I am 3 days post-op breast reduction. No bowel movement yet. Appetite is down but trying to drink water and eat some Fruits and veggies through the day. Walking some but tiring easily. Should I be concerned? What is best to take if I need some "help"? Thx!
October 28, 2016
Answer: Postop Constipation Constipation is very common after surgery due to narcotics. There are lots of ways to help this situation. Walking and staying well hydrated can speed up recovery. Also, the sooner you are able to comfortably wean off your narcotics, the faster you will return to regular bowel movements. I usually have my patients take colace (a stool softener) twice a day until they are off narcotics. They can also drink coffee or prune juice if that helps. If they haven't had a BM after 2 days, I recommend dulcolax suppositions twice a day, and if that still is not enough, they can add miralax or Fleets enemas. Please check with your surgeon's office to see what they prefer you to do, but know that you have many options!
Helpful
October 28, 2016
Answer: Postop Constipation Constipation is very common after surgery due to narcotics. There are lots of ways to help this situation. Walking and staying well hydrated can speed up recovery. Also, the sooner you are able to comfortably wean off your narcotics, the faster you will return to regular bowel movements. I usually have my patients take colace (a stool softener) twice a day until they are off narcotics. They can also drink coffee or prune juice if that helps. If they haven't had a BM after 2 days, I recommend dulcolax suppositions twice a day, and if that still is not enough, they can add miralax or Fleets enemas. Please check with your surgeon's office to see what they prefer you to do, but know that you have many options!
Helpful
November 3, 2016
Answer: Yes... You need to be pro active and not wait for it to get worst. This is a common problem with some patients post surgery. Talk to your plastic surgeon to get some help as there are many options.
Helpful
November 3, 2016
Answer: Yes... You need to be pro active and not wait for it to get worst. This is a common problem with some patients post surgery. Talk to your plastic surgeon to get some help as there are many options.
Helpful
