and chose to stitch the hernia instead due to the proximity to my bowel and the increased infection risk because of that

OP posts:
picklemewalnuts · 07/01/2023 14:13

I'm also surprised that you were discharged- though I know nothing!

bellac11 · 07/01/2023 14:21

I dont have advice about your specific issue, but recently I had surgery and because of not eating before the surgery and not eating for some days after, I got constipated and the strain of trying to go when I hadnt taken laxatives cause a terrible hemmorhoid, which was excruciating. So in future I know that before the problem even gets that bad Im going to take quite a lot of products to ensure I dont get that far

I had some lactose stuff in the cupboard already, nt sure what it was to be honest. I should have taken it as soon as I got home.

Hope this gets better for you but use what you can to get moving again

Original poster
Mama12345678910 · 07/01/2023 14:22

I think they were pretty keen to free up beds 😬 so were trying to discharge people as quick as possible.

OP posts:
Forthelast · 07/01/2023 14:25

In your position I would take eight movicols in a six hour window, two docusate and a dose of picosulphate. Then wait. But I am not medically trained.

Original poster
Mama12345678910 · 07/01/2023 14:25

bellac11 · 07/01/2023 14:21

I dont have advice about your specific issue, but recently I had surgery and because of not eating before the surgery and not eating for some days after, I got constipated and the strain of trying to go when I hadnt taken laxatives cause a terrible hemmorhoid, which was excruciating. So in future I know that before the problem even gets that bad Im going to take quite a lot of products to ensure I dont get that far

I had some lactose stuff in the cupboard already, nt sure what it was to be honest. I should have taken it as soon as I got home.

Hope this gets better for you but use what you can to get moving again

Thank you. I’ve started on movicol that I had in the cupboard and have finally been able to pass gas. I was feeling very rumbly but hadn’t been able to get anything out as can’t use abdominal muscles. No urge to go to the toilet yet but definitely feel some relief from being able to pass the gas.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mama12345678910 · 07/01/2023 14:26

Thanks for the advice! Can I ask why you’d recommend so many movicol sachets?

OP posts:
megletthesecond · 07/01/2023 14:26

You need stool softener. That should help.

bellac11 · 07/01/2023 14:28

Mama12345678910 · 07/01/2023 14:25

Thank you. I’ve started on movicol that I had in the cupboard and have finally been able to pass gas. I was feeling very rumbly but hadn’t been able to get anything out as can’t use abdominal muscles. No urge to go to the toilet yet but definitely feel some relief from being able to pass the gas.

Show quote history

No dont strain whatever you do, you'll just have to wait until you can be sure it will just fall out (sorry to be TMI)

My problem was my impatience and I strained really hard, surprised I didnt give myself a black out, my head went funny and it was so uncomfortable. I should have just waited.

Original poster
Mama12345678910 · 07/01/2023 14:30

Thank you! No definitely won’t strain! I have IBS so normally am the other way and I’m rushing to the toilet so being bunged up isn’t something I’ve got much experience with. I’m far too sore to be able to strain anyway but hopefully the movicol works so I can just let it fall out 😬 passing gas is a good sign though and making me feel a lot less full so I’ll take that for now.

OP posts:
bellac11 · 07/01/2023 14:32

You're the same as me, yes I normally have IBS and am the other way round

been and done it. · 07/01/2023 15:41

I broke my back a couple of years ago and was on the same pain meds as you. I couldn't strain either it was horrendous I didn't go for 7 days but lactulose pretty much sorted me out.

Blowyourowntrumpet · 07/01/2023 16:27

I had exactly the same after surgery and was told to take 2 movicol on day one, four on day two, 6 on day three and eight on day four. One sachet won't do anything and it takes a few days to work.

Original poster
Mama12345678910 · 07/01/2023 18:10

Blowyourowntrumpet · 07/01/2023 16:27

I had exactly the same after surgery and was told to take 2 movicol on day one, four on day two, 6 on day three and eight on day four. One sachet won't do anything and it takes a few days to work.

Thank you. Had 1 today so will have another then try four tomorrow and see how I go. Feeling quite nauseous and got heartburn so it’s been tricky to keep them down as I was sick earlier but hoping with each day I’ll get better 🤞🏼think it’s just all the pain medication making me feel sick. Thanks for your advice everyone.

OP posts:
PearlclutchersInc · 07/01/2023 18:13

Movicol doesn't work immediately, can take up to 24 hours (IME) and you need to take at least another if not 2-3 more.

AnnaMagnani · 07/01/2023 18:18

It's a combination of the anaesthetic and the pain relief making you so constipated.

I gave up the pain relief when I realised it was actually making the pain worse. The best pain relief for the abdominal wounds was hugging a firm pillow anyway.

At least 2 Movicol if not more everyday and don't stop until you aren't taking pain relief anymore. And it takes 2-3 days to work so don't shilly shally around with 1 sachet a day in hope.

Beachsidesunset · 07/01/2023 18:31

I had a recent abdominal open surgery and my surgeon told me to take the minimum pain relief necessary. Preferably no codeine.

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 07/01/2023 18:35

I had this after gallbladder surgery. Stool softener was definitely needed as well as lots of water and fruit to help keep things moving.

HScully · 07/01/2023 19:29

Codeine is notorious for this, I would take lots of stool softener

New posts on this thread. Refresh page