If you are about to have surgery, be aware that constipation is common after surgery. Many pain relievers (especially opioid analgesics) and the anesthesia used during surgery slow down the gastrointestinal tract and can therefore cause constipation. In addition, constipation can occur after surgery on the stomach or intestines, as well as due to a special diet. There are many ways to relieve constipation after surgery. These can be changes in lifestyle, diet or medication.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Taking Medication for Constipation
Step 1. Take a stool softener
If you are constipated, you should try stool softeners first. This type of medication will help you to normalize your bowel movements. They can be purchased without a prescription at your local pharmacy.
- The principle of action of these drugs is that they saturate the stool with moisture. This softens the stool and makes it easier for it to pass through the intestines.
- Keep in mind that stool softeners do not necessarily cause bowel movements, they only make it easier.
- Take a stool softener 1 to 2 times daily, or follow your doctor's instructions or directions for use.
- If a stool softener does not work, other remedies may be needed.
Step 2. Take a mild laxative
A laxative may be taken along with a stool softener. This will help you deal with constipation.
- There are two main types of laxatives: motility stimulants and osmotic drugs. Try an osmotic laxative first. Peristalsis stimulants can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps.
- Osmotic laxatives allow fluid to enter the intestines and make it easier for stools to pass through the colon.
- Constipation is often helped by a combination of a stool softener and an osmotic laxative.
Step 3. Take a lubricant
A lesser known way to relieve constipation after surgery is to take a lubricating laxative. You can buy a similar product without a prescription at your local pharmacy.
- Lubricants are similar to stool softeners - they also make it easier for stool to pass through the intestines. However, this is achieved by lubricating the intestinal walls rather than moisturizing the stool.
- Lubricants such as mineral oil and fish oil are widely used. While these remedies are not very tasty, they do help relieve constipation without causing stomach cramps or diarrhea.
Step 4. Try using suppositories or an enema
If more gentle methods don't work, try other methods. Serious constipation can be treated with suppositories (suppositories) or enemas.
- Typically, candles contain glycerin. When using suppositories, glycerin is absorbed into the muscles of the rectum, which leads to their slight contraction. This facilitates the passage of the stool through the intestines.
- You can also take a stool softener before using suppositories. This will ease the passage of stagnant stools and reduce possible pain.
- You can also give an enema. This not very pleasant procedure allows you to immediately deal with constipation. Ask your surgeon if you can use an enema. Enema is contraindicated after some operations, including the colon and rectum.
- Enema can be purchased without a prescription at your local pharmacy. Read the instructions for use carefully. Give the enema only once. If your condition does not improve after this, see your doctor.
Step 5. Take suitable pain relievers
There are many pain medications that can help relieve constipation after surgery. However, there are also drugs that cause constipation.
- One of the main causes of constipation after surgery is taking pain relievers. While these medications are necessary, they often slow down the bowel movement.
- If you are prescribed pain relievers, take them in moderation and follow your doctor's orders.
- Assess your pain level daily. If pain decreases, reduce the amount of pain relievers. The sooner you stop taking pain medications, the sooner your bowel movements will return to normal.
- For mild pain, ask your doctor about mild pain relievers that do not cause constipation.
Step 6. In all cases, consult your doctor
Regardless of which drug for constipation you are going to take, you should first consult your doctor.
- Most mild over-the-counter constipation remedies are safe and effective.
- However, some constipation relievers may interact with other medications or may not work well after certain surgeries.
- If you have constipation, you are not sure if certain medications can be taken, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Find out what you can and cannot take, as well as the recommended dosage, frequency and duration of administration.
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Constipation Naturally
Step 1. Increase your fluid intake
One of the most effective natural ways to prevent or manage constipation is to drink enough fluids. Use this method as soon as you can drink after surgery.
- Typically, an adult should drink about 8 glasses (2 liters) of clear liquid daily. However, you can drink even more fluids after the operation to normalize bowel function.
- Drink plain water, mineral water, flavored water, decaf coffee and tea.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can dehydrate your body. Also, avoid sodas, fruit juices, spirits, and energy drinks.
Step 2. Drink natural laxative tea
In addition to regular water, you can drink some teas that promote bowel movement. Try to include these teas in your diet after surgery.
- Natural laxative teas are available at your local pharmacy or health food store. They do not contain stimulants, they only contain dry tea and herbs that help with constipation.
