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 push to have a bowel movement. Try to limit the straining associated by following the above recommendations.
  You’re not alone: Many people experience constipation after hernia surgery – it may take time, but this too shall pass!