Suggest Treatment For Constipation Post A Surgery

Posted on Sat, 3 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 3 Dec 2016 Answered on

Fri, 30 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : After taking Percocet for 10 days because of surgery for a shattered ankle, my husband is constipated and writhing in pain. He's taken two duc-o-lace and is still in pain and experiencing some loose bowel activity . Is this normal?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Questions for you to help me answer you better.

Detailed Answer:
Hello -

Yes, it is not uncommon for opiates to cause constipation and Percocet is a particularly strong opiate. The loose stool is probably leakage around an area of blockage.

How many days has it been since he last had a bowel movement? And when did he start taking the stool softener (is it Doc Q Lace)?

How long has he been in pain from needing to move his bowels?

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar