Constipation

narzy

Elite Member
Feb 26, 2000
7,006
1
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My Mom had her ACL repaired on Friday. Every thing has been going as expected until today. She is complaining of severe constipation and has ceased urinating.

I attribute the constipation to the pain medication (Oxycodone) and lingering effects of the anesthesia, but the reduced kidney function is troubling to me. She is also on an anti-Nausea medication

We've given Laxatives Milk of Magnesia and Phillips Stool Softener capsule (x2) before they informed me that she had taken another laxative this morning. So now I'm pretty sure I've dosed her for a fairly uncomfortable next 72hrs.

I have a call in to the doc but would also appreciate what the collective of AT thinks as well.

Thanks.
 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
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Has she been drinking plenty of water?

When was the last time she took a dump? Friday was 2 days ago.
 

clamum

Lifer
Feb 13, 2003
26,256
406
126
Yeah opiates will definitely back you up and can give you trouble urinating.
 

GagHalfrunt

Lifer
Apr 19, 2001
25,284
1,998
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My mom just came off of knee surgery, it's definitely caused by the pain meds. Laxatives and time will take care of it.
 

TipsyMcStagger

Senior member
Sep 19, 2003
661
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get a papaya - have her eat the seeds with the papaya - dont chew the seeds - they taste absolutely horrible just have her swallow them and man it works.

Edit - Well i don't know about the ceased urinating I didn't have that happen, i just know about the constipation
 

Carbo

Diamond Member
Aug 6, 2000
5,275
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Never mind the constipation. How will the ACL injury affect her draft status?
Oops. Nevermind. Too much NFL Network this weekend. :eek:
 

narzy

Elite Member
Feb 26, 2000
7,006
1
81
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Has she been drinking plenty of water?

When was the last time she took a dump? Friday was 2 days ago.

Last bowel movement was Thursday morning. Fluid intake has been around 6 to 8 cups /day.

Originally posted by: RichUK
Could it be anything to do with kidney stones?

She is not complaining of any localized or radiating pains, except for moderate cramping probably due to the compaction of the stool in the bowels.
 

lightstar

Senior member
Mar 16, 2008
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opiates/pain meds cause constipation. . . .fluids, fruits and veggies plus a stronger prescription laxative should help relieve it without resorting to enemas or taco hell
 

narzy

Elite Member
Feb 26, 2000
7,006
1
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Originally posted by: lightstar
opiates/pain meds cause constipation. . . .fluids, fruits and veggies plus a stronger prescription laxative should help relieve it without resorting to enemas or taco hell

At this point I think that it is a comfort issue. She is very uncomfortable.

Our next course of action will most likely be a suppository and if we don't see results within 12 hours after that then we will most likely give an enema.

You'd think being a CNA would prepare you for anything...that doesn't include taking care of your own Mom ;).
 

Bill Brasky

Diamond Member
May 18, 2006
4,324
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When I was constipated from opiate pain killers, I just used enemas. Screw taking a ton of laxatives. Enemas work immediately and have no lasting effects. If you're a glass-is-half-full kinda person, you could think of it as a colon cleansing.