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
What Causes Constipation And Diarrhea After A Surgery?
I recently had day surgery, w general anesthesia and used hydrocodone as prescribed for 5 days. I was also prescribed Sennaoxin 2xday to prevent constipation. On day 5 after surgery I had some mild constipation, which I thought I got a handle on with increased fiber/water and stopped the RX pain meds. On day 7 after surgery I had a terrible relapse of constipation, used glycerine suppositories and added Miralax. Today I still feel,like I am straining, have had some loose stool early this morning but now I am passing small amounts of bloody mucous. Should I be concerned.
Mon, 7 Jan 2019
Hi,
You should continue taking the constipation medications prescribed to you as constipation post-surgery is not good. Moreover, it cannot be controlled by merely dietary changes as the drugs prescribed post op like hydrocodone contributes to constipation apart from other reasons.
The blood that you are passing could be due to traumatic injury to the rectum/anus because of constipation or enemas or there could be hemorrhoids but the blood secreted in these conditions is fresh red blood usually without mucus. If it is associated with abdominal cramps or indigestion, then you should suspect some GI infection.
Apart from that, it could be an episode of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. All these conditions need through history taking and examination.
Also, as the type of surgery is not specified here, I can’t tell if bloody mucus has anything to do with the surgery. I will suggest you resume your constipation medications and get in touch with your doctor for underlying etiology of bloody mucous and hence the specific treatment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Maninder,
General & Family Physician
You should continue taking the constipation medications prescribed to you as constipation post-surgery is not good. Moreover, it cannot be controlled by merely dietary changes as the drugs prescribed post op like hydrocodone contributes to constipation apart from other reasons.
The blood that you are passing could be due to traumatic injury to the rectum/anus because of constipation or enemas or there could be hemorrhoids but the blood secreted in these conditions is fresh red blood usually without mucus. If it is associated with abdominal cramps or indigestion, then you should suspect some GI infection.
Apart from that, it could be an episode of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. All these conditions need through history taking and examination.
Also, as the type of surgery is not specified here, I can’t tell if bloody mucus has anything to do with the surgery. I will suggest you resume your constipation medications and get in touch with your doctor for underlying etiology of bloody mucous and hence the specific treatment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Maninder,
General & Family Physician
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
Loading Online Doctors....