Painkillers & Constipation

As you've been prescribed stool softeners you should ask your GP what the next step is, it's likely to simply be increase the dose. Are you taking the maximum dose in the packet. If it's Dulcoease or similar they don't work without drinking lots of water. Dulcoease is a softener and mild laxative, dulcolax is a laxative. Both need lots of water to be effective.
There is always the remote possibility there is a blockage which is why you should go back to your GP for advice.

Chia seeds

I found that strong coffee and oranges helped after my various knee and hip replacements. However, I was forewarned so I could prepare in advance so your situation never arose for me.
I think maybe you need to ring 111 for advice. It's an awful situation for you. Good luck. Please let us know how you got on.

Thanks everyone - I will go at get some suppositories when the supermarkets open (typical that this would be at its worst on a Sunday).

Maybe vaseline could help as well?

I have been straining unfortunately - I know you shouldn't but its in sheer frustration at not being able to go!

I’m having to take codeine or cocodamol to sleep,- pain from fractured shoulder. I stick to paracetemol in the day time
So - add flax or similar seeds to cereal /yoghurt every morning. Keep soft fruit near the kettle and eat throughout the day. Make a pot of lentil and veg soup, eat 4 veg with every main meal, fruit and soup etc. add chick peas, lentils, kidney beans etc to casseroles. Drink pots if water

Sallywally1

A high fibre cereal can help, I like grape nuts. I also got some stuff called smecta from amazon it’s a powder you mix in water. That can be helpful. I think it is not good to strain; I ended up with skin damage that way! (She said sensitively)

Smecta is normally prescribed for acute diarrhoea, so probably best avoided if constipation is the problem.

After being constipated for a number of days and finding straining becoming very painful ,someone suggested taking a dessertspoon of olive oil orally.It wasn't very pleasant to take but did the trick.Good luck.

I agree with the olive oil. We have a very olive oily potato and onion hash with chopped red peppers and smoked paprika every so often. And that is a magic meal. But the OP needs to clear out whats there first before she loads her gut with more food.

I have an Italian relation who drank a small shot glass of olive oil daily. And she lived to late 90s.

Oh that hash sounds lovely!!!
Is it easy to make, please?

yes. Medium dice cooked potatoes, onions red peppers. Fry the onions and red peppers in plenty of olive oil till soft. Fry the potatoes separately in another pan in plenty of olive oil till brown and a bit crispy. Add the pepper and onions to the pan scatter over a large teaspoon of smoked paprika. Scatter over grated cheese, and chopped ham or corned beef if wanted. Keep turning over with a spatula until all mixed and looks cooked and crispy. It should be oily. Loads of calories of course as that is what my very underweight husband needs.
Probably not the healthiest of meals but he likes it so thst is the most important ....and the oil certainly helps the gut. And does help if constipated...but gently.

Thank you for that.

I am going to give that a try, for sure.
It sounds delicious, and simple.

You have my sympathy, it truly is both painful and distressing. Due to a horrendous episode years ago after dental surgery, 4 hours of general anaesthetic and being unable to eat anything bulky, I have become somewhat obsessed about moving my bowels. What you are dealing with is a two stage process; getting rid of the current blockage, then keeping things moving from then on. I do wish that advice was given on this problem before discharge from hospital.

That’s my kind of meal thanks

Thanks everyone so much - the suppositories worked!!!!

I can finally sit in a chair properly again and walk around without going cross-eyed!

I couldn't hold the first one in for long enough and it didn't work - the second one didn't work as well as I hoped (it was still incredibly difficult) but it made enough of a difference that I could finally open my bowels!

Thanks to everyone for your help with my majorly embarrasing problem

Hoorah! So pleased you are feeling better but take something to keep things moving whilst you are taking painkillers.

That's good. It is perfectly safe to use the suppositories every day if you feel you need to for a while

I became quite sore round my anus. I bought some cream for piles. This really helped. At the time my bowel movements were very loose. I’d had an operation and was taking morphine. I read about the constipation so I made sure to eat loads of veg and fruit. I then stopped the medication. Maybe your GP might give you some prescription laxative.

I do agree with all the other comments about lots of fibre. Prunes and any dried fruit can be good but water is essential. Syrup of figs used to be suggested. I hope you manage to resolve the issue very soon. It’s absolutely awful.

Don't over strain ! Or sit on the loo for too long. Chocolate and more chocolate plus a suppository from your nearest chemist. Try not to stress about it, I know it's horrible but it will happen!!

Great news , glad you are feeling better.

So pleased RJ.
I would try to cut down the pain killers if at all possible, and have serving of prunes daily

.

Thank goodness! What a relief. I remember a previous poster saying that after his knee replacement op and resultant bowel issues, he phoned the coastguard to warn them after his bowels finally moved!

My bottom is still so sore though from all of the pushing I've done over the past few days - it really, really hurts at the moment

I've had a look with a mirror (as best I can - it's obviously not easy) and it looks so red and sore. I am now dreading when I next need to go.

I too am suffering with this problem caused by medication. I've stopped taking anything with codiene but it's made no difference. I eat plenty of fruit, veg, lentils, weetabix or porridge. Gp has referred me to a clinic but how long that will take ...who knows. I've been trying psyllium husks tired into food or water, tried kefir but honestly it does nothing. I have to resort to ducolax which help slightly. Lactulose and fybogel does nothing. Sometimes it's 7 days before I go then only if I use dulcolax. I worry my bowels will burst!!! It's horrid. Think I'm gonna try those suppositories.

RebeccaJames

My bottom is still so sore though from all of the pushing I've done over the past few days - it really, really hurts at the moment

I've had a look with a mirror (as best I can - it's obviously not easy) and it looks so red and sore. I am now dreading when I next need to go.

Sudacreme is your friend here

I am so pleased for you RebeccaJ. It is such a relief. I thought about you this afternoon!!!

Now follow the other advice from everyone although I would avoid chocolate. Lots of water and Laxido, Lactulose or Movicol. Tinned prunes etc etc. Hopefully you can cut down on the painkillers soon. And Sudocream or a piles cream will help the soreness. A warm bath is soothing

Suppositories are my best friend.