Hi guys. I’m 22 and exactly 2 weeks ago today, I had a LTHR. I am in a lot of pain because I stopped taking the given pain killers because they caused awful constipation. Any suggestions on other strong ones I can take that don’t have that side effect? I’m in so much pain that neither: sitting, standing nor laying is comfortable. Any advice on positions to comfortably sleep and sit? I’d really appreciate anyone’s advice. This is driving me insane and I’ve had many operations before, so its not like I’m not used to pain.
Thank you for reading!
Have a blessed day!
What did you try to ease the constipation side effect? It's such a common side effect but can be managed. Something like Lactulose syrup can be effective plus you need to drink a lot of water and eat plenty of roughage like bran flakes. Have you spoken to your doctor about the issues you've had? He or she will be able to prescribe something appropriate. Hope you can sort something out soon, it's horrid to be in pain. I found lying on my back on the sofa the most comfortable position but you need to get the painkillers sorted.
Good luck
Ann
Hello
After only two weeks you most certainly need pain killers
You need to take something for the constipation rather than stop the painkillers. Ask your doctor for advice. They should be able to give you something. Look after yourself
You shouldn't stop painkillers until the pain has subsided considerably. Constipation is the biggest side effect of the opiates that they use to treat severe pain, it is manageable, but you have to 'keep ahead of the game' with the laxatives.
Talk to your surgeon's team or a GP.
coffee - get a nice strong coffee down you! The drugs from the GA or spinal will also cause constipation. Prune juice is another favourite.
In order to recover and gain the most from your hip replacement you need the pain to be under control.
As already said speak to doctor to get something prescribed for constipation and drink plenty of water.
Then you can take the pain meds.
Wishing you a good recovery. Four weeks in myself and still on pain meds though lower dose now.
First of all, thank you so much for the response and advice. I was prescribed the laxative you mentioned but it didnt help at all, I went after stronger things and they only helped a little...thats how badly those pain killers effect me. I called today and they said they'd call me back. As for sleeping, I've literally moved into the living room since being discharged. There's no position I'm comfortable in. You're right though, I hope to sort the pain killer situation out.
Thank you again Ann!
Hi, I have problems with constipation and take meds twice daily. As you can imagine this was a major concern for me
When I had my TLHR my doctor advised taking a Dulcolax pill each time I took a pain pill. It worked like clock work! There are also a few tea brands on the market for a smooth move.
Best of luck,
Kristen
Hello, so it's normal to have this much pain 2 weeks in?
Believe me I've taken every laxative possible. Those pain killers are just far too harsh on my stomach. I called and they said they'd call me back.
Many thanks for responding to me, you take care!
The constipation drove me to hell and I tried all the laxatives I could. My doctor said they'd call me back. Sadly, they always take long.
Thank you for responding!
personally for me i kinda slept in an upright position but this didnt help with the swelling, i could not do without any meds at 2 weeks and the lactulose worked for me, i was also drinking lots of water and eating lots of veg soups. Im 6 weeks post op and i think i stopped the meds around 5 weeks. I hope
you get some resolvement soon and yes there was a point for me where i couldnt settle anywhere, even now sitting not a comfortable positon. wish you well.
Try magnesium oxide, this is the old go to for constipation and it is okay to take a little extra if needed. I did not have any pain after hip at all so cannot help with that.
stay on those pain meds and take myralax. one dose a day mixed with a juice or drink if your choice. i like it with juice.
After you are regular take a half dose daily. it will take two days.
As the others say constipation is sadly one of the side effects of the opiod painkillers, I wish I knew the answer as I really did not find a good laxative to help. Luckily the pain was not too bad so I just took Tylenol/paracetamol.
I'm very glad to know your pain wasn't too bad, it's an awful thing to deal with. Thank you for responding!
How long were you on the pain killers for? The thought of taking them is already making me anxious. Is myralax available in the UK?
Thank you so much for responding!
I'm happy you didn't have any pain, its a tough spot. I'll definitely try that.
Thank you so much for responding!
Honestly, reading this is the only thing that has made me smile a little. So the pain settles around week 5? I tried sleeping upright and I could not do it. I lay with pillows under my leg/knee. Please tell me you are finally at least able to lay or sit a bit more comfortably. I'm wishing you a really good recovery.
Thank you for responding!
Ah I'll definitely look up that pill. The liquid laxative they offered me did absolutely nothing. How far down the recovery road are you? Is your pain at all lessening?
I really wish you a speedy recovery.
Thank you for your response Kristen!
You're right, I really need this pain under control. Its getting in the way of my sleep and "exercise".
I'll try and reach my doctor tomorrow.
Are you finding it less painful to sit and sleep. Thats a big issue for me.
Good luck to you with recovery.
Thank you so much for responding!