Constipation

Constipation is a common side effect of anesthesia and surgery, and even more common if you are also using opioid pain medication.

If you have a history of constipation or require opioid pain medications:

  • Start your usual regimen: Begin taking your usual remedy (e.g., prune juice) immediately after surgery, if you haven’t already
  • Add Colace (aka stool softener)

    If you don’t have a usual regimen or develop constipation:

  • Start with Colace and Sennakot: Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. This combination can take a couple days to work.

    If no improvement after 3 days:

  • Stop Colace and Sennakot.
  • Start taking Milk of Magnesia. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle.

    If no improvement after 2 days:

  • Stop Milk of Magnesia.
  • Start taking Magnesium Citrate. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle.

    Important:
    It’s safe to strain with bowel movements: Don’t worry about straining during bowel movements after surgery.

    You’re not alone: Many people experience constipation after hernia surgery – it may take time, but this too shall pass!