Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

bowel

can i or should i take a laxative after surgery had surgery on 21st and still no bowel movement in abdomonal pain will a laxative be okay to take
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Yes, laxatives are OK to take.  Mild ones.

Here are post-op directions from my surgeon's website regarding constipation:

"Constipation will occasionally be a minor problem, usually it can be corrected with the return to your diet and normal activity level. You can help prevent constipation by drinking several glasses of water daily and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. If necessary, a mild laxative such as milk of magnesia can be used."
Helpful - 0
187666 tn?1331173345
When I had my surgery, they sent me home with plenty of stool softeners and told me to drink lots of fluids. A surgery tends to shock the digestive system and it goes dormant or something. It takes a few days to blow it out and start again. I'm not sure about taking a laxative because they can be quite harsh. And Metamucil, much as I like it, can clog up the works if things are already backed up and you don't take in enough fluid. They actually told me not to use it after the surgery.

Try stool softeners, walk around (that does help) and give the doctor a call today if you're feeling really bad and the abdomen is hard. You don't want a blockage after all you've been through.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im surprised they let you go home before having a bowel movement. maybe you should call your docs office and if he/she isnt there they can page him/her to ask for you. How did your surgery go? did they tell you what type of cyst it was?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cysts Community

Top Women's Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.