I wasn’t going to post the following account of day 15 as I thought it’s possibly a step too far but when I started doing these posts I said it would be truthful warts and all so I’ve decided to tell it like it was and if I offend anyone in the process I apologise in advance. I’ve always been an honest person and to me it’s just another part of my journey on the road to full recovery .
I told you I’d been a little constipated well things came to a head yesterday it started about about 2pm when I got the urge to go but couldn’t it was there but I couldn’t pass it . I told the nurse who gave me senokot I wanted to do a walk but after 50 metres I got the urge and had to come back sat in the loo for about 45 minutes absolutely nothing would pass . I went up to my room at 4pm to be near the loo just in case as the pain was starting to become a problem . She said it’s been caused by my lifesaver painkillers “Oxycodon” apparently anything with “co” in the title contains codene and this is the major cause of severe constipation. I missed evening supper at 6.30pm as I was scared to leave the room and wasn’t hungry anyway . I had been sat on the loo for another hour but something was stuck there was no way I was going to be able to pass this stool it just felt an impossible task I was told not to push too hard because of my new heart valve just do lots of little pushes. It was now 8.30pm and I’m in real pain I needed a wee but it felt like something was pushing on my prostate and although the urge to have a wee was there I now couldn’t pass water so I’m worried . The nurse said your not gonna like this but I need you to lie on your left hand side on the bed which I did and she proceeded to give me an embarrassing sepository and an enema I had to lay there for at least 10 minutes or longer if I could ignoring the urge to go. After 15 minutes there was still no urge 20 minutes still nothing I lay there for 30 minutes then went to the loo ....... what a disaster loads of diarrhoea but “he who would not surface “ was still stuck and refusing to budge I was now very worried and had visions of having to go to the local hospital to be sorted as I was in a lot of pain . The nurse was amazing she kept reassuring me that between us we would sort it . It’s now 11.00pm and I’m given another dose of senokot I told her it’s not going to work I’m just going to do lots more diarrhoea but it won’t sort out the real problem the blockage . I’m now sat there swearing at my my poo .......... come on you little bastard .......why won’t you bleep bleep come. ..... frustration and pain send you over the edge I hope no one heard me because if they had they would have thought I was a complete fruitcake !!!
The nurse came back at 11.45pm and suggested she put some gloves on and massaged my rectum from behind whilst I sat on the loo ......... I can honestly say I’ve never felt so vulnerable, embarressed and completely exposed as I did when she was doing that. It was painful and she kept apologising but I told her to carry on as this needed sorting I’d got to the stage where I didn’t care any longer this had to come out . 30 minutes of massage of the rectum and she wanted me to start pushing oh my god I was pushing she was massaging and it eventually happened I can’t describe how it felt it was a mixture of joy, an element of embarrassment and complete relief and within minutes of it happening the pressure was off my prostate and I was able to wee which was a godsend. It’s now around 12.45 to 1am and it’s all about getting cleaned up and trying to get some sleep I thought I’d endured enough embarrassment for one day then she came back in the room and said because of all the laxatives we’ve given you plus the enema and the sepository I’m gonna need you to wear this just for tonight in case you have an accident while your asleeep ........... “an adult pull-up “ I said what do you expect me to do with that she said wear it under your boxers or your pyjamas just for tonight after everything she’d done for me it was the least I could do so I got changed and went to bed
I Woke up this morning and after a coffee managed to go to the loo without pain that will be last nights senakot still working through
The events between 2pm and 1 am yesterday were so bizarre you mind is saying ...... did that really happen ......... well unfortunately it did. I now have the dilemma of knowing what the root cause is “ Oxycoden” and trying to cut back on using my pain killers it’s a viscous circle and one that’s gonna take some real managing as I never want to find myself in a similar situation to yesterday
I’m shattered and need to catch up on some sleep and as previously stated I hope I haven’t offended anyone by just being honest
Pete ❤️
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Morning Pete. Absolutely vital to post this information and in such an honest manner. Unfortunately many pain meds are responsible for constipation. worth eating as much natural laxatives as possible prunes fruit leafy greens etc along with lots of water. Gentle massaging of the abdomen (following the path of the colon) can also help. Sorry you’re going through this it can be extremely painful exhausting and frustrating as you have found out! Take care. Zena x
Hi Pete, a story to share with friends over a pint or two! I do love your posts as you make me laugh whilst sympathising with your situation and dread at possible things to come when it’s my turn! 😳
It reminded me of a similar situation we ladies can find ourselves in after giving birth- damned if you push and damned if you don’t!
Hi Peter, Constipation is no joke at the best of times and with your situation, it must have been a nightmare. I agree with Zena try all the natural laxatives in your diet and hope that keeps things gently working. I think your posts make people aware of situations that may arise after major surgery. I for one prefer to know these things and be prepared. Hope you have a better and more comfortable day today.
Hi Pete, constipation is something I suffered with, I take Codeine as well. Now I have a problem with it. I have been taking it for 5 years, tried to stop taking them a couple of times but it made me feel so bad with sweats and shakes. I told my doctor and he is slowly bring the amount I take down to zero.
The constipation ended after 2 months or so. But a bigger problem, the Codeine has took over. So be aware.
