If you are undergoing surgery, you probably know that one of the side effects that patients most often complain about is constipation. Many pain medications (especially opioids) and anesthetics administered in the operating room cause a slowdown in gastrointestinal functions leading to constipation. You may suffer from constipation if the surgery involved the stomach or intestines or if a certain diet is prescribed. However, there are ways to alleviate this post-operative discomfort; nutrition, lifestyle changes, and appropriate medications can help you regulate your bowels and feel more comfortable after surgery.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Relieve Constipation with Medication
Step 1. Take an emollient laxative
This is one of the first remedies you can try when you feel constipated; it is easily available in pharmacies without a prescription and can help you regain bowel regularity.
- It works by drawing water into the intestines to hydrate the stool, which becomes softer and can come out with less effort.
- Keep in mind that this type of emollient doesn't necessarily cause the urge to defecate, it just makes the process easier.
- You can take it once or twice a day or as directed by the surgeon; alternatively, follow the instructions on the package.
- If the softener isn't effective or doesn't stimulate the urge to defecate, you may need to take other medications.
Step 2. Take a mild laxative
In addition to the emollient, you can take this medicine which causes the urge to defecate.
- There are two main classes of laxatives: stimulant and osmotic. Try osmotic first, as the stimulant can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
- Osmotics work by bringing fluids into the intestines and making it easier for stools to pass through the colon.
- Many times, a combination of an emollient and osmotic laxative is a great way to relieve constipation.
Step 3. Add a lubricant
This is a lesser known remedy, but you can easily find it on sale.
- It is a product similar to emollient, in the sense that it facilitates the expulsion of stool, but it works by lubricating the colon instead of hydrating the stool.
- The most common are those based on oil, such as mineral or cod; they don't taste pleasant, but they help relieve constipation without causing diarrhea or abdominal cramps.
Step 4. Try suppositories or enema
If the gentler methods are not effective, you need to find alternative solutions; suppositories and / or enema are other remedies to use when constipation is more severe.
- Usually, suppositories are glycerin-based; when inserted, this substance is absorbed by the muscles of the rectum which contract gently, thus facilitating the need and urgency to expel stool.
- Before doing this, however, you should use an emollient, as it can be quite painful to pass out stools that have hardened in the meantime.
- An alternative is the enema. While not a pleasant method, it generally relieves constipation immediately. Ask your surgeon to confirm if this remedy is suitable for you, as it is incompatible with certain surgeries, especially those involving the lower colon and rectum.
- Buy one over the counter and carefully follow the instructions for use; use one and only once. If you don't get results, you need to see your doctor.
Step 5. Beware of pain medication
There are several medicines you can take to relieve post-operative constipation; however, there are others that you need to take wisely to prevent them from continuing to cause constipation.
- One of the main causes of constipation after surgery is taking painkillers; although these are obviously indispensable medicines, they slow down intestinal transit.
- If you have been prescribed analgesics, take only the amount strictly necessary and follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage.
- Assess your pain level every day; if you find it decreases, decrease the painkillers. The sooner you are able to stop or reduce its intake, the faster the intestine returns to its normal functions.
- Also, if you are experiencing mild pain, ask your doctor if you can take lighter over-the-counter pain relievers, as they are less likely to induce constipation.
Step 6. Always talk to your doctor
Regardless of the type of medication you are taking, if you feel constipated and want a medicine to relieve discomfort, you should first consult your doctor.
- Most mild constipation medications are safe and can be used with confidence.
- However, some may interfere with other prescription active ingredients you are taking after surgery or are not safe for the type of procedure you have undergone.
- If you feel constipated and are not sure which medicine you can safely take, call your family doctor or doctor on call; ask him exactly what you can or cannot take, how often and when you can call him back.
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Constipation with Natural Remedies
Step 1. Increase your fluid intake
A really effective natural way to prevent and treat constipation is to drink adequate amounts of fluids. As soon as you can drink while still in the hospital, start sipping on some moisturizing fluids.
- Generally speaking, you should drink approximately 8 250ml (2 liter) glasses of clear, moisturizing fluids each day; however, you should try to take more to help the bowel recover its preoperative functions.
- You can drink plain still, sparkling or flavored water, decaffeinated coffee and decaffeinated tea.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks, as they can deplete the fluids in the body; also stay away from sodas, fruit juice mixes, fruit drinks, energy ones and alcoholic ones.
Step 2. Drink a natural laxative herbal tea
In addition to drinking plenty of water, there are some herbal teas specific to your problem that you can incorporate into your daily fluid intake while recovering.
- You can find them in pharmacies or health food stores; remember that these are not stimulants, they are simply a combination of dried herbs and herbs that relieve constipation.
