Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
i think my husband is severely constipated. He had an xray of his abdomen two days ago and they said there was just gas, but he has not had a bm with firm stool for 15 days and I am concerned that he might have a blockage. He does not pass gas, has no abdominal pain , but had surgery 15 days ago and is very weak still. I don t know if I am worrying for no reason. We have tried Miralax and he had diarhhea, just brown water with no solid stool.
Hello. Thanks for asking on Healthcaremagic. Often after a surgery a patient might get constipation. If gas is also not passing it is obstinate constipation. Causes could be narcotic pain relievers, side effect of anesthesia, post trauma, electrolyte or fluid imbalance, inactivity, insufficient Fibre in diet. It is important to start walking if you can, limit opioid pain killers as they slow down the gut motility, take a stool softener or a Fibre laxative. In severe cases you might need stimulant laxatives, suppository or enema for which you need to consult your surgeon. Long standing constipation might cause anal fissures, hemorrhoids, fecal impaction or rectal prolapse. So it is important to see your surgeon for relief. Hope I helped. Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
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]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
What Causes Severe Constipation After A Surgery?
Hello. Thanks for asking on Healthcaremagic. Often after a surgery a patient might get constipation. If gas is also not passing it is obstinate constipation. Causes could be narcotic pain relievers, side effect of anesthesia, post trauma, electrolyte or fluid imbalance, inactivity, insufficient Fibre in diet. It is important to start walking if you can, limit opioid pain killers as they slow down the gut motility, take a stool softener or a Fibre laxative. In severe cases you might need stimulant laxatives, suppository or enema for which you need to consult your surgeon. Long standing constipation might cause anal fissures, hemorrhoids, fecal impaction or rectal prolapse. So it is important to see your surgeon for relief. Hope I helped. Thanks.