Constipation is a common, but manageable, post operative occurrence. Narcotic pain medications slow down the intestinal peristalsis, your body’s way of moving food through your gut. While the muscle movement slows, the transfer of water across the intestine (the way nutrients are absorbed) continues. This can result in digested food taking a longer time to move through the digestive tract. By the time you are ready to poop, you may be pooping out a rock.
A glycerin suppository should help make pooping more comfortable. Use this in addition to the above recommendations. Alternatively, you could try MiraLax, or mineral oil, but don’t try everything at once! If you’ve had no success, contact your surgeon.
Please take a look at the upcoming events hosted by Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell. We look forward to seeing you there!