Constipation

Digestive health
1

Please can anyone give me some advice

I have diverticular disease and am going in hospital on Thursday for a total hip replacement which I desperately need. Because of severe hip pain I have been taking high dose Co codamol and due to this I now have constipation which is not to good for the diverticular problem. I have tried senna, movicol and bicarbonate of soda with no result. I went to see the doctor today and he prescribed lactose please can anyone give me some advice on how to get my bowels open before my hip operation or before diverticulitis starts and ruins everything.

Thanks susan

2

I take cosmocol which is a mild laxative and stool softener,  I get it on prescription or you can buy Fybrogel from a pharmacy of your choice.  It is very dangerous to be constipated if you have diverticular disease. Before I had my diagnosis I took senna for constipation but my gastro consultant said that it was too harsh if you have DD.

3

Try Ducolax, which is a laxative.

4

Hello Susan,

i had a divert. flare up about two weeks before my total hip replacement op. I had got my bowels/constipation sorted by taking Regucol every day for months prior to this. I was lucky to be ok by the day of my op. However the general anaesthetic caused me to have diarrhoea for the next five days. My family brought my home made soup and probiotic yoghurt in every day. I existed on that and water the whole time I was in hospital. Luckily I was in a single room, with en suite bathroom. The up side was, I had to get in and out of bed so many times that I became far more mobile than is expected! (I am 76)....

if I were you I would take the lactulose and get your bowels emptied in the few days you have until your op. Eat a very light diet, or even a liquid diet, I think you will feel much more confident then when you are admitted.

My hip operation is a fantastic success, I haven’t felt one twinge of pain in it since I woke up from the anaesthetic. 

Good luck.

5

Thankyou aileron I really appreciate your advice

Susan

6

Sorry aileen x

7

I take fybergel mabevarine and a probiotic tablet every day this keeps me going. I need 2 new hips I am due to have one done this year. I only take paracetamol it doesn't really help but I am afraid to take anything else 

8

Make sure when you get admitted to specify that pain meds cause constipation.  They should give you stool softeners or a light laxative. I’m supposed to get knee surgery later in the year but that’s my worst fear that I’ll get a flair up while I’m there.  Tell every doctor and nurse that you have this condition and must keep your bowels regular . Good luck.

9

Lots and lots of water.  The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board suggests 64 oz a day PLUS to 91oz in food and drink a day.    A DAY, everyday.  And thats when you are not constipated!!   So if you are constipated, more water!!!!!  Water is your answer,  And movement!  Your hip is being replaced so you probably aren’t moving.  Move some.  Three days of this you’ll see a change.