constipation from pain meds

[nuguy2]

inthezone in a post today warns of constipation "Any time you're on narcotics be sure to take something to keep your bowels moving. I took Colace and fiber. When you have stitches, You don't want to strain on the toilet. Especially with 3 piece devices that have a reservoir in your abdomen, you don't want to create a hernia while your inguinal canal is trying to heal."

I am curious what others have done to avoid constipation and how bad a problem they have found it to be.

[Steven1111]

I have a chronic pain condition and take a huge dose of morphine and also some dilaudid every day of my life to maintain my ability to live comfortably. So I know a lot about constipation and opiates. When this surgery came up I was concerned about getting constipated. I didn't. It only took me 3 days to have a regular BM after the surgery and here's why: I take a stool softener - docusate sulfate 250mgs.- every day, as well as 1500mg vitamin C and some magnesium. All on standing orders of my Pain Doc. So I just upped the docusate and C after the surgery and it did the trick. It's a hassle perhaps but not a real bad issue I don't think. I'm rarely constipated now but if I am I just take some extra C and docusate and I'm fine. I'd recommend these as they aren't regular laxatives and are very gentle and only make your stools looser so they can just slip out. I Never strain at all and things work fine every day. Hope this helps.

cheers,
Steve

[rlm1818]

I was prescribed a stool softener by the implant surgeon, starting a couple days before surgery. Also given multiple laxative suggestions from the surgeon in case of need, including enemas. Took the stool softener, but didn't need anything else, but was only on narcs for 24 hours. I think if your surgeon in on the ball, he will be solving the constipation issue along with whatever pain meds he gives you. If he doesn't address the issue ask about it. If he doesn't address the issue, I'd worry about whether I picked the right surgeon.

[Dave92014]

I eat mostly chicken and fish. Very little red meat. I have noticed that whenever I do eat red meat my stools are much firmer. I took the prescription pain meds for 4 days after surgery. For the first week after surgery I made sure not to eat any red meat. During that time I did not have any constipation. My doc suggested stool softeners if I needed them, but I never needed them. The "no red meat" protocol might not be sufficient for everyone but it is easy to do and no side effects from doing it.

Dave

[GaryRN]

Vicodin constipates me. I take 2 colace daily and drink plenty of water to move the poop. Straining is not good post implant.
Thanks, Gary

[Bxguy1]

I took miralax daily with plenrty of water throughout the day. Also ate prunes and other fruits and veggies. No red meat ...and start this regimen 3 days before your procedure date to get your system ready. If you still need a laxative try prune juice or milk of magnesia...

It's good to ask these preparation type questions so you will know what to expect and what to focus on. Best of luck to you. I am 2 weeks post op and everything is good so far (much better, hardly any pain and the pipes are working..wink wink) ...you will see that after the first few days things can dramatically improve.