Suggest treatment for constipation

Posted on Thu, 11 Jun 2015 in Digestion and Bowels

Question: i had hip replacment surgery on May 6 Everything is doing fine except I'm having serious issues with my bowels. I have been taking iron supplement since around a week or two before the surgery At the hospital they gave me stool softeners, which i also started before the surgery. They also gave be milk of magnesia I have moved my bowels about twice since May 6th. I stopped taken the iron yesterday. I am on blood thinners for another two weeks. I know there r certain things i cant take while on blood thinners. What can i do to get my bowels moving again Im drinking lots of water being careful of what i eat Plus not that hungury This is very uncomfortable thank u

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson 9 minutes later

Brief Answer:
some solutions

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are many things you can do to avoid constipation. This is a common problem after surgery and taking iron makes it worse.
The most important thing is staying well hydrated. you need to drink at least 2 liters of water daily and avoid caffeine and alcohol (they cause dehydration).
Next is fiber. You need to be eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and perhaps adding a daily fiber supplement like psyllium.
If you need to take something daily to get back to regular bowel movements then milk of magnesia is safe and can be taken every night as needed.
If you are on warfarin then I have checked and there is no drug interaction between warfarin and psyllium or magnesium.
Exercise is very important as well, this may be difficult but try to do as much walking or other forms of movement as tolerated.
Best to you,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson 23 minutes later

should i take a fleet enama or anything like that

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson 0 minute later

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
If you feel constipated and uncomfortable right now then a Fleet's enema could help you get some relief while you are starting the other processes.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar