It is likely that you constipation is related to taking pain medication. Often a stool softener would help, but you should ask your surgeon first.
Hello and thank you for this question. Recovery from surgery takes time, and medication to heal. Pain medications all have one common side effect: constipation. It's important to address this issue BEFORE surgery. Start a high fiber diet, stay hydrated before and after surgery. After surgery, some patients may need additional help: metamucil, mineral oil, stool softeners, etc.... In more significant cases, milk of magnesia or Mg Citrate may be needed to help resolve this. It is not surgery specific. Anytime someone takes narcotic pain meds after any type of surgery, constipation is a common complaint. Again, best to know this before surgery and take measures to avoid it. Best to you.
