The Constipation Thing

June 16, 2025

The Constipation Thing

Let’s Talk Post Op Poop

Does this topic really deserve it’s own page? Maybe not. But let’s just consider two realities.

Even as adults, grown up professional workers, homemakers, grandparents even, do we ever really outgrow poop talk? No. No we don’t.
The reality is constipation is often a great concern of those who are post-op, especially if for some reason it’s a surprise. It is a real, common and sometimes miserable situation. While your doctor may mention it or there may be a mention in post-op instructions, it’s often just the most minor type of aside consideration. But then when people are uncomfortable or concerned after several days, they start looking into it.

Why Constipation Post Op?

It happens to almost everyone. Here’s why:

Anesthesia slows your digestive system to a crawl.
Pain meds especially opioids like oxycodone are notorious gut blockers.
Zofran, an anti-nausea drug sometimes prescribed post-op, also contributes to constipation.
Reduced movement means your digestive system isn’t getting the physical signals to “go.”
Change in diet and hydration can mess with your usual bathroom rhythm.

It’s not unusual to go three, four, even five or more days without a bowel movement post-surgery. For many, it’s not just uncomfortable, it becomes a mounting (pun intended) source of anxiety.

What are Some Things You can Do?

Don’t skip the stool softener. Start early. A lot of people wish they had. One of the best bits of advice: start a stool softener like Colace (docusate sodium) the day of your surgery. Take it regularly, not just when you’re already backed up.

Warning: Don’t just stack up a lot of solutions all at once. You might go from nothing to everything very quickly. And that comes with its own risks like hemorrhoids, fissures, or dehydration.

Additional things that can help:

Natural laxatives like kiwi (a surprising favorite), prunes, dried apricots, or warm teas.
Fiber: even if you’re not eating much, try to include soft greens, oatmeal, or psyllium husk, fruits, vegetables, etc.
Probiotics: May help.
Hydration: drink more water than you think you need. Electrolyte drinks can help if you’re not up and moving much.
Movement: walk if or when you can, even short distances. Sit up in a chair instead of lying down all day. (But remember to find a way to keep your leg up if that’s part of your protocol.)
Positioning: stack something under your bad leg when you’re on the toilet to avoid extra pain. A crate or even a trash bin will do.
Warm liquids before meals: can help trigger gut movement.

Still Nothing?

If you’re doing all the right things and it’s been 3, 4, 5 days, you’re not alone. People have shared real experiences like:

“Kiwi did it for me.” Others swear by prune juice, olive oil, psyllium husk, flaxseed smoothies, or kefir blends.
Milk of Magnesia or magnesium citrate is a more powerful next step; just know when it hits, it hits.
Some found relief with Senna, Ex-Lax, or Miralax; but each person’s body responds differently.
One person described the moment as becoming an “ass volcano” after trying everything.
Too much fiber without movement can actually make things worse. It’s a balance.
And yes, if all else fails, enemas can work. Just make sure it’s a “home day” with nothing scheduled, and talk to doctor.

Again: Don’t keep stacking more and more solutions all at once. You might go from nothing to everything very quickly. And repeating again, this can come with its own risks like hemorrhoids, fissures, or dehydration.

When to Talk to Doctor?

Your discomfort level will dictate this, but here’s just some suggestions:

More than 5–6 days with no bowel movement.
Severe abdominal pain, bloating, or vomiting.
Signs of impaction (hard stool you can’t pass) or blood in the stool.
If you’re unsure what’s safe with your meds or recovery.

If you’re still taking opioids like oxy, reducing or stopping them when possible can dramatically help. Many people report a breakthrough once they weaned off, even switching to just Tylenol and ibuprofen when tolerable. But changing meds or anything like that, (especially if you’re still in pain), should likely be a conversation with doctor.

Final Thoughts

I think this has been quite enough, don’t. you?