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Original poster

Constipation after surgery- advice?

12 replies

Mimosa834 · 12/08/2023 20:51

Tmi alert. I had surgery on my bum and have been constipated since the procedure. After the surgery I was nauseous from the GA and could barely eat, but was drinking a lot as I had a uti and bladder had stopped working. My bladder is working now but still haven’t had a bowel movement. The surgeon prescribed Fybogel twice a day. I’ve been out for a walk today and am eating a balanced diet, lots of veg and fruit, soluble fibre and protein, drinking loads of water. It’s been 2 days since surgery and last BM. I don’t want to strain as I have an open wound in my back passage and it is very sore. I was considering a laxative but I don’t want it coming out fast either! Has anyone had luck with Fybogel, do I just need to stick with it, does it work? Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
NewUserNameSaved · 12/08/2023 22:47

I would say try Dulcoease (NOT Dulcolax). Take one in the evening. I think it works a bit better, and quicker, than fybogel.
Eating 2 whole kiwi fruit each day (inc skins) is also really good for constipation, 5/6 deglet nour dates are good too, along with your general fruit & veg.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Busubaba · 12/08/2023 22:48

A big glass of prune juice in the morning.

NewUserNameSaved · 12/08/2023 22:48

Are you on prescription painkillers? Cocodamol/codeine causes constipation so if you are still taking any that won’t be helping.

Original poster
Mimosa834 · 12/08/2023 23:18

Thank you for the suggestions, I’ll get some Dulcoease tomorrow. Is it specifically only to be taken in the evening?
I’ll try those food suggestions as well, I forgot about prunes and dates.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mimosa834 · 12/08/2023 23:20

I’m not taking any painkillers at all, for fear of making constipation worse.

OP posts:
NewUserNameSaved · 12/08/2023 23:24

Not specifically, I suppose I just wouldn’t take it in the morning if I was planning on going out and about and needed to be near a loo!

Twiggywinkle13 · 12/08/2023 23:25

I just came to also recommend Dulcoease. I took them following a c section as I was very constipated. They did the trick. I didn’t take them only at night, I’m sure it was a few times through the day. Good luck!

Rustyigloo · 13/08/2023 17:24

I couldn't poo for a fortnight after my cesarean section. Midwife suggested 40ml of prune juice but it has to be warmed up. Not sure why it needs to be warmed but she was scary and I did as she said.

AgnesX · 13/08/2023 17:26

Laxido ..... Two a day to begin with until things start moving. It'll take a day or so to get going.
(Movicol is the same thing).

Original poster
Mimosa834 · 13/08/2023 21:59

Thank you for your suggestions, it is appreciated x

OP posts:
CalmDownBoris72 · 14/08/2023 08:07

I was discharged with Senna tablets and sachets of laxido. I used the laxido to get things moving and then Senna before bed to keep things going while I was less active, I even keep some in the medicine drawer for days when I feel a bit bunged up, constipation makes me miserable and also causes me to feel anxious and not sleep!

I hope you manage to find a solution.

CalmDownBoris72 · 14/08/2023 08:08

Also, my ex midwife MIL always swore by dried apricots for constipation.

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