All surgical treatments can be stressful and constipation is typically a traumatic side effect that complicates the recovery procedure, and makes you feel a lot more unpleasant. What’s even worse is chronic constipation that can persist for numerous weeks after surgery.
Symptoms of Constipation After Surgery
Signs of severe constipation include:
- having to pressure during defecation
- having less than 3 defecation a week
- experiencing an unexpected decline in bowel movements
- having hard stools
- feeling full after defecation
- bloating or increased gas
- stomach or rectal pain
Keep reading to discover possible causes of constipation and ways to handle it.
Causes of Severe Constipation After Surgery
Several elements might support constipation after surgery. These consist of:
- narcotic pain relievers, such as opioids
- basic anesthesia
- an electrolyte, fluid, or glucose imbalance
- an inflammatory stimulus, such as trauma or infection
- changes to diet, especially inadequate fiber
- prolonged inactivity
Dealing with Severe Constipation After Surgery
Lifestyle and dietary changes might assist avoid constipation after surgery or, at least, minimize its period.
Start walking as quickly as your doctor gives you the go-ahead. Not just can this aid with constipation, however it can also help with the overall healing process while decreasing the possibilities of dangerous blood clots.
Attempt to limit your postoperative narcotics utilize. If you can tolerate the pain and your doctor approves, opt for acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen rather.
You must likewise prepare to take a stool softener, such as docusate (Colace), after surgery. A fiber laxative, such as psyllium (Metamucil), might likewise be practical. Purchase a laxative or stool softener prior to your surgery so that you have it available when you get house.
You must also consume lots of fluids, ideally water, in the days leading up to surgery and after. A high-fiber diet can likewise assist you avoid being constipated prior to surgery. That, in turn, can help you to prevent postoperative constipation. You might also want to add prunes and trim juice to your post-surgery diet.
Did You Know?
Research reveals that 40 percent of patients taking opiate drugs experience constipation.
Foods to Help With Constipation After Surgery
Lastly, avoid constipating foods. These might include:
- bananas
- milk products
- processed foods
- white bread or rice
- Eat More Fiber
A high-fiber diet may consist of:
- entire grains
- beans
- fresh fruits
- veggies
You may need stimulant laxatives, suppositories, or enemas to produce a defecation if you have severe constipation.
According to the clinic experts, prescription drugs that draw water into your guts to stimulate a defecation might be recommended if over the counter laxatives aren’t enough. Linaclotide (Linzess) or lubiprostone (Amitiza) are 2 such medications.
Constipation After Surgery – When to Worry
Severe Constipation can cause agonizing and potentially severe complications when left without treatment. These may consist of:
- anal cracks
- piles
- fecal impaction
- rectal prolapse
The amount of time it takes you to feel relief can be influenced by the amount of time you spent under anesthesia. Your time invested in narcotic pain relievers may likewise affect your recovery time.
You will usually experience relief within a couple of days if you’re taking stool softeners or fiber laxatives. Stimulant laxatives and suppositories ought to work within 24 hours. If not, alert your doctor so that further steps can be taken. Other reasons to contact your doctor include:
- rectal discomfort
- rectal bleeding
- abdominal pain that is not directly relevant to the surgical laceration
Be Proactive and Prepared
When it comes to severe constipation, relief can’t take place quickly enough. The condition isn’t really only agonizing. Straining can trigger your medical cut to resume, which is a significant problem. Luckily, most cases of post-surgical constipation clear up on their own without major issues.
The very best method to avoid constipation or lower the opportunity of establishing it after surgery is to end up being educated and be proactive. Deal with your doctor to create a pre- and post-surgery diet and treatment plan. Make certain to purchase a selection of high-fiber foods, stool softeners, or laxatives ahead of time so you’ll have them all set and available during your recovery.
