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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Heartburn And No Bowel Movement After Hernia Surgery?

Hello, 2 weeks ago I had surgery for a strangulated umbilical hernia. After surgery I was hospitalized for 7 days due to an unexplained high white blood cell count. I ve been home from the hospital for 11 days and as of a few hours ago am experiencing very intense heartburn. I also have not had a bowel movement for 3 days. Is there an explanation? Thank you in advance for your response. Regards, Kara Zitani
Mon, 16 May 2016
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Brief Answer:
You need to make a direct abdominal radiography and to see a surgeon.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM.
I want to help you understand the cause of your symptoms , but is important for me to know why do you think you have no bowel movement .
It is just because you don't feel them moving, or you went to a doctor who visited you ? Did you have vomiting during these 3 days ?
Usually the first 24 hours after the surgery , has no bowel movements because of the anesthesia and after that the peristaltic is reset. Which means that the absence of bowel movement 2 weeks later , has to be further evaluated by doing a direct abdominal radiography and then a surgical consult.
Regarding the heart burn, it happens because the bowels are filled with gas and fecal mass , which distend the abdomen and elevate the diaphragm causing the return of the food in esophagus.
You can take 20 mg of omeprazole every morning.
Try to eat small portion of food.
Don't lye down immediately after eating.
Avoiding spicy,acidic,fried foods, mint, tomatoes, onion, caffeine.

BUT the most important think is to a direct abdominal radiography and then a surgical consult.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Juarda
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What Causes Heartburn And No Bowel Movement After Hernia Surgery?

Brief Answer: You need to make a direct abdominal radiography and to see a surgeon. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM. I want to help you understand the cause of your symptoms , but is important for me to know why do you think you have no bowel movement . It is just because you don t feel them moving, or you went to a doctor who visited you ? Did you have vomiting during these 3 days ? Usually the first 24 hours after the surgery , has no bowel movements because of the anesthesia and after that the peristaltic is reset. Which means that the absence of bowel movement 2 weeks later , has to be further evaluated by doing a direct abdominal radiography and then a surgical consult. Regarding the heart burn, it happens because the bowels are filled with gas and fecal mass , which distend the abdomen and elevate the diaphragm causing the return of the food in esophagus. You can take 20 mg of omeprazole every morning. Try to eat small portion of food. Don t lye down immediately after eating. Avoiding spicy,acidic,fried foods, mint, tomatoes, onion, caffeine. BUT the most important think is to a direct abdominal radiography and then a surgical consult. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer. Kind Regards, Dr. Juarda