handling post-surgery constipation

Terry T
Terry T Member Posts: 42
in Kidney Cancer #1

Hi all -

First, thanks for your support going into my surgery.  This past Monday I had a full nephrectomy - laparoscopic - and everything is great except this terrible constipation.  Miralax isn't working on it and I am considering a Fleet suppository.  Anyone have any advice / experience they can share?  Thanks so much.

 

Comments

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    #2
    Did they give you a stool

    Did they give you a stool softener..?  Contact the Dr office and ask them..  I would of thought they should of discussed this with you, as it is somewhat common..

    Glad the deed is done and it went well..!

    Ron

  • APny
    APny Member Posts: 1,995 Member
    #3
    GSRon said:

    Did they give you a stool

    Did they give you a stool softener..?  Contact the Dr office and ask them..  I would of thought they should of discussed this with you, as it is somewhat common..

    Glad the deed is done and it went well..!

    Ron

    Took me several days to

    Took me several days to finally go and that's with stool softeners starting in the hospital. I took Colace 3 x a day, 2 Sennas at night, and also drinking prune juice. Drink lots of water and walk, even if uncomfortable. I hugged a pillow and walked 5 minutes around my house every hour.

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #4
    Pain killers

    Terri,

     

    Unfortunately the pain killers can make you constipated. Get off them as soon as possible.

     

    Icemantoo

  • Ree_Maryland
    Ree_Maryland Member Posts: 161 Member
    #5
    constipation

    I also was constapated for four days. hubby got me some prune juice .everything came out ok in a few hrs.

  • aamdsi
    aamdsi Member Posts: 284
    #6
    Yup not fun

    But softeners, water and walking did it for me too.  Did take 3 days though 8-(.   

    Glad all else went well and you're doing well (with this only exception)

  • db8ne1
    db8ne1 Member Posts: 142 Member
    #7
    Miralax, water, walking

    Miralax or Milk of Magnesia (once in the morning and once at night), LOTS of water and/or prune juice, and frequent walking should help.  Might take a couple of days. It does take a couple of days post surgery for your colon to "wake up".  Hang in there!

    I'm having a partial (robotic) nephrectomy this coming Tuesday for RCC.  But I had numerous surgeries last year for colorectal cancer and hernia repairs, so I can totally relate.

     

    Try to enjoy the holidays.

     

    Happy 4th!

  • Terry T
    Terry T Member Posts: 42
    #8
    db8ne1 said:

    Miralax, water, walking

    Miralax or Milk of Magnesia (once in the morning and once at night), LOTS of water and/or prune juice, and frequent walking should help.  Might take a couple of days. It does take a couple of days post surgery for your colon to "wake up".  Hang in there!

    I'm having a partial (robotic) nephrectomy this coming Tuesday for RCC.  But I had numerous surgeries last year for colorectal cancer and hernia repairs, so I can totally relate.

     

    Try to enjoy the holidays.

     

    Happy 4th!

    good luck to you this Tuesday

    good luck to you this Tuesday - am sending you positive vibes

  • Terry T
    Terry T Member Posts: 42
    #9
    Thanks all

    I will continue with the Mira Lax, have added prune juice to my routine and I will trust "something good" will happen!!  (soon I hope!)

  • brea588
    brea588 Member Posts: 240
    #10
    this will help

    Take 3 tablespoons of milk of magnesia to begin with then 1 tbsp every day.  I also used dulcolax at night and this helps me.

  • todd121
    todd121 Member Posts: 1,448 Member
    #11
    It was a problem for me

    My surgery was Monday and I think it was Saturday before things started working really. I was getting worried because stuff was going in, but not coming out. :)

    I took Senna Plus according to label directions. Drank lots of water. Walked a lot (just around my bedroom while I watched TV). Drank prune juice and some soft fruit with my diet like canned peaches/pears (low sugar, of course). Stay away from constipating foods (cheese, heavy milk products, and high fat foots, etc.) I did eat nonfat cottage cheese.

    As long as you aren't vomiting, running a fever, or experiencing abdominal pain, don't worry. It'll start working again. Water+Walking is very important (and it's very important to drink lots of water with the Senna if you take it).

    I didn't take Miralax, although I've used it at other times. Don't overdo any of it. Just do what the label says. I've heard milk of magnesia can be harsh and can cause things to move the other direction. I'd use the mildest tools at your disposal, so to say.

    Best of luck.

    Todd

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