- There are many herbal remedies and teas that promote peristalsis, so check the packaging carefully. It should say "mild laxative". These are the funds that should be used after surgery.
- Try drinking laxative teas without sugar. You can add a little honey to them.
- Be careful: drink 1-2 glasses of laxative tea a day. Typically, herbal remedies work within a few hours after ingestion.
Step 3. Eat prunes and drink juice from them
Prunes and their juice have long been proven remedies for constipation.
- Prunes and their juice are excellent laxatives. Prunes contain the natural sugar sorbitol, which has a mild laxative effect.
- To begin with, drink about 120-250 milliliters (half a glass-glass) of prune juice per day. Make sure it is pure, natural juice. To get rid of constipation, it is better to drink warm juice.
- If you choose to eat prunes, keep them sugar-free. Start with half a glass.
Step 4. Take dietary fiber supplements
Another natural way to relieve constipation is to increase your fiber intake. When combined with liquid, dietary fiber will soften the stool and make it easier for it to pass through the intestines.
- There are several different ways to add fiber to your diet. To do this, you can take nutritional supplements in the form of capsules, gummies, or powder.
- Take fiber supplements 1 to 2 times daily. Observe the instructions for use. Remember, bigger is not better. Too much fiber can cause stomach cramps, bloating, and stomach upset.
- Always check with your doctor before taking a pill or chewing gum dietary supplement. After some operations, such supplements are contraindicated.
Step 5. Refrain from foods that cause constipation
There are many natural remedies available to relieve constipation. However, some foods contribute to constipation and should be avoided after surgery.
- Certain trace minerals, such as potassium and calcium, contribute to constipation. Do not eat foods that contain these trace elements in large quantities, so as not to worsen your condition.
- Constipation can be worsened by the following foods: dairy products (such as cheese, milk, or yogurt), bananas, white bread, white rice, processed foods.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Constipation
Step 1. Monitor the regularity of your bowel movements
Begin observing your stool before surgery. This will help you identify and manage postoperative constipation in time.
- Remember that surgery can lead to constipation, so you should prepare for this beforehand.
- Note how often you empty your bowels. Does it happen twice a day, daily, or every other day?
- Also, pay attention to how easy it is for you to empty your bowels. Even with regular stool, it matters how easy it goes away.
- At the first sign of constipation, try to get rid of it before surgery. Constipation may worsen after surgery.
Step 2. Eat foods with a lot of dietary fiber and drink plenty of fluids
Pay close attention to your diet and fluid intake before surgery. Improper diet before surgery can lead to constipation after surgery.
- A high fiber diet is good for preventing constipation. If you have surgery, try to add fiber to your diet.
- High amounts of fiber are found in foods such as legumes (beans and others), 100% whole grains (oats, brown rice, kenoa, whole wheat), fruits and vegetables.
- Monitor your dietary fiber intake with a food diary or a dedicated mobile phone app. Women should consume at least 25 grams daily and men should consume at least 38 grams of dietary fiber.
- Also pay attention to the amount of liquid you drink. Remember that you should drink at least 1.8 liters of water and other pure drinks per day.
Step 3. Lead an active lifestyle
In addition to proper nutrition, physical activity should be maintained before surgery. It also helps prevent constipation.
- You should start walking after your surgery as soon as your doctor permits you. Physical activity not only helps prevent constipation, but also promotes a speedy recovery.
- Regular exercise stimulates the colon. In addition, light aerobic exercise (such as walking or jogging) promotes regular bowel movements.
- Aim to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week. Moderate exercise can help relieve constipation.
- Try walking, jogging, elliptical exercise, hiking, dancing, cycling, swimming.
Step 4. Try to use the restroom regularly
To prevent constipation, you must regularly empty your bowels. Listen to your body and pay attention to the urge to defecate to avoid constipation.
- Your body will tell you when to go to the bathroom.
- If you feel like it's time to go to the restroom, do not hold back and do not postpone, as later this desire may pass. Delaying going to the bathroom repeatedly can lead to constipation.
- As time goes on, your bowel movements will become more regular and you will learn to better understand your body's signals. Your bowels may end up emptying around the same time every day.
Advice
- After the operation, you will be under the supervision of your doctor. If you have any problems with your stool, report them to your doctor.
- If you have surgery, try to normalize your bowel movements beforehand. Consult your doctor before surgery and discuss possible postoperative constipation with him.
- At the first sign of constipation, appropriate action must be taken. Delay can lead to a worsening of the condition.