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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Chronic Constipation Be Treated?

I Had bypass surgery and valve replacement 5 weeks ago. I have difficulty of bowl movement, stool softeners are not doing a great job. out of two options suggested to me , one is whole Senna Leaf Tea , The other is Metamucil Powder, What do you recommend ?
posted on Fri, 21 Jul 2017
Twitter Sun, 27 Aug 2017 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 28 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on
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Ayurveda Specialist,  's  Response
**
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health concern

1. It could be the side effects of the pain medicine [which is given after valve surgery] and since straining from constipation can cause STRESS and may cause change in heart rhythm thus stool softener is prescribed

2. If the current medication is not giving the desired result I would recommend contacting your attending Cardiologist/Surgeon to get a prescription for a more powerful form of stool softner [enema is another option]

3. other causes to look out for are:

. electrolyte, fluid, glucose imbalance.
. presence of inflammatory stimulus [trauma/infection].
. prolonged inactivity.
. change in diet [espcecially insufficient fiber]
. avoid constipating foods like dairy products, bananas, white bread/rice.

4. drink plenty of fluids and take high fiber diet and try limiting post operative narcotic use [if you can tolerate the pain and your doctor approves opt for paracetamol or ibuprofen]
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How Can Chronic Constipation Be Treated?

** Thanks for contacting HCM with your health concern 1. It could be the side effects of the pain medicine [which is given after valve surgery] and since straining from constipation can cause STRESS and may cause change in heart rhythm thus stool softener is prescribed 2. If the current medication is not giving the desired result I would recommend contacting your attending Cardiologist/Surgeon to get a prescription for a more powerful form of stool softner [enema is another option] 3. other causes to look out for are: . electrolyte, fluid, glucose imbalance. . presence of inflammatory stimulus [trauma/infection]. . prolonged inactivity. . change in diet [espcecially insufficient fiber] . avoid constipating foods like dairy products, bananas, white bread/rice. 4. drink plenty of fluids and take high fiber diet and try limiting post operative narcotic use [if you can tolerate the pain and your doctor approves opt for paracetamol or ibuprofen]