Can't go

[rockchick200317]

Hi. On Tuesday this week, I had a laprascopy. I'm in alot of pain coz can't go to loo properly....can pass urine bit nothing else! Any suggestions?

[Shehulk]

Hi, I was the same after surgery . It took me 6 days before I went to the toilet properly. Are you taking any laxatives of any kind? I was given lactulose and fibrogel at the hospital but the only think that work for me at the end was a supository, you can those without prescription. Call the hospital just in case and explain what is happening but hopefully you should feel better straight away after you go to the toilet. Xxx

[KML22]

This is a really really common side effect of the painkillers they use during surgery and afterwards. Opiate based meds like morphine or codeine are notorious for causing constipation. Are you still taking any? I was sent home with codeine after my op but didn't take it, and it only took two days for my bowels to start working again. But everyone is different, even if you've not had any opiates since your operation the anaesthetic side effects last longer for some people, and of course the actual fact of having an abdominal operation affects peoples' bowels differently too. I second the suggestion of a gentle laxative if you can tolerate it, it's so painful being that constipated. I hope you feel better soon x

[jack84]

I also had problems for around 4 days post lap and ablation to remove endo. I had those digestive drinks and the Activa yoghurts with prunes in. They did help. Avoid codeine pain killers as they can cause constipation.

[eb2010]

Hi rockchick,

I had the same problem after my laparoscopy as well - the only thing that worked was Movicol. It's an osmotic laxative like lactulose (except you mix the powder with water & this water is not reabsorbed in the bowel), so everything passes very easily. You can get it over-the-counter or on prescription.

Sometimes constipation can sit higher up in your bowel, out of the reach of suppositories. Also, fibre-based laxatives may make things worse if you don't drink enough fluids alongside. Otherwise, I know some people swear by prune juice! Never tried it myself - not sure I could bear the taste...

Wish you a speedy recovery!

xxxx