- Given the wide availability of herbs and herbal teas that facilitate intestinal regularity, always read the description on the package; it could be a "mild laxative" or a "bowel regulator". This is the product indicated for you.
- You should drink these herbal teas without adding sugar, although sweetening it with a little honey is not harmful.
- Drink a cup or two a day, but don't overdo it; it often takes several hours for these herbal remedies to take effect.
Step 3. Introduce prunes or prune juice into your daily diet
They represent an old natural remedy used for some time and very effective to soothe the discomfort of constipation.
- Both plums and 100% natural juice are perfect natural laxatives; in fact, this fruit contains sorbitol, a sugar that acts as a delicate purgative.
- Start by drinking 120-240ml of prune juice once a day, but make sure it's 100% pure. Also, if you drink it hot, you can relieve constipation a little faster.
- If you prefer to eat the dried fruit, buy a product with no added sugar and start with a dose of about 100 g.
Step 4. Take fiber supplements
This is another remedy to help you with the discomfort; in combination with an increased fluid intake, it is a perfect way to soften the stool and make it easier to pass into the intestine.
- There are several ways to add fiber to the diet; the most common is taking supplements in tablets, gummy compounds or powder and they are all acceptable formats.
- Take them once or twice a day, but always read the instructions on the package; also remember that a higher dosage is not always the best solution: too many fibers could in fact cause many cramps, bloating and abdominal discomfort.
- Always consult your doctor when you want to take supplements in pills or gummy form, as they are not always suitable after surgery.
Step 5. Avoid foods that promote constipation
There are many different natural techniques to make the intestines function properly and to soften the stool; however, there are some foods that you should avoid or at least limit immediately after having an operation.
- Some substances present in certain foods, such as potassium and calcium, can in fact promote or aggravate constipation. If you are eating foods that are high in these elements or eat large quantities of them, you may be making your problem worse.
- These include: dairy products (such as cheese, milk or yogurt), bananas, refined bread and rice, or industrially processed foods.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Constipation
Step 1. Keep track of evacuations
Before undergoing surgery, observe how often you go to the bathroom, so you can better assess whether you need to actively intervene to treat constipation or simply prepare to manage it after surgery.
- Knowing that the operation can cause some constipation, you need to pay attention to how often you defecate before the procedure.
- Take note of how often do you go to the bathroom - every day? Twice a day or every other day?
- It also begins to observe whether you pass stool easily or not. Even if you have regular bowel movements, when you have difficulty defecating you can be considered partially constipated.
- If you have some symptoms of constipation, you need to deal with them before undergoing the surgery, otherwise they may get worse later.
Step 2. Eat a diet rich in fiber and fluids
To help bowel functions before surgery, pay attention to what you eat and the fluids you take; if you are not following a proper diet, you may have more constipation problems once the surgery is finished.
- Eating foods rich in fiber is a key factor in preventing constipation; knowing that you are going to have an operation, work hard to meet your body's daily fiber needs.
- Among the foods that are particularly rich in it you will find: legumes (such as beans and lentils), 100% whole grains (such as oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa or wholemeal bread), fruit and vegetables.
- Track your fiber intake in a food diary or smartphone application; women should take 25g per day, while men should take at least 38g.
- Also make sure you reach the minimum recommended daily amount of fluids; remember that you should drink at least 2 liters of clear, moisturizing fluids.
Step 3. Stay active
In addition to keeping your nutrition under control before surgery, you should also stick to a regular physical activity routine, which is another essential aspect of preventing constipation.
- You should start by walking around a bit as soon as you get the surgeon's consent; keeping yourself moving after surgery not only helps limit constipation, but aids the healing process.
- Regular physical activity stimulates the colon; in addition, low-impact aerobics (such as walking or running) exerts some pressure on the colon, favoring its regularity.
- Commit to regular aerobic exercise for at least two and a half hours each week. the best for relieving constipation are those of moderate intensity.
- Among the various options consider: walking, running / jogging, training on the elliptical bike, hiking, biking or swimming.
Step 4. Stick to a consistent routine
Generally speaking, it is important that bowel movements are regular; pay attention to the body's signals to avoid constipation.
- The human body sends out unambiguous clues when it needs something, for example when it needs to pass stool.
- If you feel the need to go to the bathroom, don't hold back and don't delay. Sometimes, ignoring the stimulus causes it to pass; if this behavior becomes a habit, you can become constipated.
- If you take care of your body and "listen" to its warnings, over time you may notice that intestinal motility becomes more regular; eventually, you might go to the bathroom at the same time every day of the week.
Advice
- Keep in touch with your doctor after surgery and inform him of any changes in bowel motility.
- If you need to have an operation soon, make sure your bowels are regular before the surgery; discuss possible postoperative constipation with your doctor before the day of surgery.
- You should treat constipation at the first sign, waiting can only aggravate the situation.
