Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Not Had Bowel Movement After Cholecystectomy. Tried Stool Softener And Milk Of Magnesia. Suggestions?
Yes. I am day three out of cholestecmy and I have used the stool softener from the minute I got home and yesterday and today milk of magnesia and I still have not had a bowel movement . Walking a lot. Shoulder gas has passed. But I am miserable. Is there anything I can do? I have eaten plenty and consumed over 48 oz each day.
Wed, 13 Mar 2013
Hi!!!!It normally takes 3-4 days for the bowel to kick after surgery.Evidently the anesthesia and the pain medicines slows the system down.I feel for you..carry on with the laxatives you are on.You may feel very constipated now but when you are released once,then diarrhea continues.It is seen that some of the patients after cholestectomy often have chronic diarrhea especially after taking fatty food.
Regular bowel movements can be difficult after surgery. Don’t strain if the stool is too hard. Walking will help to stimulate the bowels.Else,per rectum enema is suggested in worst conditions.In some cases,there is impacted stool which needs to cleared with a finger(done by medical person).
Eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruit, bran, cereal, and beans, will also help restore regularity.
Drink plenty of liquids; prune juice may help make the stool softer.
Regular bowel movements can be difficult after surgery. Don’t strain if the stool is too hard. Walking will help to stimulate the bowels.Else,per rectum enema is suggested in worst conditions.In some cases,there is impacted stool which needs to cleared with a finger(done by medical person).
Eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruit, bran, cereal, and beans, will also help restore regularity.
Drink plenty of liquids; prune juice may help make the stool softer.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Hello.
Thanks for using HCM.
Most of the patient suffer from no bowel movements during the recovery period after cholecystectomy.
Usually median time period for bowel period is one week. You are doing the right thing by walking a lot, consuming enough fluids and taking milk of magnesia. All you can do now is wait and let the bowel movement take its natural course. I understand you must be feeling miserable, however apart from what you are doing now there is not much you can do at this moment other than wait.
Keep your diet plain and more towards diet which is rich in fiber.
Feel free for further queries.
Regards.
Thanks for using HCM.
Most of the patient suffer from no bowel movements during the recovery period after cholecystectomy.
Usually median time period for bowel period is one week. You are doing the right thing by walking a lot, consuming enough fluids and taking milk of magnesia. All you can do now is wait and let the bowel movement take its natural course. I understand you must be feeling miserable, however apart from what you are doing now there is not much you can do at this moment other than wait.
Keep your diet plain and more towards diet which is rich in fiber.
Feel free for further queries.
Regards.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Magnesium hydroxide
Loading Online Doctors....