A member asked:
If i have a bowel movement, but i can't push because i recently had a back surgery and it hurts, will laxatives help ease the pain? is there a different way to do it?
4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Constipation: Try adding psyllium to your diet daily. Also if possible avoid narcotics because they will also making having a bowel movement difficult. In addition to increasing your water consumption.
Answered 6/26/2013
5.1k views
Postop care: You will likely need narcotic pain meds for a few days/weeks or more after spine surgery. Use stool softeners (miralax, colace, (docusate sodium) etc) regularly until normal bm returns. If you are still constipated, add mom 1-2x/day as a boost. Keep hydrated, and as active as possible (inactivity is also a factor in constipation). Other dietary aids like prunes/juice will help. If all else fails, a stimulant works.
Answered 5/11/2013
5.1k views
Get laxatives as the: Pain meds you are taking can and do cause constipation, in addition to the pain from the surgery. Talk to your surgeon about it. Keep taking nsaids for pain and decrease the narcotics intake. Also eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, or brown bread etc to increase your stool bulk. Good luck.
Answered 6/12/2013
5.1k views
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