Constipation after lap

[LB2019]

Anyone else suffered with constipation after their lap surgery? I don't really want to take laxatives as I have mild IBS so just wondering if there is anything anyone could recommend to ease it.

[hm89]

Terribly but for me it was the codine. I took sennakot and used the codine as little as possible x

[Char411]

I did and used to suffer constipation on and off prior to surgery. I would drink hot water with fresh lemon squeezed in and a gentle walk to get your bowels moving. Take magnesium citrate supplement, this stopped my constipation completely and I no longer suffer with it x

[luthien]

Its to do with the general anaesthetic slowing the gut down. I had the same for a few days.

I was given codeine and dulcolax in my after care pack, the latter helps constipation. It should only last for 2 to 3 days, but drink lots of water and have fruits the fibre helps you move. Moving around lots - even walking around the house a little gets the gut working smoother. You can also try natural alternatives such as chewing on a little ginger or having some in hot water will help things run smoother. Lemon is good for digestion, so lemon tea works well.

I had some probiotics which I took after surgery (just any health food shop); they often dose you with an antibiotic in your drip while in recovery to prevent post op infection, this gets rid of all bacteria in your body so taking probiotics helps reset that which will help in the long run with better stomach health and your IBS. It's something I swear by as I get stomach trouble which it helps calm.

[LB2019 in reply to luthien]

Thank you. That's really useful information. I didn't have a care pack when I left hospital. I was just told to take paracetamol and ibuprofen for the pain! I'll give the probiotics a go too.

[geekybird]

Are you able to use lactulose? It’s a stool softener rather than a laxative so may be ok with IBS. That’s what I used after my laparoscopic hysterectomy. Also peppermint tea is good for the bowel and really helps with wind post surgery. I hope you get some relief soon.

[LB2019 in reply to geekybird]

Thank you! I've had a little relief today!! Small victories!