how to manage the constipation that follows taking opiods/ pain pills after surgery
I have had several surgeries all requiring some type of opiods for pain. I was almost impacted while in rehab and those doctors just don't understand the urgency of giving a stool softener to patients with IBS. I have a back surgery coming up and I am dreading the outcome. Just the thought of trying to push the stool out while trying not to move the back is stressing me out. has anyone had this same dilemma? I did that find out that there is a milder opiod on the stomach called Nucynta. can you give me some advice on what else to do to help? I cannot take Aleve or any ibuprofen, as I had a bleeding ulcer from those meds.
I'm sorry to hear about your upcoming back surgery. I can only imagine how stressful it must be to be worrying about the IBS on top of that.Have you tried talking to the doctors or hospital to see what can be done? Maybe they could give you something to help with the constipation and/or adjust the food you'll receive if you discuss this in advance.I'll also tag Kim who has mentioned a similar issue in this forum: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/does-taking-a-narcotic-pain-med-change-the-type-of-ibs-you-experience, maybe she'll be able to share some advice with you.Karina (team member) 
OMG, I really feel for you! While I have not had back surgery, I do have to manage chronic constipation every day. A surefire method for me has been glycerine anal suppositories. I use Fleet, and I order it on Amazon, it is very inexpensive. I order the 50-count since I use 1 or more every day. Since it isn't ingested like other laxatives, it shouldn't bother your tummy. And here's a tip for optimal insertion: I use the handle of a toothbrush to push the suppository up into the anal opening 2-3 inches. It's an easy way to get the medicine up closest to the stool in your rectum. It can work immediately or within a few minutes. If nothing happens, wait for a while. Insert a 2nd suppository if needed. Walk around. Twist from the waist to your right, then left. Bend forward at a 90-degree angle. You can also do all this seated on the toilet. I have done all these things and gotten results. I prefer using these to Miralax and other laxatives, which can cause loose stools, wet farts, and incontinence. Have you tried Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain relief? What has your medical team recommended? Thinking of you, Kim, moderator While I thank you for your reply and suggestions, I simply cannot do any of those things after back surgery: I cannot bend or twist at all. Mine is an outpatient surgery, so I will be at home directly after the surgery. On a daily basis I mostly have very loose stools. The doctor has me on 1/2 pill of Imodium every night. Of course I will stop that before the surgery. Its the opioids that turn my stool rock hard. The doctors are aware, and I will be asking the anesthesiologist to take it easy on the Propofol. I heard that eating prunes may help.
I can understand your fear. Having the stress of healing from back surgery, and then worrying about your bowel movements too! I'm sending you healing thoughts in advance. I hope it all goes smoothly (pun unintended lol). I agree that you will probably want to avoid bending and twisting immediately after your surgery, but you might still be able to try suppositories if you feel constipated. However, if your stools are typically loose now, perhaps the constipation from the meds will not be too bad. It's good that you're going in prepared, but hopefully there's no need to stress. Fingers crossed! - Kat (Team Member)