Look after yourself and don't over do things again. Your body and not your heart will let you know what's rite. Look forward to your posts.
Hi Pete, thanks for your honesty and I’m sure you’re not alone with that problem post surgery. It’s a frequent problem following general anaesthetic and every time the nurses came round on the drug run they asked if we’d had a movement! I have to take paracetamol and codeine almost daily because of my back so I have to be careful about constipation. I also can’t take senna or senakot as it gives me really bad stomach cramps. In hospital they gave me lactulose and if I do get constipated I take a stool softener. You need to make sure you drink plenty too, as that helps to keep your bowels moving.
Glad you’re all sorted now, sounds like it was worth the embarrassment.
I’m sure I’m not on my own as you say and although I feel better today I’ve no energy and I’m just trying to chill and recooperate . Tomorrow is another day hopefully along with it comes some energy I can but hope
Oh Pete you certainly have a way with the English language. Poor you. I keep getting visions of that poor nurse massaging your butt and agree you'll have a good laugh at it in a few days when the trauma settles down. Keep well my friend. Shiona
The posts are great, save them for later, but don't spare the detail. You will look back at the experience in a few months time and realise you are stronger for it. Much.
Regarding painkillers - morphine based painkillers are the easy reach for some medics. Enquire about alternatives - alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol, or something not morphine based.
I had two bouts of constipation post op and it just ain't funny. All part of the recovery process but one that we with fragile chests could do without.
Poor you. I remember my mother being in a similar situation after taking a codeine based drug. Nothing worked for her until a lovely nurse said that she would try a herbal enema used in the West Indies.
Look after yourself and let us know if you feel better tomorrow.
Everyone jokes about constipation, until it really happens to them. You have my total sympathy. Are you still taking morphine based pain killers 15 days on?
I was taking something called “Oxycodon “ which is an opiate and does contain codene which is the constipation king apparently !!!!
Met the doctor at the convalescent home yesterday I haven’t had a painkiller now since Thursday lunchtime as I’m scared of getting another bout of constipation he’s prescribed me tramadol as a back up should I need it instead of the oxycoden but at the moment I’m trying to cope with out they want me to take lactolose for my bowels which I’ve started this morning hopefully things will go to plan
I've been on oxycodone for 18 years so I know the problem well. I find that prunes sort me out literally overnight but if that fails, a daily dose ( or alternate days) of lactulose keeps things moving without the pain that senokot causes.
Hi Pete, I do empathise with you mate. I had this problem post op. Tried so hard to be independant and work it out myself but things did not come to pass... Finally I caved in and the senior nurse who was a lovely soul sorted me out as you describe, it seems terribly embarrassing but their is little dignity in it all just felt sorry for the other 5 lads in the ward behind the curtains. The sense of relief to remove the rock and the hard piece is incredible. I loved that lady for her compassion and kindness in carrying out the procedure but I was treated with respect and now 5 months later I can laugh about it. Always took the sennacot after that until things balanced outas they do.
You take care and enjoy the nurses attention, they are priceless on a cardiac ward!
Honestly Pete, I’m so sorry but I did chuckle. Most women have these sorts of conversations (and some) routinely, especially after childbirth. I won’t bore you with stiches or dilation stories!! Sharing stuff so honestly is helpful and will help demystify issues for others. Keep on with your blog , Loz xx
I know my situation is nothing like what you wonderful ladies go through during childbirth i can’t begin to imagine But I’m getting lots of replies from men who have had a similar experience to me and do you know what it is definitely good to talk
I cannot tolerate either ibrufen or the 'co's. Whilst the anesthetic and morphine made me somewhat constipated (senna and furosemide get you walking) I have no issues with tramadol.
I will use the tramadol as and when I need it I do think I was probably using the Oxycodon on a regular basis and with hindsight may have been able to spread them out more . Hindsight is a wonderful thing as always
What an utter nightmare deluxe..you are so brave. Bless your for sharing. Your postings are so delightfully ~ tell it exactly like it is, warts and all. Thank goodness your hilarious sense of humour prevails. Rest easy 🌻
Loving your posts! What an absolute nightmare. Poor you. I remember when I was in hospital I was given a dose of lactulose every day I was there (liquid dose) which did the trick and was given a bottle of it to take home with me, never used as I didn't take codeine only paracetomol. Hope things improve xx
I had dogs all my life mainly cocker spaniels but I rescued a dog and she was a Border Collie German Shepherd cross called Molly she was mega intelligent and I had her for 17 years still miss her now
Pete... Absolutely right about the codeine... I have a friend who dare not even touch ONE it has such a bad effect on her... What a game you've had with poo... I do hope you are feeling better..
Pete, thank you for your brutally honest post! It made me laugh on a particularly bleak day after my angiogram showed my stent was 95% blocked and they had to open it up again with balloons. I am avidly reading all of them to prepare myself for my op in October. Very educational....the sort of thing no one else is going to tell me. Keep them up and the honesty...it's very much appreciated.
Hey Pete, just catching up on your latest posts (been busy with boring work stuff) - crickey! Hope it all gets sorted for you mate. But hope things (especially down there) are starting to sort themselves for you now. Nic
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