Is it normal to have irregular bowel movements after major surgery?
June 15th, 2009 | 
Author: I just recently had my gall bladder removed, and have not been able to go regularly. Is it just my bowels readjusting or could it be the pain medicine that is causing the constupation. I have tried several different methods to make my self go, namely eating a lot of foods that are high in fiber, drinking plenty of water and even do the unthinkable, (taking an enema) but nothing yet.
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Posted in Bowel | 
Tags: bowel movements, bowels, constupation, enema, gall bladder, Irregular Bowel Movements, Major Surgery, medicine, pain medicine, unthinkable
Irregularity is a completely normal reaction after major surgery. It is a combination of three different factors. Your body recovering from the trauma of surgery, the anesthesia drugs, and the painkillers prescribed after surgery. If you are not up and moving as much as you're used to, that makes the situation worse.
The time it takes your body to readjust his different for everyone and after every procedure. The wisdom I've been given is that as long as you go at least twice a week, you're not putting your body in any danger during the readjustment phase. Try increasing your caffeine intake to achieve this goal. It may not be the healthiest strategy, but it works for me. Also, two things you should avoid that I had to learn about the hard way are tea and nuts. I'm not sure why but both of these increase difficulty when your digestive system is already moving slowly. Good luck and I hope things are moving along soon.
Yes, call your surgeon and tell him/her. You're correct, it could be the surgery, or the medication.
talk to your doctor. I had that surgery and things have to readjust too. I am sure you have not eaten alot that is another thibng. call the doctor to be sure
it was the anesthesia used during surgery it relaxes all your muscles even the ones required for breathing and digestion (bowels) your body should be back in order soon. its normal after a surgery to be screwed up for a while
Yes it can definately impact your bowels. Talk to your surgeon and have him/her give you a mild laxative to help you. Make sure you don't eat any greasy /oily /fatty foods for a while. The doc should have alreayd told you all of this.
it maybe the medication, you did not say which you are on, but codeine for one will induce constipation. Also, it is possible that you became dehydrated slightly before, and during the operation. Play safe, and go to your Doc.