Postby MissMolly » Wed Apr 24, 2019 2:08 pm
CF-69:
I was wondering how you were doing and appreciate your post.
Constipation is not a benign, ho-hum issue. Constipation due to slowed intestinal motility can be a very concerning issue after abdominal surgery. What you have, in essence, is a barely functional ileus.
I have been where you are, to varied degrees, as I have had several surgeries related to my grave intestinal perforation.
Helpful tips:
A. Be proactive in clearing the retained fecal matter and gaining an upper hand in the comstipation.
Constipation due to functional slowing of the intestine does not have a quick fix. It may take extended time for the intestine to refind a rhythm of contractions to effectively move digested food material along. In the meantime, expect that the intestine may be stop and start irregularly, wax and wane, which can bring symptoms of nausea, bloating, low appetite.
Key is regular dosing with Miralax (or Milk of Magnesia). Miralax is an osmotic laxative - it will draw water into the intestine and help liquify/loosen fecal material so that it can pass more easily through. Osmotic laxatives also offer a kinetic nudge to encourage the intestine to move. Osmotic laxatives are safe to use long-term without risk of dependency (“lazy colon”).
You may need to take more than the recommended daily dosage, at first. You may need to take 1.5 to 2 times the recommended daily dose of Miralax or Milk of Magnesia to clear the fecal backlog. Magnesium is an essential mineral at a cellular level for normal muscle contraction.
Portion out taking the Miralax throughtout the day, as opposed to taking a large dose 2 x a day. It can be helpful to prepare a 16 oz. flask of a fluid of your choice with a dose of Miralax, and sip on the fluid during the day. This provides a gradual stream of osmotic laxative into your system that can be easier to assimilate.
Continue with Miralax or M of M after the backlog of retained fecal matter clears. You will find a daily dose of Miralax that works for you to keep the intestine humming along - not too much, not too little, a dose that is just right.
B. Fluids, fluids
Be mindful of intaking liberal fluids each day. You need fluids to reboot the intestinal tract to function. Water + Nunn’s tablets provide a refreshing taste without contributing to unnecessary added sugars.
C. Keep portion sizes of solid/soft foods small
You do not want to add a lot of solid food to the intestinal tract when there is accumulated stool due to slowed motility and constipation. Keep portion sizes small, 1/3 to 1/2 cup. Avoid large meals. Keep to easy to digest foods that are low in insoluble fiber (fiber that does not break down easily with chewing, such as membranes of citrus fruits, popcorn, edemamte, asparagus).
D. Exerise and body movement
You need not be a gym-rat. Walking is ideal. Yoga. Simple stretches, such as the knee to chest and rocking suggested above by Catt55. The intestines are a tube of smooth muscle that are influenced by the working of skeletal muscles and a body in motion.
E. When you feel that comstipation is gaining an upper hand, act sooner than later.
Increase dosing of Miralax, decrease intake of solid food, and walk to clear retained fecal matter.
F. Prune juice
Warmed prune juice, 6 oz. a day, is a good measure. 100% grape juice and 100% apple juice (not a juice blend) are also good items to keep on hand. 100% Grape and apple juice have natural flavinoids that aide intestinal motility. Coffee and chocolate also have GI stimulating effects.
Constipation is not a simple problem. Post-operative comstipation can be far more adversely affecting than many people appreciate.
I hope things improve for you over the next few days,
Karen
Dear friend to Bella Piazza, former Colon Club member (NWGirl).
I have a permanent ileostomy and offer advice on living with an ostomy - in loving remembrance of Bella
I am on Palliative Care for broad endocrine failure + Addison's disease + osteonecrosis of both hips/jaw + immunosuppression. I live a simple life due to frail health.