I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Angiepkd on July 05, 2013, 10:26:51 AM

Title: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: Angiepkd on July 05, 2013, 10:26:51 AM
Hi all!  I am home recovering from my nephrectomy, liver cyst removal and hernia repair.  I am feeling pretty good, but haven't been able to use the bathroom since the surgery last Friday.  I know this is probably more than you wanted to know lol!  They gave me senna to take twice a day, but so far....nothing.  Is there anything else I can take that is safe for someone on dialysis?  I am getting really worried about the situation, and desperate to "get things moving".  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks!
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: boswife on July 05, 2013, 10:41:07 AM
Great to hear from you and glad your recovering well.  whew!! what a good thing to get 'behind' you!!  Glad its over for sure.  Now, as for the other matter... do you know if you personally can do an enema? or supposotory type thing?  Every now and again, when bo's taking vicodin type med, we end up doing an enema and it works like a charm.  Besides lack of sleep, and this 'issue' are two things you guys (well any of us) can surly do without! hope you get your answer :) and good to hear from you!!
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: okarol on July 05, 2013, 10:48:58 AM
I think someone should invent a new pill = 1/2 vicodin with 1/2 stool softener!
The best thing to do is take stool softener, drink lots of water and drink prune juice.
Of course, on dialysis, it's not that easy.
I hope it all works out soon.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: noahvale on July 05, 2013, 11:10:50 AM
^
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: Joe on July 05, 2013, 11:39:56 AM
A mineral oil enema is ok for us, you also could take Mira lax, it's the laxative I take doing PD to keep things moving. Getting constipated taking pain meds isn't unusual. Good luck!
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: monsterman on July 05, 2013, 11:48:14 AM
PRUNES "pitted" from your local grocery store, don't ask me how I now  :o
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: PatDowns on July 05, 2013, 04:27:55 PM
A mineral oil enema is ok for us, you also could take Mira lax, it's the laxative I take doing PD to keep things moving. Getting constipated taking pain meds isn't unusual. Good luck!


Drugs.com warns that you should not take mineral oil if already taking Colace unless your doctor tells you to.
As someone above stated, please contact your nephrologist before going off and trying any of the suggestions offered here.

Glad you're healing quickly.  That was a big time surgery.
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: PatDowns on July 05, 2013, 04:48:06 PM
PRUNES "pitted" from your local grocery store, don't ask me how I now  :o

I hope you are on peritoneal dialysis or daily NxStage because prunes are one of the highest potassium (and magnesium, also on our watch list) content fruits around.  Definitely NOT recommended for those on conventional hemo, especially without any residual kidney function.  The original poster just had a double nephrectomy!

1 cup pitted prunes: Potassium 1274mg / Magnesium 71.3mg

6 oz. glass prune juice: Potassium 528 mg.


http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2043/2
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: adairpete on July 05, 2013, 08:41:29 PM
When I had my PD catheter surgery my PD nurse told me to get a bottle of stool softeners (Dulcolax) and to take those for as long as I was taking pain killers.  Anasthesia and pain killers sedate your bowels as well as everything else, so it's important to keep things moving.  I would be nervous with stronger laxatives like Miralax as those can really throw off your hydration as they cause your bowels to not absorb fluid normally and while they're effective, they may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. 
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: Angiepkd on July 06, 2013, 07:15:31 AM
Thank you all for the responses!  I tried several of the methods deemed safe for me, but no luck.  I guess I will call the surgeon on Monday.  I am hoping they didn't damage my bowels while removing my giant kidneys.  It would be just my luck, lately lol!  I am also not going to take any more pain meds, if I can manage it.  We will see how that works.  Thanks again for taking the time to help!
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: AnnieB on July 06, 2013, 08:52:02 AM
You have my sympathy! I ran into that same problem right after my fistula surgery last month, and boy was I miserable. I tried Dulcolax and Metamucil, with no results. Finally I asked the pharmacist and he suggested I take Miralax, and that got things working again. I don't know about taking that while on PD, but couldn't you ask your nurse if that would be safe for you to take?   :flower;

Anne
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: Wildrose on July 06, 2013, 07:35:18 PM
PRUNES prunes and more prunes!!! Prune juice should work too.
I have had this issue with all my hospital stays and surgeries (I think the count is up to five, or maybe its six in the last 15 months). Matter of fact I came home from the hospital one time not realizing I hadn't had a bowel movement in 3 days, went a few more days and ended up getting so sick I was throwing up. Ate three prunes, yes... just three, and it took quick work of the problem!
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: lmunchkin on July 07, 2013, 03:39:45 PM
So glad you got through this major surgery Angie.  You are one tough ombrey!   I would definately ask Doc about what is recommended for constipation.  Better to be safe than sorry!

God Bless,
lmunchkin :kickstart;
Title: Re: Home after surgery, but pain meds causing some trouble with #2? Sorry for TMI!
Post by: kit78 on July 14, 2013, 09:41:53 AM
NEVER do prune juice!  Big no no...   MIRALAX with Apple juice is ok per Kidney doc.  I just had that issue last week which in itself, was also causing my potassium to stay elevated. I was in the hosp. on pain meds and it always happens.  There really is no other alternative allowed while on Dialysis.  After transplant, Papaya is wonderful for that. 

Feel better soon...