Painkillers & Constipation

You have my sympathy, it truly is both painful and distressing. Due to a horrendous episode years ago after dental surgery, 4 hours of general anaesthetic and being unable to eat anything bulky, I have become somewhat obsessed about moving my bowels. What you are dealing with is a two stage process; getting rid of the current blockage, then keeping things moving from then on. I do wish that advice was given on this problem before discharge from hospital.

Thank you for that.

I am going to give that a try, for sure.
It sounds delicious, and simple.

yes. Medium dice cooked potatoes, onions red peppers. Fry the onions and red peppers in plenty of olive oil till soft. Fry the potatoes separately in another pan in plenty of olive oil till brown and a bit crispy. Add the pepper and onions to the pan scatter over a large teaspoon of smoked paprika. Scatter over grated cheese, and chopped ham or corned beef if wanted. Keep turning over with a spatula until all mixed and looks cooked and crispy. It should be oily. Loads of calories of course as that is what my very underweight husband needs.
Probably not the healthiest of meals but he likes it so thst is the most important ....and the oil certainly helps the gut. And does help if constipated...but gently.

Oh that hash sounds lovely!!!
Is it easy to make, please?

I agree with the olive oil. We have a very olive oily potato and onion hash with chopped red peppers and smoked paprika every so often. And that is a magic meal. But the OP needs to clear out whats there first before she loads her gut with more food.

I have an Italian relation who drank a small shot glass of olive oil daily. And she lived to late 90s.

After being constipated for a number of days and finding straining becoming very painful ,someone suggested taking a dessertspoon of olive oil orally.It wasn't very pleasant to take but did the trick.Good luck.

Sallywally1

A high fibre cereal can help, I like grape nuts. I also got some stuff called smecta from amazon it’s a powder you mix in water. That can be helpful. I think it is not good to strain; I ended up with skin damage that way! (She said sensitively)

Smecta is normally prescribed for acute diarrhoea, so probably best avoided if constipation is the problem.

I’m having to take codeine or cocodamol to sleep,- pain from fractured shoulder. I stick to paracetemol in the day time
So - add flax or similar seeds to cereal /yoghurt every morning. Keep soft fruit near the kettle and eat throughout the day. Make a pot of lentil and veg soup, eat 4 veg with every main meal, fruit and soup etc. add chick peas, lentils, kidney beans etc to casseroles. Drink pots if water

Thanks everyone - I will go at get some suppositories when the supermarkets open (typical that this would be at its worst on a Sunday).

Maybe vaseline could help as well?

I have been straining unfortunately - I know you shouldn't but its in sheer frustration at not being able to go!

I found that strong coffee and oranges helped after my various knee and hip replacements. However, I was forewarned so I could prepare in advance so your situation never arose for me.
I think maybe you need to ring 111 for advice. It's an awful situation for you. Good luck. Please let us know how you got on.

Chia seeds

As you've been prescribed stool softeners you should ask your GP what the next step is, it's likely to simply be increase the dose. Are you taking the maximum dose in the packet. If it's Dulcoease or similar they don't work without drinking lots of water. Dulcoease is a softener and mild laxative, dulcolax is a laxative. Both need lots of water to be effective.
There is always the remote possibility there is a blockage which is why you should go back to your GP for advice.

Lots of supermarkets stock the suppositories even if they don't have a pharmacy. You really need to clear the exit end if you haven't been able to go for so long. Then you can start thinking about what you eat and drink.

Don't strain too much. Try some liquid soap rubbed in and wait, gets peristalsis going for me. I would only use this as last resort. Don't strain.
Warm water, prune juice or lactulose.
I take a few warm prunes every morning. Keeps me regular.
Maybe get a suppository tomorrow rather than keep trying.

In Europe they seem to be keener on inserting things from the bottom end rather than taking medication. I had this problem once in Syria and boy was the pharmacist surprised. Visitors usually have the other problem where you go too much. She recommended glycerin suppositories.. They are a non invasive way of emptying your bowel without pain and straining. You need to insert them a complete finger length inside. Try to keep them in at least 15-30 minutes. Stay near the loo.

Sorry to be graphic.

To really get things moving try double strength senokott and then you will "go for England". But be sure to not go out that day!

Thanks everyone - I'm going to try a strong cup of coffee to see if that works. I am desperate to go!

Another vote for chocolate, if you are having to take codeine or any others strong pain killer, it’s easily the most pleasant way of keeping things moving

Sodium docusate works well for me

I hope something works for you ASAP.
🙏

And yes, he had the loo step, the Movicol/Lactulose and the suppositories... We also both (normally) eat mountains of fruit and veg and mainly wholegrains. It's truly awful to be like this but made worse by the fact that you are already "in recovery" from something else!
Double whammy.

My husband had codeine once after an operation and had exactly your problems which were very very difficult to resolve. The next time he had an op he said he couldn't face the codeine and would rather be in pain...

I think it affects some people very very badly indeed.
Thinking of you.

Thank you - I will try some sudocreme - my bottom is so sore from all of the time I have been trying to go.

I will see if I can get some suppositories.

I've just tried to go again - I always find it more difficult to go first thing in the morning and my bowels are still refusing to move

Yes they are available OTC at Boots, but were in short supply last week. I like to have a box in the bathroom cupboard just in case.

I hope the OP is able to get out to get some or someone else can for her.
I was given no warning at the hospital that the chemo meds can cause such a problem.
I recommend the suppositories so often now people must think I have shares in them!

HelterSkelter1 we crossed posts same idea about suppositories nice to know you can get them .

RebeccaJames I used Sudocreme on my mom's sore bottom when she was constipated. But it worked. Hopefully this will make you 😊. My dad wouldn't say he was constipated he said "teeth marks on the toilet seat again. "

I don't know if you can get suppositories on prescription or over the counter but they would work to relieve the immediate problem and then a mild laxative at night after than might help .

I remember as a child my nan had dried sennapod ( can't think how's it spelt ) that she put in an old mug and poured boiling water over to steep all day . They smelt awful but they helped my nan. Then always took a tablet at night when they came out .