This is just a small thing but, having just had a mastectomy, I stayed one night in hospital and on my first morning home was faced with the worst constipation I’ve ever had. To be blunt, it felt as if I had a brick down there that wouldn’t come out!
At a time when we have plenty else to fret about, that’s one extra problem we could do without, so can I recommend eating plenty of prunes, figs or getting in some laxatives, just in case? We didn’t have anything in the house, as I never usually have any problems in that direction.
When I was in hospital as a child, the nurses used to come round with Syrup of Figs. They don’t seem to do that now but perhaps they should, because constipation can make you feel so uncomfortable.
I know what it feels like,been there,got the T shirt…
A good nurse should always look out fo constipation,once it’s resolved you will start feeling and getting better .
you will know next time???
Hi Suze, I hope your feeling better. I am post three weeks after a mx and reconstruction and the only time I have cried is because of the chronic constipation caused by all the painkillers. I eventually got some movicol from the pharmacy along with a whole host of other aids. I felt so much better afterwards though still taking painkillers so still taking senokot and dulcoease. I am due to have chemo and from what I have read on the threads this is also one of the side effects which I have to say I am not looking forward to but I will be more prepared. For anyone else due to go for surgery this is a really good piece of advice from Suze better to have the stuff in the house and be prepared xx
I’m really worried about this, I get bricked up after 30mg of codeine so I’m as worried about a pain in the are as in any other bit. I think I’m going to take a laxative with my last food before the op and have a couple stashed for when I come to. I can’t face struggling, then haggling with the nurses then waiting til the pharmacy gets its act together.
Anyone tried this sort of plan?
Yup, I’ll speak to the pharmacist. I did mention to my BCN who is being ace, but she just said to get visitors to bring fruit in but I know that won’t be enough! I do all the right things but if 1 dose of 30mg codeine stops me up, then a few days on morphine will be catastrophic. And surely having to strain after a DIEP is not good. I’m so glad I came across this thread, I had this worry but not really thought it through.
Thanks!
I suffered terrible constipation after my first surgery, took movicol but still took about 6 days to clear! Looked 6 months pregnant and felt like I was giving birth!
Subsequent ops (4so far) I have taken movicol up to a week before op and found that helped a bit.
I was given movicol to take for a few days after each chemo session but found I didn’t need it.
Good luck, it’s an unpleasant side effect of anaesthetic and morphine.
Morning I have had terrible constipation with every cycle of chemo so have taken regular movicol and liquorice
I have also doubled my water content, It still seemed to take a day or two but there was less pain and bloating and a quicker outcome!
Hope your day will be kind to you
Snowdrop
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